Dubai Police mounted units took part in the Happy Chinese New Year Grand Parade at Expo City Dubai, marking the start of the city’s Year of the Horse celebrations.
This year, Chinese New Year coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan, creating a shared cultural moment.
The mounted police units reflected a shared recognition across cultures, with the horse recognised in both Chinese and Islamic traditions as a symbol of strength, power and nobility.
Dubai Police participate in Year of the Horse parade
Nearly 40 marching formations and more than 3,000 performers participated in the procession. The parade combined Chinese heritage and Emirati culture through performances, floats and traditions presented throughout the day.
The event was organised by the Consulate General of China in Dubai and Expo City Dubai, with support from Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). It formed part of Dubai’s wider Chinese New Year programme.
The procession was held under the theme “Connect Future” and was divided into three themed zones.
The Heritage Experience Zone presented Chinese craftsmanship including Ningxia Embroidery, Xiamen Lacquer Thread Carving and Jingdezhen Porcelain. Visitors also took part in tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops and Hanfu styling experiences.
The Science & Technology Innovation Zone featured autonomous vehicles, robots and augmented reality interactive experiences. The zone also presented outcomes of China-Arab cooperation and demonstrated the role of technology in cultural and commercial exchange.
Cultural exchange in focus at Dubai’s Chinese New Year grand parade
The Cultural & Culinary Zone offered regional Chinese dishes including Xinjiang cuisine and Yunnan coffee, as well as Imperial Fragrance Garden cultural products. The zone provided a journey through China’s provinces.
“Today’s parade reflected what Dubai represents– a global city where traditions are respected, cultures connect, and communities come together. From Dubai Police on horseback to thousands of performers and visitors, this celebration demonstrated the power of cultural exchange and marked the beginning of a wider programme of Year of the Horse experiences across the city,” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said in a statement.
The Happy Chinese New Year Grand Parade marks the start of Dubai’s Year of the Horse celebrations, which run until February 22.
The programme includes Chinese culture activations at Mall of the Emirates, attractions at Dubai landmarks, dining experiences at MICHELIN-starred and award-winning restaurants, and retail promotions across key destinations in the city.
