Trade between the UAE and China could double over the next decade, according to the country's ambassador to China.
Mr Ali Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, said trade stood at $50 billion last year, and had significant potential to develop.
He said 60 per cent of Chinese goods are re-exported through the UAE's ports to the Middle East, North Africa and the larger African continent.
Visa exceptions between China and the UAE have helped to strengthen ties between the countries, he said. And the Chinese President’s visit to the UAE will further bolster their relationship.
President Xi Jinping arrives in the UAE on Thursday for series of high level meetings designed to strengthen ties between the UAE and China.
An economic forum will be held in the capital on Friday evening, which will be attended by Sultan Al Mansoori, the Minister of Economy and Zhong Shan, China's Minister of Commerce.
The UAE is China’s second biggest trading partner globally and largest in the Arab region.
The number of Chinese tourists to the UAE rose 26 per cent year-on-year in 2016 to 880,000.
Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways are working hard to increase the number, Mr Al Dhaheri said.
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