Dubai, UAE – In a generous move to combat the soaring summer heat, Suqia UAE, operating under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), has contributed 700,000 bottles of cold water to the second edition of the humanitarian “Al Freej Fridge” campaign.
The campaign, aimed at supporting workers across Dubai, targets those working in high-exposure roles such as construction, cleaning, delivery, and landscaping.
The initiative, launched by Ferjan Dubai in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank and supported by MBRGI, aims to distribute two million bottles of water, juices, and frozen treats to frontline workers by August 23.
The campaign’s primary objective is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of these workers who are most vulnerable to the UAE’s extreme summer temperatures.
Speaking about the initiative, Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia UAE, emphasized the organisation’s ongoing commitment to community welfare.
“We are pleased to support the second edition of the ‘Al Freej Fridge’ humanitarian community campaign by providing nearly 700,000 bottles of water,” Al Shamsi stated.
“We value the vital role of this impactful initiative, which directly touches the lives of workers and helps reduce the health risks they face due to summer heat.”
He continued, “It also reflects the authentic values that define the community of the United Arab Emirates. In the Year of the Community, Suqia UAE reaffirms its commitment to working alongside local and global partners to implement meaningful, sustainable projects that enhance people’s quality of life.”
This large-scale donation plays a pivotal role in the campaign’s success. The water bottles are distributed using refrigerated vehicles that travel throughout Dubai and are also stocked in fixed fridges located at workers’ accommodations.
This dual-distribution system significantly expands the reach of the campaign, ensuring hydration access at both job sites and rest areas. Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, expressed his appreciation for Suqia UAE’s involvement.
“We are deeply grateful to Suqia UAE for its generous support of the Al Freej Fridge campaign,” Al Balooshi said. “This contribution forms a cornerstone of the campaign’s ability to reach as many workers as possible across Dubai.”
Al Balooshi highlighted that this effort demonstrates the strong sense of social responsibility from both governmental and private sectors in the UAE.
“The collective involvement of public institutions and private companies reflects our shared recognition of workers’ essential contributions to Dubai’s growth and sustainability,” he added.
Launched in 2024, the Al Freej Fridge campaign has quickly become one of Dubai’s most inclusive and impactful grassroots initiatives.
The first edition saw the distribution of one million bottles of water and cooling products to workers during the height of summer and received wide acclaim for its community-focused approach.
Now in its second year, the campaign has doubled its target and continues to attract substantial institutional support. Ferjan Dubai, the social enterprise behind the initiative, plays a critical role in mobilising volunteers and forging partnerships across the public and private sectors.
The organisation seeks to empower local communities in Dubai’s residential neighborhoods, promote civic engagement, and build stronger bonds of trust and cooperation between citizens and institutions.
“We believe in the power of grassroots action to make a meaningful difference,” said a Ferjan Dubai spokesperson. “By creating platforms like the Al Freej Fridge campaign, we hope to nurture values of compassion, community, and gratitude.”
Suqia UAE’s involvement exemplifies how humanitarian missions can go beyond traditional relief efforts to address emerging needs through innovation and outreach.
As a non-profit organisation under the MBRGI umbrella, Suqia UAE has long been committed to solving water scarcity problems in vulnerable regions.
It focuses on research, sustainable technology, and the distribution of safe drinking water globally, often in areas affected by drought or contamination.
Yet the organisation’s engagement with local humanitarian campaigns such as Al Freej Fridge reflects a broader, holistic approach to community service.
By helping mitigate the impact of harsh weather conditions on Dubai’s labour force, Suqia UAE is also promoting workplace wellbeing, public health, and inclusive development.
The significance of this initiative goes beyond hydration. With the UAE experiencing peak summer temperatures that often exceed 45°C, outdoor workers face a heightened risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
The availability of cold water at worksites and accommodations can drastically reduce these health risks. In addition, the campaign promotes a culture of empathy within the larger Dubai population.
Residents are encouraged to volunteer, stock fridges in their neighborhoods, and contribute to the campaign through donations or logistical support. This element of active participation fosters a greater sense of unity and solidarity, embodying the Year of the Community’s spirit.
Public response to the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents praising the initiative’s inclusivity and tangible impact.
“It’s heartening to see such an initiative that not only helps the workers who build and clean our city but also brings the community together,” said Sara Ahmed, a Dubai resident who volunteered in last year’s campaign. “It’s a simple gesture, but it means a lot.”
The Al Freej Fridge campaign also stands out for its logistical innovation. Using a fleet of refrigerated vehicles, organisers ensure cold drinks are delivered efficiently across vast distances, including remote and high-density work zones.
The fixed fridges, maintained regularly, act as hydration hubs for workers during their breaks and after long shifts.
The campaign is also backed by a comprehensive monitoring and feedback system, ensuring that supplies reach those most in need and adjustments can be made in real-time based on demand and climatic conditions.
As the campaign continues until late August, organisers expect to hit and possibly exceed their target of two million items distributed. With key partners like Suqia UAE on board, the campaign is well on track to make a profound difference in the lives of Dubai’s workforce.
In a city known for its modern skyline and fast-paced development, initiatives like the Al Freej Fridge remind residents of the unseen hands that build and maintain it — and the importance of caring for those hands in return.
Through compassion, collaboration, and community-driven action, Dubai is setting an example of how urban growth can go hand in hand with social responsibility.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members