Artists from Shandong deliver a cultural Spring Festival experience to both local Emiratis and tourists in Dubai on Saturday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A variety of celebrations have been held in the United Arab Emirates, featuring performances and a parade of new energy vehicles, as part of "Happy Chinese New Year" activities to spread joy ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival throughout the Middle Eastern nation.
As the year 2025 will mark the first Chinese New Year following the festival's successful inscription on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Zhang Yiming, China's ambassador to the UAE, said the most important traditional festival in China has been further recognized by countries around the world, sharing insights into the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, which represents agility, wisdom and vitality in Chinese culture.
"Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. The number of Chinese tourists to the UAE continued to increase, showing the vigor and vitality of our cultural exchanges. This year we will continue to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit UAE and we also welcome more Emiratis to go and visit China, Shandong, Beijing and Shanghai, so as to continue this good momentum," he said.
On Sunday, a spectacular gala featuring artists from Shandong, located in East China, delivered a distinctive cultural Spring Festival experience to both local Emiratis and tourists on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.
The "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations worldwide, organized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, have been held annually for 25 consecutive years.
This year, the "Happy Chinese New Year" event will feature nearly 500 diverse performances and exhibitions across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
A convoy of Chinese EVs head toward Abu Dhabi from Dubai along the scenic boulevard on Saturday. [Photo by Cui Haipei/chinadaily.com.cn]
On Saturday, a grand parade of Chinese new energy vehicles was held in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi to display the achievements of China's modern automobile industry.
A convoy of 40 new energy vehicles headed from Dubai toward the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi along the scenic boulevard. Upon their arrival, the convoy was displayed near the central fountain area, illuminated by the "Happy Spring Festival" emblem, drawing a significant crowd of locals eager to test drive the vehicles.
Ou Boqian, China's consul-general in Dubai, told China Daily, "The Spring Festival originates from China but belongs to the world. The successful inscription of the Spring Festival on the UNESCO list fully demonstrates China's cultural confidence and influence.
China's new energy vehicle parade in the UAE attracts the local people to participate on Saturday. [Photo by Cui Haipei/chinadaily.com.cn]
The parade indicates that the development of EVs aligns with the global trend of green and low-carbon transition. With an increasing number of Chinese EVs driving on the roads of Dubai and the UAE, the pace of China-Arab friendship is accelerating, and will script a new chapter of cooperation between China and the UAE," she said.
During the event, prominent Chinese EV manufacturers like Chery, BYD, Xpeng, Seres, Zeeker, GAC, Changan, SAIC Motor, Geely, Great Wall Motor, JAC and Dongfeng showcased their top-selling models to advance the promotion of a green lifestyle in this thriving market.
"It makes great sense to visit such grand Chinese auto event during Chinese New Year," said Raad Almobarkm, a local auto content creator.
"Chinese EVs have brought revolutionary progress to the automotive industry. Over the past four to five years, they have been making continuous strides in the Middle East, with more and more Chinese brands becoming well-known and favored by local consumers," said Almobarkm, who also owns a Chinese car.
A showcase of Chinese EVs is held on Saturday in the UAE to display the achievements of China's modern automobile industry. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In China, the number of in use EVs has reached 31.4 million by the end of 2024, according to official figures released early this month. The figure marks a 260-fold surge over the past decade.
Meanwhile, the UAE's EV market is also experiencing rapid growth driven by the government's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. In line with its ambitious 2050 carbon neutrality goals, the UAE government has set a target of 42,000 EVs on the road and plans to install 70,000 EV charging points by 2030.
