Al Freej Fridge Strengthens Community Support with Two Million Refreshments for Workers This Summer
On July 3, 2026, the Al Freej Fridge humanitarian campaign was officially launched at Al Khawaneej Majlis in Dubai. As temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius, a bright orange refrigerated van arrived at a construction site in Al Quoz, where workers eagerly lined up to receive chilled bottles of water, juices, and ice creams. Saqib, a beneficiary of the initiative, succinctly expressed the challenge of working in such extreme heat: “This weather is not easy to work in.” This sentiment encapsulates the mission behind the Al Freej Fridge initiative.
The campaign, organized by Ferjan Dubai in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), and the UAE Food Bank, aims to distribute two million cold refreshments to workers across Dubai throughout the summer, continuing until September 3, 2026.
Al Freej Fridge: Three Years, Growing Every Time
The Al Freej Fridge campaign has evolved significantly since its inception. The first edition in 2024 managed to distribute one million refreshing items to workers throughout the emirate. The second edition saw participation from over 15 government entities and private sector companies, along with 250 volunteers, successfully doubling the distribution target to two million items.
This third edition maintains the ambitious goal of distributing two million items but significantly expands its volunteer network. More than 200 Emirati volunteers, double the number from the previous year, will operate in two shifts to distribute supplies. Additionally, portable fridges will be provided, allowing community volunteers to independently stock and distribute refreshments to workers across the emirate, thereby extending the campaign’s reach beyond the four refrigerated vans.
Who Gets Reached and Where
The Al Freej Fridge campaign specifically targets workers who must endure outdoor conditions during the peak summer months. Key beneficiaries include construction workers, cleaners, delivery riders, road workers, and landscaping staff. The distribution focuses on some of Dubai’s most industrially dense and labor-heavy areas, such as Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha. These locations are characterized by high worker traffic and limited access to cold refreshments during shifts.
Operationally, there are distinctions between the roles of Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank. Suqia UAE is responsible for distributing large quantities of cold bottled water, while the UAE Food Bank ensures access to its fully-equipped warehouses for water storage and the supply of beverages and frozen food. They also deploy refrigerated distribution vehicles for timely delivery and utilize volunteers for ground-level distribution.
Insights from Organizers
Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai, emphasized that the campaign’s purpose extends beyond mere charity; it is about recognition. She stated, “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.” Al Shamlan also highlighted the initiative’s aim to convey empathy, asserting that even seemingly small gestures like providing ice cream or water can make a significant difference in the lives of workers.
Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, reiterated the campaign’s goal of reaching more workers while expanding its volunteer network and distribution points. This aligns with MBRGI’s mission to leverage its resources for humanitarian efforts benefiting all sectors of society.
Why It Matters Beyond a Campaign
The Al Freej Fridge campaign operates within a broader framework of summer worker protections in the UAE. The midday work ban, effective from June 15 to September 15, prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30 PM and 3 PM, establishing a regulatory baseline. However, the Al Freej Fridge initiative addresses the hours outside this ban and the ongoing conditions that persist even when workers are permitted to work. Heat stress and dehydration do not cease to be concerns once the midday ban ends.
Al Shamlan articulated the campaign’s intent, stating, “While there are rules to protect them working in the sun, we also want to acknowledge the work they do in the summer, and this is the minimum we can do to support them.” This framing is crucial; the campaign is not a substitute for regulatory measures but rather a community gesture that underscores the importance of recognition alongside regulation.
The Al Freej Fridge campaign will continue its efforts until September 3, 2026, reinforcing the community’s commitment to supporting its workers during the challenging summer months.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-07-06 12:15:00 • By the Editorial Desk
