DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 28 -- More than 700 guests and Chinese compatriots on Sunday celebrated the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

At a reception, awards were given to firms that had contributed to the strengthening of relations between the two countries.

A photo exhibition organized by Xinhua Dubai bureau, which features the political, economic, cultural and sport relations between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was held.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Over 300,000 Chinese nationals live in the UAE and over 4,000 Chinese firms have branches in the Gulf Arab state, according to Tang.