TL;DR
- UAE police distribute cold drinks, ice cream, and umbrellas to workers during extreme heat.
- Authorities provide safety tips and raise awareness on preventing heat-related illnesses.
- A midday ban on outdoor work protects laborers during the hottest hours of the day.
As the UAE faces scorching summer temperatures reaching nearly 45ºC, outdoor workers are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. To help, UAE police have launched several initiatives to support laborers during this extreme heat season. From distributing free ice creams, cold drinks, and laban to handing out umbrellas, the police are taking practical steps to keep workers cool and safe. These efforts align with government measures like the midday work ban, designed to protect outdoor laborers from the hottest hours. This summer, the UAE is focused on worker safety and wellbeing in the face of intense heat.
Cool Relief: What the Police Are Handing Out
In Ajman, police officers have been distributing cold water, laban (a yogurt drink), juice, and small cups of ice cream to laborers and passersby. This simple act provides immediate comfort and relief from the heat. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort, building on last year’s campaign called ‘We Come to You, Our Summer is Cool,’ where officers visited various labor sites to support workers.In Dubai, a similar program called the ‘shade and reward’ initiative provided 300 laborers with free umbrellas. This effort took place at Al Eyas Police Point and aimed to protect workers from direct sunlight during work hours. Besides the umbrellas, authorities shared practical advice about staying hydrated, preventing heatstroke, and highlighted workers’ legal rights and available services.
Last Year’s Efforts to Beat the Heat
The UAE police have been supporting outdoor workers during summer for several years. In 2023, the ‘We Come to You, Our Summer is Cool’ campaign saw officers visiting multiple labor sites to hand out cold water, juices, and other refreshments. This helped thousands of workers stay hydrated and comfortable despite the harsh weather.In Dubai, the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police launched the Soqia initiative, which provided cold water and juice to over 600 workers. These ongoing efforts focus on promoting kindness and community spirit while protecting workers from heat-related illnesses.
How Workers Can Stay Safe
Preventing heat stress is crucial in the UAE’s extreme climate, so managing hydration, rest, and body temperature is essential to protect outdoor workers.
- Drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Wear light, breathable clothes and use sun protection.
- Take breaks in shaded or cool areas regularly.
- Use cooling tools like wet towels or fans when possible.
The Midday Work Ban
The UAE enforces a midday work ban from June 15 to September 15. Outdoor labor is prohibited between 12:30pm and 3pm, the hottest part of the day. This policy, now in its 21st year, aims to reduce heat stress risks for workers exposed to direct sunlight. It’s a crucial step in protecting health and preventing heat-related illnesses.
How Police Efforts Help Workers in the Heat
Police distribution of cold refreshments and umbrellas may seem small, but these gestures have real benefits. Staying hydrated and protected from the sun reduces the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Simple acts like handing out ice cream or cold drinks provide immediate relief and show care for the wellbeing of outdoor workers. The police’s message goes beyond just handing out items, they encourage workers to stay safe, rest when needed, and protect themselves from the harsh midday sun.People can also join in by volunteering to hand out cold drinks and ice cream through the Al Freej Fridge project. It’s a community-driven effort to keep laborers cool during the harsh summer months.
