The UAE’s compassionate community spirit shines once again as Ferjan Dubai, in collaboration with Suqia UAE and the UAE Food Bank, officially launches the second edition of the “Al Freej Fridge” humanitarian campaign, supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
Running until August 23, the initiative aims to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats to outdoor workers across Dubai—including sanitation staff, construction workers, and delivery riders—to mitigate health risks during peak summer temperatures.
A Collective Humanitarian Effort
The initiative reflects a growing culture of volunteerism and social responsibility in the UAE. Ferjan Dubai, a social enterprise dedicated to community empowerment, first launched the campaign in 2024 with remarkable success—distributing 1 million drinks.
This year’s expanded campaign builds on that impact. Suqia UAE is supplying large volumes of bottled water, while the UAE Food Bank is facilitating storage and cold-chain logistics through its warehouse network and refrigerated vehicles. Volunteers, including everyday residents using their own vehicles, are at the heart of the campaign’s delivery force.
Speaking on the occasion, Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at MBRGI, emphasized that the campaign exemplifies MBRGI’s mission to “put people at the heart of development” and promote “values of compassion and unity.”
He praised Ferjan Dubai’s leadership, noting that “Al Freej Fridge is a model of collaborative humanitarian action, where institutional efforts meet community energy and volunteerism to tangibly improve quality of life for workers.”
Gratitude Through Action
Ferjan Dubai’s Director, Alia Al Shamlan, underscored the cultural relevance of the initiative: “The campaign is rooted in authentic Emirati values. It represents a message of gratitude to those who work tirelessly to maintain the progress and prosperity of our city.”
In addition to roaming refrigerated trucks, stationary fridges have been placed at worker accommodations across the city, stocked with beverages and cold items. The goal is to ensure wide accessibility and enable residents to contribute by replenishing fridges or helping with delivery efforts.
The campaign also seeks to foster cross-community participation, with schools, families, and local businesses encouraged to join as volunteers or sponsors. According to Ferjan Dubai, this not only amplifies the campaign’s reach but also strengthens the community’s sense of unity and shared purpose.
Beyond the Numbers
Beyond the distribution of millions of beverages, the “Al Freej Fridge” campaign carries a deeper message—that compassion and collaboration are cornerstones of the UAE’s societal fabric. It provides a platform where public institutions, private entities, and residents come together to directly impact the wellbeing of the people who keep the city running, often under the harshest conditions.
The campaign’s enduring popularity and expanding scale are testaments to the success of grassroots initiatives powered by empathy and solidarity—values that continue to define Dubai’s evolving social landscape.
