Dubai: Hundreds of workers in Dubai received free iftar meals from the Chinese Consulate and several Chinese civic organisations in Dubai over the weekend.
Chinese consul-general Li Xuhang said the initiative, held in collaboration with the Community Development Authority (CDA), was also part of the Chinese expat community’s support to the UAE’s ‘1 Billion Meals’ campaign this Ramadan.
Xuhang told Gulf News: “The Consulate General of China in Dubai has been organising Ramadan donation events in the past few years, aiming to provide assistance to people in need, and to spread warmth and enhance the China-UAE friendship. This year, the Chinese Consulate, together with the overseas Chinese community and Chinese students in Dubai, have donated iftar meals worth more than Dh130,000 to CDA…This is a perfect demonstration of Ramadan’s peace, love, unity, self-discipline and mutual assistance.”
Solid partnership
He also commended the “strong relationship between the UAE and China”, adding that “the friendship between the two countries has proven to be stronger through the pandemic. China and the UAE have established a comprehensive strategic partnership. Both countries have common goals and are committed to multilateralism”.
The consul-general said: “As COVID-19 has not yet been defeated, we hope that Chinese nationals and local workers could keep alert and be careful of the pandemic. We wish everyone a very happy, healthy and peaceful Eid Al Fitr holiday, and we are looking forward to our final triumph over the COVID-19.”
Dr Omar Al Muthanna, CEO of CDA’s Social Regulatory and Licensing sector also took note of the solidarity between the UAE and China. In his speech during the iftar meal distribution, he said: “We are pleased to see the Chinese community flourish and integrate with the local community. The initiative is a strong testament to solidarity and promotion of the spirit of tolerance and human fraternity.”
Private sector response
Meanwhile, PowerChina Mena and Sepco III jointly funded a charity donation, in response to the call by the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the UAE during Ramadan.
Tang Yuhua, president of PowerChina Mena, and Chen Yunpeng, president of SEPCO III Dubai, said: “Through this Ramadan charity activity, we hope to bring the message of love and warmth to our Muslim friends and wish them a joyful Eid Al Fitr.”
