Dubai has adopted a set of initiatives to attract Chinese travelers to visit and savor its tourist sites, including the signature Palm Islands. [Photo provided to China Daily]
A hand-drawn children's book chronicling Dubai's history was launched in Beijing in late October.
A collaboration between Dubai Tourism and the Chinese company Guomai Culture Media, the book, History of the Miracle City Dubai, depicts Dubai's historical development and its landmark buildings and attractions.
It also features interesting stories and connects the ancient Arab civilization with modern urban development in a vivid way for children.
"People consider Dubai a symbol of fantasy and luxury and believe it has good fortune for discovering oil," says Zhang Ting, the book's author.
"When we explored Dubai's geology, history, culture and economic development, we were moved by how it overcame difficulties and crises, as well as its vitality," Zhang adds.
It took Zhang three years to finish the book, which also aims to showcase Dubai as a world-class international city and encourage more tourists to visit.
"We are very honored to be able to have the opportunity to be a part of such a unique project, and the book does an excellent job of depicting Dubai's history along with how far the city has come in such a short time," says Hoor Alkhaja, deputy director of Asia Pacific at Dubai Tourism.
It's the first official book that Dubai Tourism has endorsed.
"When Zhang approached us about the book she was writing, we were impressed about her passion for Dubai," Alkhaja says.
"China is a very important market for us at Dubai Tourism. We are always looking to invest and enhance our destination offerings, especially for our Chinese guests."
Cover of the hand-drawn children's book, History of the Miracle City Dubai, by Zhang Ting. [Photo provided to China Daily]
In 2017, China was the fifth-largest source market for Dubai's tourism industry, with the emirate welcoming 764,000 visitors, an increase of 41 percent over 2016.
The destination has continued to see an increase in the number of Chinese travelers, the fourth highest contributor of tourists to Dubai so far this year, according to Dubai Tourism.
Dubai has adopted a set of "China ready" initiatives to welcome Chinese travelers.
In addition to the easing of visa-on-arrival norms for Chinese travelers in 2016, Mandarin-speaking tour guides and payment schemes, including UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat Pay, are increasing.
Chinese festivals have also been highlighted to welcome Chinese travelers, such as the Lunar New Year celebrations.
In addition, Dubai Tourism is working on upgrading the current Dubai City Experience WeChat mini program to enable an artificial-intelligence customer-service function.
"We will continue to partner with top Chinese brands such as Tencent, Fliggy and Huawei to promote Dubai as a top destination, and invest in unique campaigns to enhance our offerings and welcome Chinese guests to the city," Alkhaja says.
Dubai possesses a large number of attractions suitable for families and children. In addition to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the world's first "seven-star" hotel, the iconic Burj Al Arab, and the Atlantis Hotel resort with its water parks and aquatic attractions, another popular location is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Located in the sprawling Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is the largest aquarium and indoor underwater zoo in the world.
The IMG Worlds of Adventure also allows children to play and experience exciting adventures.
"This book project is really unique because it allows Chinese travelers to experience Dubai, even before their visit. So again, for us, partnering on this book was a natural fit and we look forward to being able to welcome these children and families to Dubai," Alkhaja says.
