Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed offers congratulations on Lunar New Year

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi posted a celebratory message on Twitter in a number of languages, including Chinese and Korean

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, offered his congratulations on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. Photo: Crown Prince Court - AbuShow more

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, sent his congratulations to people celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Sheikh Mohamed said he hoped the occasion would herald a period of "peace, prosperity and good fortune".

The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a calendar year that bases its months on the cycles of the Moon.

It is observed in China and much of Asia.

Sheikh Mohamed posted his well wishes on Twitter in Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean, as well as in English and Arabic.

"Congratulations to the Chinese people and everyone celebrating Lunar New Year in the UAE and around the world," he said.

"May the year ahead be one of peace, prosperity and good fortune."

Each Chinese New Year is associated with an animal according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, which features 12 animals including the ox (2021), rat, dragon, horse, monkey and rooster.

This is the Year of the Tiger. The calendar is based on a 12-year cycle, with the last Tiger year falling in 2010.

Chinese residents across the Emirates have marked the key date in the calendar, while grand celebrations have been held at the country's pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai in recent days.

New Year cheer around the world