Chinese Film Week in Dubai: First-ever event aims to strengthen cultural exchanges

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China and the United Arab Emirates have been strengthening relations this year. But both countries are seeking to deepen it further, not just economically but culturally as well. And a Chinese cinema week in Dubai is aiming to do just that. Jacob Greaves reports from the red carpet.

The fans and film stars are out in force. But this isn't Cannes, or Toronto, it's Dubai- with the city hosting its first Chinese film week.

YANG TONGSHU ACTRESS "I didn't expect there will be so many Chinese people here. I wonder if Dubai TV stations will air our film. I hope there will be more and better films can be aired here."

There's certainly a growing audience here. In the UAE there are an estimated 270,000 Chinese residents. And as for tourists, the numbers could soar.

LI LINGBING CHINESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN DUBAI "Over the past few years, we enjoyed an increase of 40% or 50% or so. It is getting faster and faster. We expect the figure to exceed 1 million. And in the following years, we will see another large increase."

For fans, there's such blockbusters as "Dragon Blade" being screened. But for Dubai, there's the massive market of Chinese cinemagoers on offer.

JACOB GREAVES DUBAI "This star-studded event is of course aimed of attracting Chinese tourism and putting on a bit of a show for those already resident in Dubai, but beyond the red carpet it also speaks of an attempt to improve ties between the UAE and China."

Relations between the two countries have already been boosted this year. A visit by President Xi Jinping helping to cement new trade deals. China is already the UAE's biggest source of imports. And whilst this isn't exactly the bricks and mortar of the Belt and Road initiative, adding some glitz and glamour for Chinese nationals in the UAE is part of a broader strategy.

SHEIKH MAJID AL MUALLA CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT HALA CHINA "When we've with the government recently allowed the visa the number has doubled and that's really the right time right now to look into investment to attract more Chinese, I would say middle class Chinese and this is our mission for the next three years."

This event has been billed by its Dubai organisers as an economic and cultural exchange that can drive investment. For the UAE, the box office draw is enticing more Chinese business.