In time for Ramadan…
Traffic stacks up, the countdown begins, they wear no crowns and seek no fame, yet they are the shawarma in the shadows, the cool-headed warriors who brave the sweltering heat, the poke bowls that fuel the lands of men… Dubai’s motorcycle delivery drivers are a different breed – navigating a red-light rodeo and scorching temps to bring your food at breakneck speeds.
Despite facing endless challenges, theirs is often, quite literally, a thankless job. So, if you’re able, show some appreciation and tip them where you can. And if they’re running a bit late – cut them some slack. You’ll never know what kind of wild ride they’ve had to make sure your convenience stays on track.
License to chill
Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has acknowledged the massive effort these drivers put in every day, and they’ve now wrapped up the creation of 40 air-conditioned shelter spaces just for delivery riders.
Inside these rest areas, located in high-traffic restaurant zones across the emirate, drivers can refill their reusable bottles with water, recharge their devices at charging stations, and relax in comfy seating.
You’ll find these shelters in spots like Al Barsha, Arabian Ranches, International City, Business Bay, Al Quoz, Al Karama, Al Satwa, Al Jaddaf, Mirdif, and beyond.
Each rest area can host up to 10 drivers at a time, with plenty of motorcycle parking available outside.
As part of RTA’s initiative to regulate and improve safety within the delivery sector, they’ve begun constructing 40 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders in key locations around Dubai. Each rest area comes with air conditioning, snack dispensers, and water coolers… pic.twitter.com/dOeeM26Y3Z
— RTA (@rta_dubai) November 5, 2023
This is all part of an initiative aimed at making the roads safer for everyone, with a Zero Fatality goal, while also enhancing quality of life and providing crucial services for delivery riders.
Pour favour
It’s not just the intense heat that makes things tough for delivery drivers. Any driving conditions that reduce visibility—like fog, mist, or sandstorms—or make roads harder to navigate, like wind-blown sand or rain, can put vehicles, especially motorcycles, in danger.
With rain on the way this week, let’s take a moment to appreciate these knights of the road. Be patient, be kind, and maybe pause for a second and ask yourself how urgently you need that chicken mayo baguette before hitting that order button.
