Dubai volunteering team renews ice cream distribution drive for second summer, targeting over 19,000 workers.
UAE residents are being invited to volunteer in a summer initiative aimed at bringing relief and appreciation to workers, as Dubai’s volunteering team returns with its ice cream distribution campaign for a second year, targeting more than 19,000 blue-collar workers across the emirate.
Organised by the Spread Kindness Volunteering Team under the slogan “Beat the Heat with the Cool Treat,” the initiative is registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA) and seeks to spread kindness during the summer months.
“We saw the dedication and effort of our blue-collar brothers working outdoors and wanted to do something simple that could provide immediate relief and bring a smile to their faces,” said Ayesha Ismail, founder of the team, in an interview.
From a few friends to a citywide initiative
The team’s journey began in 2015, when a small group of friends and family members started carrying out acts of kindness under the name Open Arms. This year, the group rebranded as Spread Kindness and registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA) to expand its outreach and take on larger community initiatives.
“Our mission remains the same: turning compassion into action, one person at a time,” Ismail said.
Each distribution day begins with a safety and hydration briefing before volunteers wear their jackets and travel to work sites with an ice cream van. The team coordinates with site supervisors and distributes treats to workers during their breaks.
“We hand them a cold ice cream and say a simple ‘thank you for building our city’. In that moment, you see the heat fade and a smile appear,” Ismail said. “Sometimes they take a photo with us; sometimes they simply say shukran. But every time, it reminds us why we’re here.”
How residents can take part
Residents interested in joining the initiative can volunteer by registering through the CDA Volunteer Portal or the DubaiNow app and searching for “Spread Kindness.” Volunteer hours will be officially recorded by the Community Development Authority, and participants will receive a certificate for their contribution.
“Whether it’s two hours or the full day, come bring a smile and say thank you to the people who build our city,” Ismail said.
Those who prefer to support the campaign financially can contribute through the team’s partnership with the AES Community Care Club, which is organising two ice cream distributions on Sunday, July 26, and Sunday, August 23, starting at 12pm. Locations will be announced later. Contributions begin at Dh30 per person and are paid directly to the campaign’s ice cream supplier, rather than the volunteer team.
Beyond the ice cream drive, the team also conducts a weekly meal distribution for workers every Saturday in Al Nahda 1 from 11.15am to 12.30pm. The initiative is part of broader summer efforts supporting outdoor workers, including campaigns such as the Al Freej Fridge initiative and Dubai’s long-running midday work break programme, now in its 22nd year.
“It’s not about the ice cream. It’s about dignity, respect and connection,” Ismail said.
Residents wishing to volunteer or contribute can contact the team on 056 312 7666.
