Riders allowed to pause work in storms as UAE delivery firms prioritise safety
Customers warned of delays as services adjust to storm conditions
DUBAI – As heavy rain and thunderstorms swept across the UAE, delivery riders continued navigating flooded streets and reduced visibility to fulfil orders. However, leading delivery companies have clarified that riders are not required to work under unsafe weather conditions.
The issue came into focus after a video showed a rider continuing through deep floodwater, sparking concerns about worker safety during extreme weather.
Safety first
Delivery platform Talabat confirmed that rider safety remains its top priority. The company stated that operations are proactively paused in areas where weather conditions pose risks.
Riders are not obliged to continue deliveries during heavy rain and can choose to go offline at any time without facing penalties.
The company emphasised that decisions are made in real time, based on weather data, ground conditions and official guidance.
Operational changes
Another major platform, Deliveroo, said it closely monitors conditions and adjusts operations accordingly.
Measures include:
- Limiting delivery areas to reduce travel distances
- Temporarily pausing services in affected zones
- Informing customers of delays through the app
If conditions worsen, operations are halted entirely until it is safe for riders to resume work.
Rider support
Companies stated that riders receive practical safety guidance during adverse weather. This includes advice on navigating wet roads, handling reduced visibility and recognising when to stop working.
Real-time updates allow operations teams to respond quickly as weather conditions change across different emirates.
Service disruption
Heavy rain has impacted delivery services across the UAE, with fewer restaurants available on apps and longer waiting times reported.
Flooded roads, strong winds and low visibility have made it difficult for riders to operate safely, leading to reduced service coverage in several areas.
The situation has also prompted broader workplace adjustments. Some private companies allowed employees to work from home during the unstable weather period.
Authorities have urged employers to prioritise worker safety, particularly for outdoor roles such as delivery riders and construction workers.
Ongoing monitoring
Delivery firms continue to monitor weather conditions closely, adapting operations as needed to ensure safety remains the primary focus.
As the weather improves over the weekend, services are expected to gradually return to normal, depending on local conditions across different parts of the UAE.