Dubai: Chinese ambassador wears kandura during talks with Sheikh Maktoum
China's ambassador to the UAE decided to add a traditional touch to a recent business meeting to discuss strengthening ties and boosting mutual cooperation.
During the sitting with Sheikh Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance, the Chinese envoy to the country Zhang Yiming showed up wearing a traditional Emirati kandura.
Sheikh Maktoum shared photos of him and Yiming on X and commented by saying that China is a key partner in shaping a sustainable developmental future.
"We remain committed to building bridges of collaboration that serve the interests of our peoples, our region, and the world," he added.
Donning kanduras
This was not the first time Yiming is seen sporting the traditional attire. Last year, he posted a photo of him wearing it during a majlis with Dr Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
It was a great pleasure to meet my old friend Dr. Anwar Gargash @AnwarGargash at the majlis. Everyone was warm and friendly, making it an unforgettable day!� pic.twitter.com/l3gFP97MVR
— Zhang Yiming (@Amb_Yiming) July 12, 2024
Other photos showed him in a previous occasion wearing the traditional dress. Take a look:
I�m pleased to attend the family banquet hosted by Ahmed Salem Sudain, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Society for Parents' Care and Relief, and to celebrate Eid al-Adha with my Emirati brothers! Wishing for ever-stronger relations between China and the UAE! pic.twitter.com/056WX2BiRq
— Zhang Yiming (@Amb_Yiming) June 25, 2024
But he is not the only pubic figure who was seen donning the kandura.
In 2023, Spanish football great Andres Iniesta swapped his jersey for a kandura to mark the 52nd UAE National Day.
Images on Instagram also depicted the supremely talented former Barcelona wearing an Arabic Bisht coat, a black robe with an embroidered gold border that is a status garment among Arab men, much like the black-tie tuxedo worked on special occasions in the West.
Two-time Dubai tennis finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas also made a memorable entrance at the ATP Players' Party earlier this year, arriving on the red carpet wearing the traditional robe worn in the Middle East.
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