Saudi Arabia welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping

Dawn breaks over Riyadh's capital, Riyadh, for prayers on December 7, 2022. WILLA WU CHINA DAILY RIYADH As residents woken at dawn for early morning prayers in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh at 5 am on Wednesday, the city pulled out all the stops to welcome the Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will attend the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-GCC Summit, and pay a state visit to Saudi Arabia from 7 -- 10.

Saudi Arabians have high expectations for the upcoming summits between the leaders of China, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, with cultural exchanges and economic cooperation among them having made good progress, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative.

Yousef Al Balushi, a sales and marketing director in Riyadh, said that China's development has been beneficial for the region and represents the future. Arab News, a popular English-language newspaper in Riyadh, has published a special edition on Xi's visit, focusing on bilateral exchanges and expectations for the future.

Saudi Arabian tourism agencies are hoping to see a return of Chinese tourists as the COVID-19 epidemic eases. Research by the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute shows a strong wave in the travel industry next year, along with other sectors, according to Arab News.

Mark Refaat, an engineer who is working on a hotel project in Riyadh, said they just completed a large complex in Riyadh Boulevard World, which has Chinese quarters amongst others. Refaat said that the complex blends with Saudi Arabia's efforts to speed up inclusive and sustainable development, and China's strength in infrastructure has been impressive.

The migrants from South Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal, who have settled in Saudi Arabia, are counting on increased trade between China and Saudi Arabia, as Chinese products are among the major items sold at malls and stores.