As temperatures continue to soar during the UAE summer, The UAE Lottery joined forces with SmartLife Foundation to support outdoor workers through the Cool Bus Shelter initiative, providing a welcoming space where they could pause, cool down and recharge during the country’s mandatory midday break.
The UAE’s official Midday Break requires outdoor work to stop between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM, helping protect workers from the risks associated with extreme summer temperatures.
As part of the initiative, air-conditioned buses were stationed near labour sites, giving workers access to a safe and comfortable environment to rest before returning to work.
A team of volunteers from The UAE Lottery and SmartLife welcomed workers into the Cool Bus Shelter, offering cold towels, cold water and refreshing drinks, while creating an atmosphere of appreciation and genuine human connection. To help extend that comfort beyond the break, workers also received portable rechargeable neck fans, providing continuous airflow and added relief as they resumed their work outdoors.
Speaking during the initiative, Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director – Corporate Social Responsibility at Momentum- The UAE Lottery, said: “Outdoor workers are the backbone of our cities’ urban development, and initiatives like the Cool Bus Shelter ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve during the most challenging months of the year. This is our small way of saying thank you and reminding them that their wellbeing truly matters”.
“At SmartLife Foundation, we believe that protecting the wellbeing of outdoor workforce is a shared responsibility. Through the Cool Bus Shelter initiative, we are proud to collaborate with organizations such as The UAE Lottery and other community partners to create moments of comfort, appreciation and human connection that leave a lasting impact”, said Abhijeet Oak, Vice President at SmartLife Foundation.
The initiative reflects The UAE Lottery’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful social impact through its H.O.P.E. program by supporting initiatives that promote health and wellbeing, create opportunities, and protect the environment, in partnership with organisations making a tangible difference across the UAE.
The UAE Lottery continues to champion practical, people-centred initiatives that improve lives, promote inclusion, and recognise the invaluable contributions of those who help build a stronger, more connected community.
