(Yicai Global) March 29 -- The number of Chinese tourists visiting Dubai rose by 41 percent last year, far above the global average, and contributing to a new record high in overall tourism in the emirate.

Dubai received 15.79 million tourists globally in 2017, achieving an annual increase of 6.2 percent, says the emirate's tourism department, adding that Chinese tourist numbers could reach 20 million annually by 2020.

China has become Dubai's fifth largest source of tourists last year with the number surpassing 764,000, driven by a visa-on-arrival policy for Chinese citizens enacted at the end of 2016.

In order to attract more Chinese tourists, Dubai has embarked on the project called China Ready, bringing together partners across the industry and introduces initiatives to create a positive environment for the country's visitors such as Chinese-speaking staff in hotels and tourist spots and providing Chinese menus in restaurants.