Every day, the 'Al Freej Fridge' campaign in Dubai distributes over 35,000 free ice creams, juices, and water bottles. Volunteers use five ice cream trucks, operating in two shifts—morning and evening—to cover ten areas of Dubai daily. Each truck carries about 7,000 items, providing essential relief to outdoor workers such as construction workers, cab drivers, and delivery riders.
The trucks, stationed in busy areas, attract residents with nostalgic ice cream music played through speakers. This initiative, active until August 23, aims to alleviate the impact of high summer temperatures and foster community values of compassion and generosity. The campaign is set to benefit one million workers over its two-month duration.
“It’s a relief to enjoy ice cream and juices in this heat,” remarked Salam Mustafa, a construction worker in Muhaisinah. “The Al Freej Fridge truck is a huge help to us, working in intense heat. Best of all, it’s free. I can enjoy ice cream, juice, water, and snacks, saving me over Dh5. I can have it twice a day and save about Dh10, which amounts to Dh300 monthly,” added Mustafa.
Volunteers begin their day at 8 am, loading trucks with essentials in Muhaisnah and heading to designated areas. “Around 9am, we park and distribute ice creams, juice, and water,” explained Abdullah Omar, a 19-year-old volunteer. “Over the last two weeks, we have delivered over 500,000 items. The smiles of the recipients make our day,” said Abdullah. The campaign, which started two weeks ago, will run until August 23, aiming to distribute a total of 7 million items.
“The cold drinks and ice cream are like a blessing,” said Nicolas, a delivery rider. “Working in the sun all day drains your energy, but this initiative keeps us hydrated and refreshed. It also saves us money that we would otherwise spend on drinks and snacks. I am thankful for this support.”
“We feel valued and cared for, which motivates us to work hard despite the heat,” said Taufeeeq, a construction worker at Al Khawaneej. “The campaign not only helps us cool down but also unites the community. It’s heartwarming to see volunteers taking time to support us.”
“Ice creams and juices are a luxury for us. We rarely consume them. All we think about is saving money and sending it to our loved ones back home so they are happy and live peacefully,” said Huzaifa, a cab driver. “It’s not just a treat for our taste buds but a refreshing agent. I sent photos to my family back home, and they were happy to know about this initiative. I also send the photos in the group so that nearby people can enjoy it,” Huzaifa added.
Launched with support from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, Furjan Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Water Aid Foundation and the UAE Food Bank, the campaign is significantly improving many lives. Furjan Dubai’s refrigerated vehicles tour various areas, distributing refreshments to outdoor workers, with community volunteers ensuring timely relief during tough work hours.
