Chinese President Xi Jinping was to arrive on Thursday in Abu Dhabi on his first trip to the United Arab Emirates as the leader of China at a time when the two countries look to strengthen trade ties and expand investment.
It is Xi's first trip abroad since he was appointed to a second five-year term as president in March when he made a historic power grab by moving to abolish presidential term limits, allowing him to rule for as long as he wants. The visit also comes as China pushes to expand its influence in a region where it sources much of its energy needs.
China and the UAE conduct some USD 50 billion in annual trade and ahead of the trip, the UAE's ambassador to China said the country hopes that will double over the next decade.