This Dubai campaign is handing out 2 million free ice creams and drinks to workers this summer

Dubai’s "Al Freej Fridge" campaign has returned for its second year, and it’s going bigger this time. The 2025 edition will distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to outdoor workers across the emirate, doubling last year’s numbers.

The initiative, running until August 23, is organised by Ferjan Dubai in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), Suqia UAE, and the UAE Food Bank.

The campaign includes deploying mobile refrigerated trucks and fixed fridges across worker hubs. “Building on last summer’s success, we’ve expanded our goals for 2025,” said Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai.


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Why are free icecreams being distributed across the Emirate?

The campaign is critical as temperatures in the UAE soar during peak summer, putting thousands of outdoor workers at risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.

Many of these workers, from the construction, landscaping, and delivery sectors, perform physically demanding tasks under the blazing sun, often with limited access to cooling facilities.

The initiative seeks to reduce heat-related health risks by providing easy access to cold water and refreshments while highlighting the city’s ongoing commitment to worker welfare and community solidarity.

The initiative also invites volunteers and residents to participate by delivering items using personal vehicles or helping restock designated fridges at labour accommodations.

She added that this would ease the burden of extreme heat on workers who play a vital role in keeping the city running.

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Private sector support has further amplified the effort. Azizi Developments, led by Mirwais Azizi, contributes by distributing refreshments and over 100 tonnes of ice daily to various worker camps and construction sites.

Azizi described the initiative as part of a long-term commitment to recognising and supporting the workforce that powers the country’s infrastructure and services.

Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank provide the logistical backbone of the project, from water supply to cold storage and transportation. The campaign’s organisers describe it as a model for humanitarian collaboration, combining institutional support with grassroots volunteerism.

“We see Freej Fridge as more than just a summer project,” said Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI. “It’s about community and compassion, and acknowledging the people who work in the harshest conditions to support Dubai’s growth.”