Here's Why Your Phone Says 'WelcomePresChina' | ExpatWoman.com
 

Here's Why Your Phone Says 'WelcomePresChina'

You've probably noticed a change in your UAE mobile network name today

Posted on

19 July 2018

Last updated on 13 November 2018
by Rebecca Roberts
WelcomePresChina Etisalat/du in UAE on Mobile Phones

UAE residents have today awoken to a change in their mobile carrier name on their mobile phones.

On Wednesday evening, the network name displayed on UAE resident mobile phones, was changed to mark the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE.

The new carrier name reads 'WelcomePresChina'.

The update comes as the country prepares to welcome the Chinese President upon his arrival in the UAE on Thursday for a three-day visit, his first trip to a foreign country since he was re-elected.

As part of the UAE's welcome, the Dubai Frame was also covered with Chinese flag colours, the Emirates Palace Hotel was illuminated with the same colours, as well as the Abu Dhabi Global Market in Al Maryah Island.

Why is the Chinese President visiting the UAE?

President XI is visiting the UAE as part of the ongoing strategic relationship between China and the UAE, which was forged over 28 years ago by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his visit to China.

During this trip, the Chinese President will attend a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening these ties between the two countries, with a view to beginning a new phase of long-term, mutually beneficial, co-operation, reports Gulf News.

President Xi is also scheduled to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, as cultural exchange is an important part of the visit.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping in this “historic visit that celebrates the strategic partnership between the two countries and establishes a new phase of fruitful co-operation and promising outlooks”.

“The UAE currently hosts 200,000 Chinese citizens and 4,000 trading companies. We seek to build long-term economic, cultural, and trade and investment ties with China. We are happy to celebrate China’s rich and continued historical culture on an annual basis,” Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid said in an earlier statement.

What is UAE-China Week, and when is it?

President XI's visit to the UAE also coincides with UAE-China Week, which runs from July 17th to 24th. The week aims to place a spotlight on the relations between the two nations, and to enhance trade cooperation and cultural exchange.

As part of the week every year, Chinese cinema, literature, fashion and art are celebrated as part of the events at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

UAE China-Week also coincides with Chinese New Year celebrations.