Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 19, 2018:  Etihad Airways is saying ‘huānyíng’ (welcome) to President Xi Jinping with a series of activities during his presidential visit, aimed at celebrating Chinese culture and the close bilateral ties between China and the UAE.

Guests flying with the airline today will receive Chinese flags and fortune cookies as they set off on their journey from Abu Dhabi International Airport, while its lounges will be illuminated in hues of red and yellow.

The airline's headquarters will also be lit up in the Chinese national colours this evening. These lights will be clearly visible from the air for guests on flights departing Abu Dhabi.

In addition, Etihad Airways has launched a video on social media to celebrate ten years of flying to China.

Etihad Airways staff joined in the celebrations this morning with the airline hosting a special Chinese cultural troupe at its headquarters, featuring iconic lion dancers, a ‘Biàn Liǎn’ mask-changing performance, and a musical show with the traditional Chinese string instrument known as the guzheng.

Since establishing services between the UAE and China in 2008, the airline has carried nearly four million passengers and 400,000 tonnes of cargo between the two countries.

Etihad Airways currently serves China with a total of 28 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Hong Kong.