Hong Kong’s commerce minister, Algernon Yau, recently stated that taxi drivers in the city will be encouraged, but not required, to learn Arabic to cater to Muslim visitors from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This initiative is part of a push to attract more tourists from these regions and enhance their experience in Hong Kong. While learning a new language may not be easy, Yau emphasized that even basic phrases such as greetings or thanks could go a long way in improving communication with tourists.
Chief Executive John Lee also proposed measures to cultivate a tourist base from Middle Eastern and ASEAN countries, including providing information in Arabic at the airport and encouraging taxi fleets to offer service information in Arabic. However, this move has faced criticism from some taxi drivers who feel that learning Arabic phrases would be unnecessary. Yau clarified that conversing with Middle Eastern tourists in English would still be acceptable and that learning Arabic is not a requirement.
In addition to language support, the government plans to compile a list of halal restaurants, encourage hotels to provide worship facilities, and include dedicated prayer rooms for Muslim visitors. The goal is to make Muslim tourists feel more at home in Hong Kong, whether they are visiting for business or pleasure. Lawmaker Vincent Cheng also suggested setting up more prayer rooms at the airport and developing travel guides specifically tailored to Muslim travelers.
This tourism push aligns with Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen business ties with the Middle East and position the city as a “common law gateway.” Recent events, such as the Saudi Arabia-backed Aramco Team Series championship held in Hong Kong last October, reflect the city’s commitment to fostering closer relations with the region. Chief Executive Lee, along with other government officials, has made visits to Riyadh to further enhance ties in recent years.
As Hong Kong continues to engage with the Middle East and Southeast Asia, initiatives like encouraging taxi drivers to learn Arabic and providing facilities for Muslim visitors play a crucial role in attracting more tourists and promoting cultural exchange. By embracing diversity and catering to the needs of different visitor groups, Hong Kong can further establish itself as a welcoming and inclusive destination for travelers from around the world.