Ferjan Dubai launches second edition of Al Freej Fridge humanitarian campaign
23 June 2025 18:58
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)Supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), Ferjan Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) and the UAE Food Bank, has launched the second edition of the humanitarian community campaign 'Al Freej Fridge.'
The initiative aims to distribute two million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers across Dubai to help alleviate the effects of summer heat and reinforce the values of solidarity and compassion in the Dubai community.
The campaign runs until August 23, covering various areas across the emirate and targeting cleaning and construction workers, delivery drivers, as well as road and landscaping workers. The goal is to help reduce health risks associated with high temperatures, such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank play a pivotal role in supporting the 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign and advancing its humanitarian goals. Suqia UAE provides large quantities of bottled water for distribution to workers, while the UAE Food Bank offers access to its equipped warehouses for storing water, beverages, and frozen items. It also allocates refrigerated distribution vehicles to ensure safe and timely delivery to workers, in addition to mobilising its volunteers to participate in on-the-ground distribution efforts.
Reinforcing Solidarity Values Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, Ibrahim Al Balooshi, said, 'The 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign reflects the essence of our mission at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which places people at the heart of its priorities. We aim to reinforce the values of solidarity and compassion within UAE society. This campaign is part of our ongoing support for humanitarian and community-driven initiatives that make a direct difference in people's lives and promote the spirit of human unity.'He added, 'Al Freej Fridge is a model of collaborative humanitarian action, where institutional efforts meet community energy and volunteerism to tangibly improve the quality of life for workers, individuals who play a vital role in advancing sustainable development, especially during the harsh summer months. We deeply appreciate Ferjan Dubai for its outstanding efforts in running this campaign for the second year in a row, and for its ongoing commitment to supporting the Dubai community.'
Message of Gratitude Director of Ferjan Dubai, Alia Al Shamlan, stated, 'The 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign is one of our grassroots community initiatives, inspired by our authentic values and the spirit of solidarity that defines our society. Originating in Dubai's residential neighbourhoods, the campaign embodies a message of gratitude to the workers who play a fundamental role in the progress and prosperity of the Emirate.'She continued, 'Building on the significant success of the first edition in summer 2024, this second edition expands its reach by aiming to distribute two million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers. Our goal is to help ease the impact of extreme heat during the summer and ensure their well-being as they carry out essential tasks across the emirate. We greatly value the fruitful cooperation with our campaign partners, which is instrumental in achieving our goals and delivering this humanitarian message to the target groups in the most effective way.'
Campaign Implementation As part of the 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign, Ferjan Dubai deploys refrigerated vehicles that roam various districts in Dubai to distribute water, juices, and frozen refreshments to workers at outdoor working sites. The campaign also includes fixed fridges placed in workers' accommodations, stocked with water, juices, and frozen items, further expanding the initiative's reach to as many beneficiaries as possible, while attracting volunteers from various segments of society to participate in distribution efforts.'Al Freej Fridge' also engages volunteers from all segments of society to take part in the distribution efforts. The campaign has encouraged community members to use their personal vehicles to deliver cold beverages to workers, fostering a spirit of cooperation and social unity in the UAE.Campaign partners play a critical role by providing resources and logistical support to ensure efficient execution and widespread coverage across Dubai, maximising its reach, drawing smiles, and bringing joy to workers' hearts.The first edition of the 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign, held in summer 2024, was a major success, having distributed 1 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers in Dubai. The initiative also received widespread support from government entities and private companies.The campaign reflects Ferjan Dubai's efforts to strengthen the commitment of neighbourhood residents toward their social responsibility, particularly in appreciation of workers' dedication and hard work.Ferjan Dubai is a social enterprise that aims to empower local communities in Dubai's neighbourhoods and foster strong connections and trust between them and public and private institutions.
It does so by encouraging volunteerism and community engagement to drive social movement, elevate quality of life, and promote positive behaviours and values within society.
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As the UAE officially enters summer − following the hottest May on record, with temperatures topping 50°C − authorities and community groups are stepping up efforts to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. In Dubai, the second year of the Al Freej Fridge campaign − Al Freej means neighbourhood in Arabic − is distributing cold drinks and frozen treats to thousands of frontline workers. As temperatures neared the 40°C mark on Saturday, construction workers from developer Azizi Group received cooling treats from volunteers, including Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Developments, and four of his grandchildren. The campaign, led by neighbourhood community initiative Ferjan Dubai, with support from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the UAE Water Aid Foundation − also known as Suqia − and the UAE Food Bank, aims to distribute more than two million bottles of water, juice and frozen treats to Dubai's frontline workers. Employees including cleaners, construction workers, delivery drivers and landscapers across Dubai are set to benefit from the initiative over the summer months. 'Without these labourers we are nothing. Without them we can't build anything in Dubai.' Mr Azizi told The National. 'I came today to give small gifts to labourers to show them respect.' Ibrahim Al Blooshi, director of sustainability and partnership at MBRGI said: 'Today, we distributed 12,500 items to over 4,000 workers. The initiative will be running until August 23.' Organisers say roaming refrigerated trucks and fixed fridges at worker accommodation ensure consistent access to cold drinks. Volunteers are also using personal vehicles to distribute beverages to sites across the city. Halim Mondal, a 30-year-old Indian carpenter, told The National that it's a good break from his routine work at Azizi Venice construction site in Dubai South. 'Usually, we take break in the afternoon and rest. Today, they asked us to line up for some gifts.' Shahzaib Alaldden, 28-year-old construction worker from Pakistan, said the initiative is a testament that Dubai really cares for its workers. 'I have an ice cream, a bottle of water and juice. It's a beautiful gesture,' Mr Alaldden told The National. 'I've been working in Dubai for six months in Azizi group. With the rise of summer temperatures, our managers make sure that we have enough water and good labour conditions.' The campaign comes as Dubai authorities ramp up enforcement of the midday break rule. The annual ban prevents labourers from carrying out any work under direct sunlight between 12pm and 3pm throughout the three-month period. An estimated half million construction workers in Dubai are expected to benefit from the Ministry of Labour's three-month mandatory midday break regulation this year.
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5 days ago
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Ferjan Dubai launches second edition of Al Freej Fridge humanitarian campaign
With Support from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and in collaboration with Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank UAE, Dubai – Supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), Ferjan Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) and the UAE Food Bank, has launched the second edition of the humanitarian community campaign 'Al Freej Fridge.' The initiative aims to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers across Dubai to help alleviate the effects of summer heat and reinforce the values of solidarity and compassion in the Dubai community. The campaign runs until August 23, covering various areas across the emirate and targeting cleaning and construction workers, delivery drivers, and road and landscaping workers. The goal is to help reduce health risks associated with high temperatures, such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank play a pivotal role in supporting the 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign and advancing its humanitarian goals. Suqia UAE provides large quantities of bottled water for distribution to workers, while the UAE Food Bank offers access to its equipped warehouses for storing water, beverages, and frozen items. It also allocates refrigerated distribution vehicles to ensure safe and timely delivery to workers, in addition to mobilizing its volunteers to participate in on-the-ground distribution efforts. Reinforcing Solidarity Values Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, said: 'The 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign reflects the essence of our mission at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which places people at the heart of its priorities. We aim to reinforce the values of solidarity and compassion within UAE society. This campaign is part of our ongoing support for humanitarian and community-driven initiatives that make a direct difference in people's lives and promote the spirit of human unity.' He added: 'Al Freej Fridge is a model of collaborative humanitarian action, where institutional efforts meet community energy and volunteerism to tangibly improve the quality of life for workers—individuals who play a vital role in advancing sustainable development, especially during the harsh summer months. We deeply appreciate Ferjan Dubai for its outstanding efforts in running this campaign for the second year in a row, and for its ongoing commitment to supporting the Dubai community.' A Message of Gratitude Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai, stated: 'The 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign is one of our grassroots community initiatives, inspired by our authentic values and the spirit of solidarity that defines our society. Originating in Dubai's residential neighborhoods, the campaign embodies a message of gratitude to the workers who play a fundamental role in the progress and prosperity of the Emirate.' She continued: 'Building on the significant success of the first edition in summer 2024, this second edition expands its reach by aiming to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers. Our goal is to help ease the impact of extreme heat during the summer and ensure their wellbeing as they carry out essential tasks across the emirate. We greatly value the fruitful cooperation with our campaign partners, which is instrumental in achieving our goals and delivering this humanitarian message to the target groups in the most effective way.' Campaign Implementation As part of the 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign, Ferjan Dubai deploys refrigerated vehicles that roam various districts in Dubai to distribute water, juices, and frozen refreshments to workers at outdoor working sites. The campaign also includes fixed fridges placed in workers' accommodations, stocked with water, juices, and frozen items, further expanding the initiative's reach to as many beneficiaries as possible, while attracting volunteers from various segments of the society to participate in distribution efforts. 'Al Freej Fridge' also engages volunteers from all segments of society to take part in the distribution efforts. The campaign has encouraged community members to use their personal vehicles to deliver cold beverages to workers, fostering a spirit of cooperation and social unity in the UAE. Campaign partners play a critical role by providing resources and logistical support to ensure efficient execution and widespread coverage across Dubai—maximizing its reach, drawing smiles, and bringing joy to workers' hearts. The first edition of the 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign, held in summer 2024, was a major success, having distributed 1 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to workers in Dubai. The initiative also received widespread support from government entities and private companies. The campaign reflects Ferjan Dubai's efforts to strengthen the commitment of neighborhood residents toward their social responsibility—particularly in appreciation of workers' dedication and hard work. Ferjan Dubai is a social enterprise that aims to empower local communities in Dubai's neighborhoods and foster strong connections and trust between them and public and private institutions. It does so by encouraging volunteerism and community engagement to drive social movement, elevate quality of life, and promote positive behaviors and values within society.
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Ferjan Dubai has launched the second edition of its 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to outdoor workers across Dubai, aiming to ease the impact of the summer heat and promote a spirit of community solidarity. Supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the campaign runs until August 23 and targets cleaning and construction workers, delivery drivers, and road crews—groups most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Key partners include Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank, which provide bottled water, storage facilities, and refrigerated vehicles to ensure safe and efficient distribution. Volunteers from across the community are also engaged in delivering refreshments, using both campaign logistics and personal vehicles to reach workers throughout the emirate. 'This campaign reflects our mission to put people first and reinforce compassion within society,' said Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI. Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai, added that the initiative, rooted in Dubai's neighbourhoods, expresses gratitude to workers whose efforts underpin the city's progress and wellbeing. Following the success of the 2024 campaign—which reached one million workers—this year's expanded effort reflects growing public and institutional support for community-driven action that brings tangible relief and social connection. News Source: Emirates News Agency
