“Finally in Shenzhen!” On May 29th, at the Shenzhen Bay Culture Square, a robot danced to the music as a crowd gathered, capturing the moment with their phones. Dancing excitedly beside the robot was 'AboFlah', an online influencer with nearly 70 million followers across platforms, renowned as the 'top Middle Eastern influencer'. While his name might still be unfamiliar to many Chinese netizens, in the Middle East and North Africa, he is one of the most influential content creators. His YouTube channel has amassed over 8 billion views. He once livestreamed for 12 consecutive days, raising $11 million for children in conflict zones, setting a Guinness World Record. For many young people in the Middle East, he is not just an influencer but a compelling and influential public figure.
In January this year, 'AboFlah' officially joined Chinese social media, announcing his plans to visit China. He shared that his initial fascination with China began with a piece of agarwood gifted by a friend, sparking a deep interest in the unique charm of Eastern culture. In late May, 'AboFlah' embarked on a week-long trip to China from Dubai, visiting Hong Kong, Macau, and Shenzhen. During his two days in Shenzhen, he interacted with robots, experienced drone delivery, took a helicopter tour to view the city from above, played football with local youth, and discussed the relationship between talent and the city at Shenzhen Bay.
When asked by a reporter why he chose to visit Shenzhen, the Middle Eastern star gave a meaningful response: “Shenzhen is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. But its beauty lies not only in its modernity but also in its people. The people here are incredibly friendly; I love the people here. Everyone should come here—anyone with talent, anyone who loves exploring the world should come to Shenzhen.”
For a first-time visitor to Shenzhen, such praise might be surprising. After all, for many international visitors, Shenzhen's most prominent labels are often technology, innovation, and speed. Yet, in just two days, this Middle Eastern influencer seemed to find stories in Shenzhen worth telling beyond just 'technology'.
**01 From Robots to Drones: Why Are Visitors Often Amazed by Shenzhen?** If 'AboFlah' had any expectations before arriving in Shenzhen, 'technology' would undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Upon arrival, he visited the Honor Alpha Global Flagship Store. A humanoid robot in the store immediately caught his attention. As music played, he danced with the robot, made heart gestures, and took photos together, thoroughly energizing the atmosphere.
As a content creator long active in the digital space, 'AboFlah' is no stranger to new technologies. Yet, upon arriving in Shenzhen, he was still deeply impressed by the vibrant innovative atmosphere. During his experience, he learned in detail about the AI features and smart interactive experiences of Honor's latest products. He was particularly intrigued by the Honor 600 Yuanqi Edition, which had been a hot seller overseas, excitedly stating he would “buy several to take back home.”
But Shenzhen's surprises did not end there. At Shenzhen Bay Talent Park, a reporter ordered a lemon tea for 'AboFlah'. When he saw a drone slowly descending from the sky, accurately delivering the drink to the designated spot, he was visibly excited. He curiously observed the entire delivery process, repeatedly exclaiming “This is amazing!” and couldn't resist making a heart gesture to the camera. For many countries, drone delivery remains in the experimental stage; in Shenzhen, it has already become a part of daily life.
Furthermore, 'AboFlah' took a helicopter ride with foreign blogger 'Lao Wang' to enjoy an aerial view of Shenzhen's cityscape. The Shenzhen Bay Bridge spanned the water, skyscrapers lined the coastline, and tech company headquarters blended with public spaces. From the air, the city appeared both futuristic and full of vitality.
On the other hand, Shenzhen also revealed a completely different side. Foreign blogger 'Lao Wang', acting as a professional local guide, specially invited a Yingge dance team from Puning, Chaozhou, to perform. 'Lao Wang' noted, “Yingge dance is the 'hero of heroes'. China's intangible cultural heritage is full of passion and spirit. I hope 'AboFlah' can immediately feel the most down-to-earth, lively atmosphere.” Accompanied by powerful drumbeats, the dancers wielded wooden sticks with great energy. 'AboFlah' was quickly swept up in the atmosphere, joining in the dance.
Later, the reporter gifted 'AboFlah' unique souvenirs from Huaqiangbei: a mobile phone case shaped like the 'Winner Winner Chicken Dinner' game's frying pan and a popular neck-hanging mini-fan. Faced with these creative and life-inspired products, 'AboFlah' was equally delighted.
If robots and drones represent Shenzhen's technological and innovative side, then the small commodities of Huaqiangbei, the vibrant street life, and traditional culture like Yingge dance showcase the city's more vivid, human aspect. Perhaps this is Shenzhen's unique charm: it is not just about technology but also about life; not just about the future but also about warmth.
**02 What is Shenzhen's True 'Habibi' (Treasure)?** If technology showed 'AboFlah' Shenzhen's pace of development, then a conversation at Talent Park led him to understand the city's underlying logic. At the observation platform of Shenzhen Talent Park, the reporter asked 'AboFlah': “Do you know who Shenzhen's true 'Habibi' is?” In Arabic, 'Habibi' means 'dear' or 'darling', one of the most common terms of endearment in the Middle East. 'AboFlah' often uses this term for his fans, so the question immediately piqued his interest.
When he heard the answer was “talent from all over the world,” the amazement and agreement in his eyes were unmistakable. The reporter explained: Shenzhen “willfully” reserved its “most valuable” land to build the nation's first park themed around “talent,” aiming to “reserve the best scenery and most valuable land for its citizens and talent.” “To all the 'Habibis' from around the world, Shenzhen welcomes you!” After hearing this, 'AboFlah' nodded in agreement.
Since the reform and opening-up, Shenzhen's greatest resource has never been land but people. Young people from all over the country have come here to start businesses, strive, and in turn, shaped the city's open and inclusive character. Today, this openness is extending to the wider world. In recent years, as exchanges between China and Gulf countries have intensified, more and more tourists, entrepreneurs, and content creators from the Middle East have begun visiting China, with 'AboFlah' being a highly representative figure.
Perhaps this is why 'AboFlah' warmly expressed: “My connection with China has just begun. Shenzhen feels like my second home.”
**03 “They are the future”** On May 30th, the second day of 'AboFlah's' Shenzhen visit, at the Frankfurt (Shenzhen Nanshan) Football Youth Training Center, he saw another side of Shenzhen. A football carnival was underway on the field, featuring shooting drills, fitness challenges, and 1v1 defensive contests. 'AboFlah' played alongside He Yiyi, the 'one-legged football king'. Supporting himself with one leg and crutches, He displayed agility and skill rivaling able-bodied players. His spectacular goal won cheers from the crowd, and 'AboFlah' praised him repeatedly, then jokingly issued a challenge: “I'll be back, and next time he won't score.”
In a defensive challenge with young trainees from the center, 'AboFlah' volunteered as goalkeeper. Despite his full concentration, diving saves, and giving his all, each young player successfully scored against him. After the match, he humorously conceded defeat: “I tried my best to be a good goalkeeper, but they all scored. That just shows how truly excellent they are!”
Speaking about his experience playing football with Shenzhen's children, 'AboFlah' did not hide his admiration: “They are the future.” This statement referred to the young footballers, but within the context of his entire Shenzhen visit, it seemed to carry richer meaning.
Over the past two days, 'AboFlah' saw robots, experienced drones, learned about Talent Park, and interacted with youth on the football field. Throughout, what he witnessed consistently pointed to one key theme—the future. Robots represent the future, talent represents the future, and the children on the green field also represent the future.
'AboFlah' admitted that he originally planned to stay for only three days but now wished to stay longer. He even earnestly said to the camera: “I love you, Shenzhen.”
From “Finally in Shenzhen” to “I want to stay longer.” In just two days, what 'AboFlah' saw was perhaps not just a city, but a China that is continuously growing and connecting with the world.
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