The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to China has called for joint efforts from China and the international community to support children with autism and their families and raise awareness about their condition.

Ambassador Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri made the remarks on Friday at an event held by the embassy to celebrate Duanwu with children and their families at the Beijing Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism.

Duanwu, or the Dragon Boat Festival, is traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar in memory of the death of famous Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.).

"On the occasion of the Dragon Boat Festival, we hope you can enjoy the company of your family, friends and relatives, and of course, enjoy rice dumplings," he said.

The event comes as part of the embassy's wider commitment to charity and humanitarian initiatives. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri also made Zongzi, a glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, together with children in the institute and learnt about the origins of China's Dragon Boat Festival.

"In the UAE, we are strongly committed to supporting charitable causes," he added. "Helping others is deeply ingrained in our culture."

After the event, the Embassy of the UAE presented gifts to the children and their families, extending warm greetings to them.

Supported by the UAE Embassy in Beijing, the Beijing Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism is China's first non-profit organization for autistic patients, providing financial and psychological support to children as well as their families, parents, and teachers.

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