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Shopping destination Dragon City – which attracted a staggering eight million shoppers last year – marked the Chinese New Year by staging a glitzy Dragon Gala 2019 with music, dance and dinner at the Convention Centre at the Gulf Hotel.
The mall’s senior management and colleagues were joined by VIPs including Chinese ambassador An Wa’er and members of the media for the celebration which also marked the retail attraction’s third anniversary.
Patrick Zheng, chairman of operators Chinamex, told the audience that Dragon City was considered ‘an essential part’ of the Belt and Road Initiative, a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure, development and investments aimed at extending and boosting economic, commercial and social bonds with countries across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
“Today, we can proudly say that Dragon City is taking steady steps towards cementing its position as the main and largest wholesale and retail trading centre in the kingdom,” he said.
“This comes as we successfully continue to attract more customers, achieving a footfall rate of eight million shoppers last year, with a remarkable increase of 15 per cent in comparison with 2017.
“Dragon City maintained a 99.9 per cent leasing rate, which reflects the interest and trust of traders in our mall and their acknowledgment of the important position we occupy in the local and regional market.
“We look forward to further cementing our role as a humble member of this tremendously vibrant, inviting and diverse community in Bahrain.”
Patrick added that the mall owners and tenants would continue with their active community service initiatives which in recent years has included supporting the Royal Charity Organisation, Bahrain for All and Ayadi Relief, amongst other good causes.
Thursday evening’s celebrations included a prize draw, performances by musicians, dancers and singers of all ages from the Chinese expat community, plus a show of martial arts prowess, alongside an Asian-inspired spread of food dished up by the hotel’s award-winning team of chefs.
The island’s own slice of China in Diyar Al Muharraq is spread over a total land area of 115,000sqm with a built up area of 56,000sqm. Dragon City is the first major ‘Chinatown’ in the kingdom, infused with Chinese architectural and cultural aspects and offers Chinese products to local consumers, trade customers and a growing number of tourists.
The $100 million development is home to more than 780 commercial units and Patrick revealed that the mall was this year looking at ‘increasing the variety of products’ available.
To keep in the spirit of the festivities the mall will be serving Chinese tea tomorrow and Friday between 6pm and 9pm at the Central Court and a special Chinese stand in the centre has been set up for visitors to take and post selfies.
