The Positive Spirit Council at Dubai Police continued the ‘Shade and Reward’ initiative for a fourth week on July 13, 2026, according to official updates from the force. The campaign had reached more than 600 labourers on its first day in June, providing them with essential supplies to combat the heat. Subsequent rounds have maintained the same structure of distribution and education at different sites around the emirate. This weekly cadence has allowed for broader coverage among the labour community.
Workers in the Warsan area, particularly cleaning engineers, were the focus of one recent session, the Dubai Police reported. They were given shade equipment, cold water and rewards as part of the effort to promote better health practices. The initiative also seeks to inform participants about their legal rights and preventive steps against heat stress.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation implements a summer midday break policy that prohibits outdoor work between 12:30pm and 3pm from June 15 to September 15 each year. Figures from the ministry show that this regulation helps protect a workforce where expatriates make up the vast majority in physically demanding roles. High temperatures combined with humidity create conditions where heat-related illnesses can develop quickly without proper precautions. The police initiative works in tandem with this policy to offer direct assistance.
Dubai Police has described the program as a humanitarian effort that fosters positive interactions between law enforcement and the labour sector in its announcements. The ‘Shade and Reward’ name reflects both the physical shade provided and the recognition given to compliant workers. Sessions have been conducted successfully in several locations with plans for continuation through the season.
In addition to the immediate distributions, the campaign includes materials that explain symptoms of heat exhaustion and the value of staying hydrated, according to the Dubai Police. The Positive Spirit Council is responsible for organizing these recurring events as part of its mandate. Overall participation figures have grown with each passing week of the summer campaign.
