Al Freej Fridge Returns for a Third Year, Aiming to Deliver 2 Million Cold Refreshments to Dubai's Workers

More than 200 Emirati volunteers will crisscross Dubai's highest-traffic worker zones through September, handing out cold water, juice, and ice cream to those working through the summer heat

Dubai's "Al Freej Fridge" campaign has returned for its third consecutive year, aiming to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers across the emirate as summer temperatures peak. The community-led initiative, organized by Ferjan Dubai with support from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), will run until September 3.

Reaching Dubai's Outdoor Workforce

The campaign targets roughly 1 million workers, including cleaners, construction crews, delivery riders, and agricultural, road, and landscaping workers who spend long hours outdoors during the hottest months of the year. Four refrigerated vans, staffed by Emirati volunteers, will roam the city in two daily shifts, distributing supplies directly to worksites and workers' accommodations in zones including Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha — areas selected based on studies of high worker traffic.

This year's edition has doubled its volunteer base to more than 200 Emirati participants, compared with the previous year, reflecting what organizers describe as continued growth in community support for the initiative.

A Partnership Built Around Local Institutions

The campaign draws on a coalition of partners beyond Ferjan Dubai and MBRGI. The UAE Water Aid Foundation, known as Suqia, supplies large quantities of cold bottled water for distribution, while the UAE Food Bank provides warehouse access for storing water, beverages, and frozen items, along with refrigerated distribution vehicles to ensure supplies reach workers safely and on time.

Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, said the campaign reflects a deep sense of responsibility and appreciation toward the workforce that keeps the emirate running during the intense summer heat, adding that protecting their health and safety sits at the heart of the initiative.

Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai, said the third edition builds on the strong momentum of the previous two years, crediting close collaboration between Ferjan Dubai and its partners for the campaign's continued reach across the emirate.

Building on Two Years of Momentum

Al Freej Fridge first launched in the summer of 2024, distributing 1 million drinks in its debut year. Its second edition expanded significantly, drawing support from more than 15 government and private-sector entities and 250 volunteers, and ultimately distributing 2 million bottles of water, juices, and frozen treats to workers across Dubai.

Organizers say the goal extends beyond hydration alone: by acknowledging the outdoor workforce directly, the campaign aims to reinforce a broader culture of solidarity and mutual appreciation within the Dubai community, particularly for workers whose labor often goes unseen during the harshest weeks of the year.