Tourism Growing number of Chinese celebrating new year in UAE By Chris Hamill-Stewart January 30, 2025, 2:07 PM Wam A shopping mall decorated in preparation for Chinese New Year. Approximately 400,000 Chinese citizens live in the UAE Chinese tourist arrivals up 9% China extends holiday period UAE hosts dedicated events The UAE has recorded an increase in the number of Chinese travellers making the journey for new year celebrations this year. Arrivals from China to the UAE have grown 9 percent year on year, a study by the travel insight specialist ForwardKeys has found. While exact details of the dates surveyed or total number of passengers were not given, the company said the figure was up 14 percent on pre-pandemic figures. The Chinese New Year festival, also known as Lunar New Year, and called the Spring Festival in China, will last for 15 days from January 29. With the official government holiday period extended this year, a significant number of Chinese citizens have opted to welcome in the Year of the Snake in the Emirates. “The longer holiday period for CNY 2025, part of a government initiative to stimulate tourism and cultural exchange, is clearly having a positive impact on travel patterns,” said Nancy Dai, market analyst for China at ForwardKeys. Businesses in the UAE are cashing in on the increased Chinese interest. The theme parks IMG Worlds of Adventure and Legoland Dubai have planned Chinese-themed performances, parades and dining experiences, while the Coca Cola Arena staged the UAE Chinese New Year Gala in early January, which showcased traditional dances, music and theatrical productions. Ayesha Nemat Khan, editor in chief of the Dubai events ticketing company Platinumlist Guide told AGBI: “Chinese tourists are among the top spenders globally. For businesses in the UAE, tapping into the Lunar New Year market isn’t just about seasonal promotions. It’s a long-term strategy to attract high-value customers.” Khan said the number of New Year-dedicated events in the UAE has grown year-on-year, and data shows a significant rise in ticket purchases from Chinese expatriates and visitors during this period. Abu Dhabi records 26% rise in international visitors Foreign tourists in Dubai hit 17m in 11 months of 2024 How China won over the car market in the UAE Approximately 400,000 Chinese people live in the UAE and in the first four months of 2024 alone about 290,000 visitors made the trip, twice as many as in the same period in 2023. Since 2016, the UAE has granted visas on arrival to Chinese nationals, simplifying entry procedures and encouraging tourism. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism launched its “China Ready” strategy during a roadshow in Shanghai in June last year. As part of the strategy, the emirate offers direct flights from 14 Chinese cities, and has encouraged Dubai businesses to accept Alipay and WeChat, China’s most popular mobile payment platforms, and launched marketing campaigns on the Chinese social media platforms Xiaohongshu and Douyin. Dmitri Verbovski, CEO of Yesim, a Swiss-based company that offers prepaid Sim cards for travellers, told AGBI: “Chinese tourists now book earlier to avoid peak holiday crowds. We have seen a gradual increase in eSim purchases in the Mena region. We expect the numbers to rise over the holiday period.”