Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District (CBD), has come alive with fire-breathing dragons, costumed dancers, drummers, and kung fu artists as part of the Capital’s largest Chinese New Year festivities. Throughout the weekend, residents and visitors to Abu Dhabi will welcome the Year of the Horse on the Island, with the celebrations set to culminate in a live dragon show followed by a spectacular fireworks display on Friday evening at 9pm. Intrinsically choreographed to traditional music and lasting eight minutes, an auspicious number in Chinese culture, the display will light up the island for all to see.

Taking place until Saturday February 1st, 2014, the three-day long celebrations feature street parades, Chinese calligraphy workshops, kite painting lessons, and portrait painters on the island’s stunning waterfront promenade from 3pm to 10pm daily. 

Decorated with over 1000 stunning Chinese lanterns and pagoda roof motifs in red and gold tones, the promenade emanates a carnival-like ambience, echoing the festive atmosphere on the streets of Bejing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The Galleria, bedecked with floral arrangements and horse and dragon motifs, is featuring Guzheng players, fan dancers, Shaolin Kung Fu artists whilst musicians curate a traditional ambiance by performing a selection of Chinese music in the Great Room. For guests looking to sample Chinese New Year delicacies, Aqua restaurant in Rosewood Abu Dhabi, the ultra-luxury hotel on the island, is offering a special menu of renowned traditional dishes.

Luigi Romaniello, Managing Director, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, commented: “Al Maryah Island offers world-class amenities alluring to both Abu Dhabi residents and guests from abroad. We have been witnessing an increasing interest from Chinese travellers, and this month alone we hosted approximately 300 guests from China, with 80 choosing to celebrate the Chinese New Year with us. This number represents approximately 20 percent of our occupancy during this period, reflecting the growing number of tourists from China choosing to travel to the capital and reside on Al Maryah Island.” 

“We have been working in collaboration with our offices in China, Chinese tour operators and the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority to create tailored offerings that cater to Chinese travellers and are committed to continuing this for the years to come,” he added.