With summer temperatures soaring, an initiative in Dubai has been launched to mitigate the effects of the intense heat and promote compassion within the community. The ‘Al Freej Fridge’ campaign involves distributing over 35,000 ice creams, juices, and water bottles for free across the city daily. Utilizing five ice cream trucks, volunteers cover ten areas of Dubai each day, providing relief to residents working outside, including construction workers, cab drivers, and delivery riders.
Each truck carries approximately 7,000 ice creams, juices, water, and snacks daily, offering much-needed refreshments to those enduring the scorching heat. The campaign, which runs until August 23, aims to reach one million workers in its two-month duration. The trucks attract residents with the nostalgic jingle of ice cream music playing over speakers, making the initiative a memorable experience for those who receive relief from the summer heat.
The campaign has garnered positive feedback from beneficiaries, with construction worker Salam Mustafa expressing his gratitude for the free refreshments provided by the Al Freej Fridge truck. Such initiatives not only offer relief from the heat but also help individuals save money that they would otherwise spend on purchasing cold drinks and snacks. The distribution efforts are carried out in ten areas daily, with volunteers starting their work at 8 am in the morning and delivering over 500,000 pieces in the last two weeks alone.
Volunteers like Abdullah Omar, a 19-year-old, have been actively involved in distributing the ice creams, juices, and water to residents in different areas of Dubai. The campaign, which began two weeks ago, is set to continue until August 23, with a target of distributing a total of 7 million pieces. The initiative has been well-received by delivery riders like Nicolas, who describe the cold drinks and ice cream as a blessing, keeping them hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.
Workers such as Taufeeq, a construction worker, and Huzaifa, a cab driver, appreciate the value and care they feel from the community through initiatives like the Al Freej Fridge campaign. The distribution of ice creams and juices not only provides a refreshing treat but also brings the community together and motivates individuals to continue working hard despite the challenging conditions. Launched with the support of various organizations, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, the campaign is making a tangible difference in the lives of many individuals working outdoors in Dubai.
