Fresh vegetables from China are appearing on supermarket shelves in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, just 48 hours after being harvested, ensuring maximum freshness and meeting local demand in the vegetable-import-reliant country.
At a local supermarket, shelves are packed with fresh Chinese farm produce, reflecting growing imports of cool-season vegetables from China.
With its desert climate, high temperatures and humidity, especially in summer, the UAE is not well suited for large-scale production of leafy greens.
In recent years, Chinese vegetable imports have become an essential supplement to the local supply.
A manager at the Dubai supermarket said that the entire cold-chain process - from harvesting in China to shelf display in Dubai - is completed within 48 hours, maintaining the freshness of the produce.
"Our customs clearance department collects the goods from the airport and delivers them to our warehouse within four hours. Within another two hours, we will distribute the vegetables to all our stores across the UAE. Throughout the year, Chinese vegetables account for about 60 percent of our total vegetable sales here," said Zhou Qiang, head of fruit and vegetable procurement at Wenchao Group.
While enriching daily meals, Chinese cool-season vegetables are also adding flavor to the UAE's dining scene.
Hadi, a Dubai restaurant owner who once worked in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, from 2008 to 2011, said he was drawn not only to the city's history but also to the unique taste of Chinese vegetables.
After returning home, Hadi opened a restaurant that now features several Chinese dishes on the menu.
Among them, stir-fried Shanghai bok choy has become a top seller.
"We don't [didn't] know about this [vegetable before], so now because of China, now we know bok choy. And many people are using bok choy, because of this. We get a lot of compliments not only from Chinese customers but also from foreigners. They really, really like bok choy," he said.
Fresh Chinese vegetables well received on Dubai supermarkets
After the devastating fire at the housing complex Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the central government, Hong Kong authorities, and people from across China have joined forces in a massive outpouring of relief and support.
The blaze, the deadliest Hong Kong had witnessed for decades, broke out at around 14:50 on Nov 26 at the eight-towered residential estate Wang Fuk Court, which was under renovation, in Tai Po district. The fire quickly engulfed seven of the towers, leaving at least 159 dead, 79 injured and thousands of families homeless.
According to the latest official update, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, established by the HKSAR government, has received 3 billion Hong Kong dollars in external donations. Together with the HKSAR government's start-up capital of 300 million Hong Kong dollars, the fund stands at around 3.3 billion Hong Kong dollars in total. It will be used to help residents rebuild their homes and provide long-term support.
Following the fire, the HKSAR government has made comprehensive, multi-tiered rescue and resettlement efforts.
On the night of the blaze, the government promptly established temporary shelters at multiple locations across Tai Po district, coordinating accommodations in youth hostels, hotels, and transitional housing for affected residents. Emergency subsidies and living allowances were distributed to those impacted, while support was also provided through a "one household, one social worker" mechanism.
People from across Hong Kong have joined volunteer efforts, hoping to bring warmth to the wounded community, with donated supplies such as clothing, food, drinking water continuously arriving at temporary shelters.
Many taxi drivers have also volunteered to provide free rides.
"We work here from 08:00 in the morning to past 22:00 at night. We only leave when there are no passengers. That's how it is. It does affect earnings a bit. It definitely has an impact. But that's not important. The most important thing is to help others first," said Wong Chi-chuen, a taxi driver .
At the request of the HKSAR government, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has coordinated the Ministry of Emergency Management to provide batches of supplies for the Tai Po fire relief effort, including portable outdoor charging stations, heavy-duty conveyors, blowers, respirators, goggles, protective suits, headlamps, and waterproof boots.
Mainland companies and residents, and various sectors in Macao also provided support following the devastating fire in Hong Kong, donating funds and supplies for emergency relief and post-disaster recovery.
"A large amount of supplies was collected and delivered to our disaster-stricken areas in a very short time. It made me realize what it means to be bound by blood. Because this kind of bond runs deep. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone," said Peter Lam, chairman of Tai Po Rural Committee.
Support from across China pours in after devastating fire in Hong Kong
