Dubai: Dubai Police has reached 120 workers through its “Sun Protection” initiative, providing practical guidance and support to help them protect themselves from heat stress and the health risks associated with direct exposure to the sun.

Organised by the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Institutions in cooperation with the Positive Spirit Council, the community initiative forms part of Dubai Police’s efforts to promote quality of life in the workplace, strengthen occupational health and safety awareness, and encourage preventive practices during periods of high temperatures.

Protecting Workers in the Heat
Colonel Hamad Rashid Al Marri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Institutions, said the initiative reflects Dubai Police’s humanitarian approach and its commitment to translating social responsibility into practical initiatives that benefit different segments of the community.
He stressed that protecting workers’ health and safety is an important part of creating a safe and supportive working environment.
“The initiative aims to increase awareness of proper preventive practices and enable workers to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from heat stress and direct exposure to sunlight, particularly during periods of high temperatures,” Colonel Al Marri said.

He added that awareness should be linked to practical measures that workers can apply in their daily working environment, helping make prevention a shared responsibility.

Turning Awareness into Daily Habits
Fatima Bohjair, Chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council and Head of the Cultural Diversity Section at the General Department of Community Happiness, said the initiative is part of a wider series of community programmes implemented by the Council in cooperation with general departments, police stations and partners.
She explained that the Council aims to reach different segments of society with simple, practical awareness messages tailored to the nature of their work and needs.
Protecting workers from sun exposure, she said, requires more than providing information. Preventive measures need to become sustainable daily habits that support workers’ health, safety and quality of life.

Hydration, Rest and Protection
The initiative included workshops and awareness sessions explaining the health risks associated with direct and prolonged exposure to heat.

Workers were advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure whenever possible, take appropriate rest periods, stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water and fluids, and use suitable protective measures while carrying out outdoor duties.
At the conclusion of the initiative, umbrellas and hydration supplies were distributed to the workers, combining awareness with practical support and reinforcing the importance of prevention and workplace safety.