Dubai workers get free ice cream, cold juice to beat heat

Outdoor workers in Dubai received a pleasant surprise this Friday as they were handed chilled water, juice, and ice cream to help them cope with the midday sun. This kind gesture brought smiles and great relief to many hardworking individuals across the city.

The Al Freej Fridge Campaign Returns

The third edition of the "Al Freej Fridge" campaign has officially started. The main goal this year is to distribute 2 million cold drinks and frozen treats to outdoor workers across Dubai over the next two months.

The initiative will run until September 3. It will support construction workers, cleaners, delivery riders, road crews, and landscaping staff throughout the emirate.

Gratitude from the Workers

The outdoor workers expressed their deep appreciation for the gesture. One of the workers, Saqib, shared his gratitude:

"This weather is not easy to work in," said Saqib, one of the beneficiaries.

"Getting a cold bottle of water and an ice cream may seem like a small thing, but it gives us relief and helps us continue our work. We are grateful to everyone who came out to support us today."

Another worker, Sajjad, added that the visit from volunteers made a big difference to their day:

"We sincerely thank the volunteers for distributing water and ice cream to us. It means a lot to know that people care about workers like us, especially during the peak summer heat. These small gestures make a big difference to our day," he said.

Strong Community Support

The campaign is supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and organized by Ferjan Dubai, in partnership with Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank. Together, they are using specialized refrigerated vans and dedicated volunteers to safely deliver refreshments directly to workers across Dubai.

This is a continuous effort rather than a one-day event. The refrigerated vans will travel to various work sites across the city daily throughout the hottest weeks of summer.

Ibrahim Al Balooshi, director of sustainability and partnerships at MBRGI, explained that the initiative reflects the true values of the UAE:

"This campaign reflects a deep sense of responsibility and appreciation toward our workforce, who dedicatedly perform their duties during the intense summer heat. Protecting their health and safety is at the very heart of this initiative," he said.

Alia Al Shamlan, director of Ferjan Dubai, highlighted how the campaign has grown thanks to community support:

"Workers are a cornerstone of our community's prosperity and well-being, and they deserve our utmost gratitude, respect and care for their health and comfort," she said.

She added that the campaign continues to thrive because of the strong spirit of giving shown by government departments, private businesses, and volunteers.

Helping Millions Beat the Heat

The initiative has expanded significantly over the years. The first edition successfully distributed 1 million refreshments across the city. Last year, the campaign doubled that number to 2 million, with the help of 15 government and private sector partners, along with 250 volunteers. This year, the organizers are determined to hit the 2 million mark once again, ensuring that outdoor workers remain safe and refreshed during the peak summer months.