Growing fascination with China's technology industry is transforming Gulf travel patterns to the world's second-largest economy.
In April, a family from the United Arab Emirates—comprising four adults, three children, and a nanny—spent roughly 300,000 yuan (US$44,228) on a seven-day educational and business trip to China.
“Their determination to make the journey was unshakeable,” stated Lilian Liu of Middle East-focused tour operator UFOX Travel, who accommodated the family. Such clients were almost nonexistent a few years ago, Liu noted.
Her company once followed a standard pattern: bringing Chinese businesspeople to Dubai and Abu Dhabi to examine property ventures, free trade zones, and energy projects, while arranging study tours for Chinese students traveling to the Middle East.
The change became evident last winter, she pointed out, when she hosted a group of over 40 students from a private high school in Abu Dhabi, many originating from middle- and upper-income households.