Hong Kong taxi drivers encouraged, not required, to learn Arabic

Hong Kong taxi drivers will be encouraged but not required to learn Arabic, the commerce minister has clarified, following a backlash over a proposal to cater to tourists from the Middle East and South-East Asia.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said on Friday that while learning Arabic isn’t mandatory, it would be beneficial for drivers to learn basic phrases to enhance hospitality. “Learning a new language isn’t easy, but if taxi drivers are interested, they can learn some basic phrases, such as greetings or thanks,” Yau told Commercial Radio.

Alhumdulilah! Hong Kong Government and Tourism Industry wanting to promote Muslim friendly initiatives ❣️ #Arabic #Halal #Airport #Taxis #Qurans #Prayer #Wudu #Toilets pic.twitter.com/52920J3EPK

— Muslim Council of Hong Kong (@muslimcouncilhk) October 18, 2024

The clarification came after Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s recent Policy Address, in which he proposed measures to attract tourists from the Middle East and ASEAN countries by providing service information in Arabic. However, the idea has faced criticism from some taxi drivers, who called it a “waste of time”.

READ: China’s strategic infrastructure diplomacy in the Middle East

Transport and Logistics Secretary Lam Sai-hung noted that providing Arabic service information, starting with the airport and taxi fleets, was intended to make tourists feel welcome, not to impose new requirements on drivers.

Yau also suggested that hotels could cater to Muslim visitors by providing prayer rooms and ensuring rooms are oriented towards Makkah. Lawmaker Vincent Cheng echoed the sentiment, recommending more prayer facilities at the airport and tailored travel guides for Muslim tourists.

Earlier this month, the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s travel mission to the UAE and Saudi Arabia attracted over 200 travel agents from across the GCC, showcasing Hong Kong’s premium offerings for affluent travellers. Visitor numbers from the GCC rose by 124 per cent in the first eight months of 2024, compared with the previous year.