Water Aid Initiative Expands Summer Relief for UAE Workers

An AED 11.5 million (USD 3.1 million) Water Aid initiative is expanding access to drinking water and cooling facilities for outdoor workers across the UAE during the peak summer months, as temperatures regularly exceed 40°C.

Led by the Emirates Red Crescent, the initiative will install shaded areas, insulated water containers and water coolers at public transport stations. The programme also includes maintenance of water coolers at mosques through a partnership with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. Beyond the UAE, the initiative will fund the installation of water storage tanks and distribution networks in communities facing water shortages.

The Emirates Red Crescent said the programme supports its humanitarian objectives while encouraging additional partners to expand its reach and increase the number of beneficiaries both within the UAE and internationally.

The initiative complements other summer worker welfare measures already in place. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation continues to enforce its annual midday work ban for outdoor labour from June 15th to September 15th, while Dubai's Al Freej Fridge campaign is distributing two million bottles of cold water, juice and ice cream to workers through September 3rd. The campaign, launched by Ferjan Dubai with support from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, deploys four refrigerated vehicles and more than 200 Emirati volunteers to reach worksites and labour accommodation across the city.

Separately, the Roads and Transport Authority has established around 40 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders, equipped with drinking water dispensers, mobile phone charging points and seating for approximately 10 riders each.