Dubai-based developer Emaar will build a Chinatown within the retail district of Dubai Creek Harbour, it said Wednesday.

In a statement, Emaar said it would be the region’s largest such Chinese district, occupying a central location at the firm’s newest mega-project, Creek Harbour.

The company also announced that it would open three offices in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, all cities served by direct daily flights to Dubai on Emirates Airline, to promote tourism, education, trading and investment between the UAE and China.

Coinciding with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE this weekend, Emaar has hinted that it is currently in talks to strengthen its hotel presence in China.

The company said that it would expand its premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand, Address Hotels + Resorts, to China.

Discussions were ongoing to develop and operate Address branded hotels in key cities in the country, the statement said.

“The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE is historic and will further strengthen UAE-China relations,” said Mohammad Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, adding that the trip was underpinned by initiatives such as the UAE-China Week announced by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“The development of the new Chinese retail and lifestyle district at Dubai Creek Harbour — as well as Emaar’s expansion into China, both in property and hospitality — highlight our commitment to the country, and our focus on contributing to the strength and success of UAE-China relations,” Alabbar added.

Source: gulfnews.com