Suqia UAE, under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has contributed 700,000 bottles of cold water to the second edition of the Al Freej Fridge campaign, helping protect workers from the harsh summer heat across Dubai.

The community campaign, launched by Ferjan Dubai in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank, aims to distribute 2 million bottles of water, juices, and frozen treats by August 23. The initiative targets construction workers, delivery drivers, and outdoor staff, supporting their well-being and reducing heat-related risks.

Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia UAE, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s values of compassion and solidarity, and reaffirms Suqia’s commitment to sustainable, community-driven projects, especially in the Year of the Community.

The water is distributed via refrigerated vehicles and fixed fridges at workers’ accommodations. Ibrahim Al Balooshi of MBRGI thanked Suqia for its crucial support, highlighting the importance of government and private sector partnerships in expanding the campaign’s reach.

Ferjan Dubai, the organiser behind the campaign, is a local social enterprise focused on strengthening neighbourhood engagement and civic values through volunteer-driven initiatives.

Sharjah has achieved a remarkable milestone in public safety, with 99.7 per cent of residents reporting they feel safe across the emirate, according to the latest 2024 data released by Sharjah Police.

Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, announced the results, highlighting the community’s growing trust and satisfaction with the emirate’s security efforts. Public confidence in Sharjah Police now stands at 97 per cent

, reflecting strong institutional performance and community engagement.

Key findings from the report:

• 99.7% feel safe during the day
• 99.3% feel safe at home at night
• 99.3% feel safe in public areas at night
• 98.6% feel safe walking alone at night
• 98.9% feel safe on the road, whether driving or using public transport
• 96.7% trust their local police station

Major General bin Amer credited the achievement to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose support has been instrumental in enhancing the emirate’s safety and quality of life.

He thanked the Executive and Consultative Councils of Sharjah and praised the Department of Statistics and Community Development for its scientific approach in collecting public safety data.

According to Brigadier General Omar Ahmed Boualzoud, Director-General of Criminal Security and Ports, the impressive safety figures reflect the effectiveness of the Sharjah Police’s advanced preventive strategies, which prioritise public well-being at the heart of all operations.

Officials stressed that this success is not just a result of internal policing efforts but also the active cooperation of the public, which continues to play a vital role in maintaining safety and community harmony in Sharjah.

The UAE has officially denied rumours that digital currency investors are eligible for the country’s coveted Golden Visa.

In a joint statement, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) clarified that cryptocurrency investments do not qualify for Golden Visa residency.

The ICP stressed that Golden Visas are granted under specific, approved criteria, including real estate investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, top students, frontline workers, and humanitarian pioneers, but not digital asset holders.

The SCA reaffirmed its commitment to globally recognised regulatory standards and investor transparency. It noted that while virtual assets are regulated in the UAE, they are entirely separate from visa eligibility processes.

Meanwhile, VARA urged the public to steer clear of false claims and only engage with licensed and regulated virtual asset service providers. It also clarified that TON, a company mentioned in some of the misleading reports, is not licensed or regulated by VARA.

All three authorities warned against unverified social media posts and websites that spread misinformation. They urged investors and residents to refer only to official UAE government portals for accurate updates.

For official Golden Visa criteria, visit: www.icp.gov.ae