Dubai: The Hala China initiative was officially launched at the Dubai Opera on Sunday with a show of the Chinese musical titled ‘Wind from the Sea’.
Shaikh Majid Al Mulla, chairman of Hala China’s board of directors, described the initiative as a platform that will foster trade and cultural exchange between Dubai and China.
“Wind of the Sea is a spectacular show that shows the historic link between China and the region. The initiative will organise a series of events over the next three years creating an engine of trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange between the two countries,” Al Mulla said during the ceremony.
The initiative was organised by Meraas and Dubai Holding and supported by the Chinese embassy and consulate, and Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture.
This belt and road dance special will be followed by a week-long Chinese film festival with red-carpet events for Chinese film stars in October, a Chinese cultural exhibition in November, and a cooking competition in January that will feature 15 leading Chinese chefs.
Emirates airline has been appointed official carrier for Hala China, with plans to develop attractive packages and privileges for Chinese speakers across its seven routes from China.
Payment services company Union Pay will be the preferred payment partner for the initiative, with Bank of China also looking to establish long-term economic relationships through its own range of financial services.
