Community-led initiative expands to protect outdoor labourers from rising heat risks. (Image: Instagram/ Ferjan Dubai)
Dubai鈥檚 “Al Freej Fridge” campaign has returned for its second year, and it鈥檚 going bigger this time. The 2025 edition will distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to outdoor workers across the emirate, doubling last year鈥檚 numbers. The initiative, running until August 23, is organised by Ferjan Dubai in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), Suqia UAE, and the UAE Food Bank.The campaign includes deploying mobile refrigerated trucks and fixed fridges across worker hubs. 鈥淏uilding on last summer鈥檚 success, we鈥檝e expanded our goals for 2025,鈥 said Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai. Also Read: China鈥檚 first gaming GPU struggles to match 2012 graphics card, yet delivers a strong strategic messageWhy are free icecreams being distributed across the Emirate?Live EventsThe campaign is critical as temperatures in the UAE soar during peak summer, putting thousands of outdoor workers at risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses. Many of these workers, from the construction, landscaping, and delivery sectors, perform physically demanding tasks under the blazing sun, often with limited access to cooling facilities.The initiative seeks to reduce heat-related health risks by providing easy access to cold water and refreshments while highlighting the city鈥檚 ongoing commitment to worker welfare and community solidarity.The initiative also invites volunteers and residents to participate by delivering items using personal vehicles or helping restock designated fridges at labour accommodations.She added that this would ease the burden of extreme heat on workers who play a vital role in keeping the city running.Also Read: Dubai gold guide: 5 things buyers should know before making a purchasePrivate sector support has further amplified the effort. Azizi Developments, led by Mirwais Azizi, contributes by distributing refreshments and over 100 tonnes of ice daily to various worker camps and construction sites.Azizi described the initiative as part of a long-term commitment to recognising and supporting the workforce that powers the country鈥檚 infrastructure and services.Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank provide the logistical backbone of the project, from water supply to cold storage and transportation. The campaign鈥檚 organisers describe it as a model for humanitarian collaboration, combining institutional support with grassroots volunteerism.鈥淲e see Freej Fridge as more than just a summer project,鈥 said Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about community and compassion, and acknowledging the people who work in the harshest conditions to support Dubai鈥檚 growth.鈥(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onDubai ice cream campaignAl Freej Fridgefree drinks for workersUAE summer initiativeworker welfare Dubaioutdoor workers supportFerjan DubaiSuqia UAEuae(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless