Chinese New Year: UAE ambassador’s perspective

With the 2019 Spring Festival around the corner, China Daily sat down with ambassadors and diplomats to talk about their understanding of Spring Festival, outlook on bilateral relations, and their New Year greetings to the Chinese people.

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China Ali Al Dhaheri shared his understanding of Spring Festival: "On New Year's Eve, families and friends gather together to have reunion dinner and enjoy time with each other". The UAE celebrates Chinese New Year every year. He pointed out: "Many landmark buildings in the UAE turn red with Chinese flag, because Chinese believe red brings good luck and happiness to people."

As for tourism, he stressed that the UAE aims to increase the flows of people between the two nations. "I hope to see around 2 million Chinese visiting UAE during the year of 2019," said the ambassador. Culturally, the country will carry out the annual UAE-China Week, which will serve to deepen the connection with China through culture, art, and heritage.

Producer: Han Lei

Production: Feng Minghui

Reporter: Hu Zhe

Camera: Yu Xiaou & Fu Rui

Lighting: Zhou Bing

Editing: Yu Xiaoou & Fu Rui

Coordinator: Hu Zhe & Zhang Xingjian

Subtitles: Hu Zhe & Liu Fang & Li Wenrui