New Chinese radio station launched in Dubai

A new 24-hour Chinese radio station called ‘The Sound of the Dubai Dragon’ has been launched in Dubai by media house Arabian Radio Network in partnership with Hala China.

Hala China, a joint initiative between Meraas and Dubai Holding launched this week, aims to improve economic and cultural exchange and increase investment cooperation between Dubai and China.

The radio station will cater to the the resident Chinese population in the UAE, a statement said. Currently, 174,000 Chinese residents live in the country, but that figure is expected to rise further.

Mahmoud al Rasheed, general manager of ARN, said: “Radio is an integral part of the quality of life of residents, and this new station will help new Chinese residents feel at home in the UAE.

“The station will be a bridge to Emirati culture, helping educate and inform this new dynamic community with the latest UAE national news and information, assisting them with access to government services.”

Literally translated from Mandarin, ‘The Sound of the Dubai Dragon’ radio station will be available on all Android and Apple devices by downloading the app ‘Dubai Dragon’ from the Apple Store and Google Play.

The app will also soon be integrated into ARN’s Apple TV application.

ARN currently broadcasts in seven languages.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, chairman of Hala China said: “Hala China aims to foster collaboration between local and international companies that can add value to our objective of increasing bilateral trade and tourism, while further strengthening the very positive relationship that exists between the UAE and China.

“We are focusing on key drivers for Chinese residents and visitors to Dubai, including culture and heritage, leisure, entertainment and luxury retail – and the creation of a new radio station will have benefits across each of these sectors.

“By providing Chinese audiences with experiences and services such as our Mandarin Chinese hotline, concierge service services and this new Chinese digital radio station, we are confident that Chinese leisure and business travelers will all feel more welcome and engaged in Dubai.”

The launch of Hala China and the new radio station come even as the UAE prepares for an official state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.

A Chinese delegation will visit the country from July 19 to 21 and undertake activities including a UAE China investment forum on the evening of July 20.

Trade exchange between the two countries grew 15.1 per cent last year from $46.3bn in 2016 to $53.3bn in 2017.