The “Al Freej Fridge” campaign is back for its second edition, aiming to distribute 2 million bottles of water, juice, and frozen treats to outdoor workers across Dubai throughout the summer.

Launched by Ferjan Dubai and supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), along with Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank, the campaign will run until August 23. It targets workers most exposed to the summer heat, cleaners, construction workers, delivery riders, and landscapers, across multiple Dubai neighbourhoods.

The initiative, which embodies the values of compassion, gratitude, and community unity, helps mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat, such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.

How It Works:

• Refrigerated trucks deliver cold drinks to outdoor work sites
• Fixed fridges are placed in worker accommodations
• Volunteers, including residents using personal vehicles, join the distribution
• UAE Food Bank provides warehouses, cold storage, and logistics support
• Suqia UAE supplies large quantities of bottled water

Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability at MBRGI, said the campaign reflects the foundation’s mission to place people at the heart of humanitarian efforts.

Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai, described it as “a message of gratitude” from communities to workers who help build and maintain the city.

Following its success last year, when 1 million cold beverages were distributed, this year’s campaign aims to double its impact and reach, drawing more volunteers and reinforcing the UAE’s deeply rooted culture of giving.

The Ajman Government has introduced a new flexible work schedule for public sector employees during the summer months, from July 1 to August 22, under the ‘Our Summer is Balanced’ initiative.

The move was announced during a meeting of the Ajman Executive Council, chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The initiative supports the UAE’s Year of Community, aiming to promote work-life balance and employee wellbeing during the peak heat period.

What’s Changing:

• 100 per cent remote work on Fridays
• Shorter workdays Monday to Thursday: 7:30am – 2:30pm (7 hours instead of 8)
• Flexible internal arrangements to ensure vital public services continue smoothly

Sheikh Ammar said the decision reflects Ajman’s commitment to building a flexible, productive, and people-focused government, guided by the vision of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman.

The summer work model will serve as a pilot programme, with future expansions considered based on its impact.

Abu Dhabi Police, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, has launched the sixth edition of the Safe Summer Campaign, running until August 31.

The campaign aims to raise public awareness around essential summer safety precautions, with a focus on fire prevention, road safety, and accident reduction during the hotter months.

Using digital platforms, print media, videos, and community majlis, the campaign will deliver targeted messages to residents across the emirate.

Key safety messages include:

• Home safety tips for families
• Parental guidance on supervising children in swimming areas
• Vehicle safety checks, especially tyre inspections
• Fire and accident prevention protocols

Authorities urge residents to take extra precautions during the summer and follow safety guidelines to protect their families and communities.