As temperatures climb in the UAE this summer, Dubai residents are mobilizing to make the season more bearable for labourers and outdoor workers. A culture of offering water and snacks is spreading throughout the emirate.
Social media influencers are leveraging their platforms to inspire followers to take action. Many have posted videos showing boxes filled with ice, water bottles, and juice packets left for delivery drivers enduring the extreme heat. Alaa Abo Holy, an influencer with over 185,000 Instagram followers, shared a post encouraging her audience to participate. “The weather these days is really difficult. It doesn’t hurt to show kindness to those who are working hard in the heat,” she said. Her followers have responded positively, replicating her efforts.
A Community of Helpers
Across the UAE, numerous villas now have water coolers outside their residences, providing relief for anyone in need. Mohammed Hussein emphasized the importance of supporting labourers, especially during the intense summer months. He set up a cooler in front of his house and urged others to follow suit.
Yacoub Hussein Al Jasmi installed a water cooler in 2017 during the construction of his house, inspired by the many workers he saw nearby. He noted that setting up a cooler was straightforward and inexpensive. “The water filter needs to be changed every two months to keep the water clean,” he said, stressing the importance of regular maintenance. Some workers mentioned the cooler’s base was too small, so Yacoub plans to install a larger one to make filling bottles easier.
The Dubai government is also contributing through the Dubai Can initiative, launched in 2022 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This project has installed 46 water fountains across the city, including locations like Kite Beach, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai.
Compassion and Generosity
Mosques in the emirate have fridges stocked with food and water, thanks to local residents. Abdulrahman Hamad shared, “Whenever I try to put water in the fridge, it’s always full. People bring dozens of water boxes so the fridge is never empty.”
The ‘Al Freej Fridge’ campaign is distributing cold water, juices, and ice cream to workers across several Dubai neighborhoods. Running until August 23, this campaign aims to help one million cleaners, construction workers, delivery riders, and agricultural workers stay cool.
Adhering to Regulations
Authorities remind residents to follow regulations when setting up water coolers. In Abu Dhabi, installing public coolers without municipal approval is prohibited. In Sharjah, coolers must be within the house or building compound, with only the water pipe and faucet exposed outside.
These efforts reflect the values of compassion and giving, showing that small acts of kindness can significantly impact those enduring the harsh summer heat.
