As summer temperatures soar up to an intense 50°C in the UAE, local authorities are taking proactive steps to ease the burden of the extreme heat on residents, especially during sensitive occasions like funerals. In a thoughtful move, Al Ain City Municipality has installed portable air conditioners at key cemeteries to provide relief for mourners.
Cooling Solutions at Cemeteries for Funeral Attendees
Al Ain Municipality has set up these portable coolers in major cemeteries, including the well-known Al Sarooj Cemetery. The aim is to create a more comfortable and respectful environment for grieving families and attendees during funeral prayers.An Emirati citizen shared his experience on Instagram after visiting Al Sarooj Cemetery. He was initially surprised to see several large air coolers near his father’s grave. “I went to visit my father’s grave and noticed several large air coolers. I initially thought the family of a deceased person had arranged them,” he said. Upon inquiry, the cemetery guard informed him, “the coolers were provided by Al Ain Municipality, free of charge, to make it easier for people to bear the heat during funeral prayers.”Expressing gratitude for this initiative, the visitor added, “Thank God for the blessings of the Emirates and the generosity of its wise leadership.”This initiative clearly highlights the municipality’s commitment to community welfare and improving the quality of public services during harsh weather conditions.
Broader UAE Initiatives to Combat Summer Heat
Beyond cemetery coolers, the UAE government has implemented several measures to address heat-related challenges during the scorching summer months:
- Midday Work Break: To protect outdoor workers, a mandatory midday break is enforced daily from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. This measure, in place until September 15, prohibits outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day.
Heat Exhaustion Awareness Campaigns : Nationwide educational programs and free health checkups are conducted to raise awareness about heat-related illnesses and promote worker safety.- Support for Blue-Collar Workers: Many organisations offer free classes and health initiatives to ensure that workers can stay safe and productive throughout the summer.
- Air-Conditioned Rest Stations: Over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations have been set up across the UAE specifically for delivery service workers. Workers can easily locate the nearest rest station using interactive maps on their delivery apps.
Humanitarian Efforts to Support Workers in Extreme Heat
In addition to structural and policy initiatives, there are also humanitarian campaigns aimed at providing direct relief to workers enduring the harsh sun:At large construction sites, workers regularly receive cold water, juice, and frozen treats as a welcome respite from the heat. The Al Freej Fridge campaign, now in its second edition, distributes thousands of bottles of water, juice, and ice cream to construction workers, providing not only physical relief but also a gesture of care and appreciation.
