Watch: Dubai honours 200 riders and top firms at delivery excellence awards
Expanded initiative spotlights workforce welfare and professional road conduct
DUBAI – Dubai’s delivery sector took centre stage as 200 riders and leading service providers were recognised at the second Delivery Sector Excellence Award, jointly organised by the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police.
The ceremony, held at the Dubai Police Officers Club, honoured standout performance in safety, service quality and regulatory compliance across one of the emirate’s fastest-growing transport segments. Officials said the initiative, the first of its kind in the region dedicated to delivery riders, is designed to strengthen professional standards while reinforcing road safety and occupational welfare across the sector.
The award was launched following an analytical study of driver behaviour during delivery operations, forming part of broader regulatory efforts to structure and improve performance in the rapidly expanding industry. Authorities stated that the programme serves as a tool to embed measurable standards in a sector that plays an increasingly central role in Dubai’s commercial and logistics transport ecosystem.
التزاماً برفع مستوى الجودة والتميز في تقديم الخدمات للمتعاملين، كرّم معالي مطر الطاير المدير العام ورئيس مجلس المديرين في #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات، ومعالي الفريق عبدالله خليفة المري، القائد العام لـ #شرطة_دبي، الشركات العاملة في قطاع توصيل الطلبات وسائقي دراجات التوصيل، الفائزين… pic.twitter.com/Xx5ex3go71
— RTA (@rta_dubai) January 29, 2026
Delivery sector awards
In the Best Delivery Company category, ELITE Zone Delivery Services secured first place. ZONE Delivery Services followed in second, while ZAJEL Logistics Services took third position. In the Best Delivery Company via Platforms and Smart Applications category, DB L.L.C – Delivery Hero (Talabat) claimed first place, CAREEM Delivery Services ranked second and Motoboy Delivery Services placed third.
A total of 200 professional riders were honoured, marking a doubling of awardees compared with the first edition. The breakdown included 50 riders in the Gold category, 60 in Silver and 90 in Bronze. Authorities noted that the value of rewards was increased in line with the level of excellence achieved, reflecting performance records and adherence to operational and traffic regulations.
Majid Al Futtaim Group received the Best Partner Award, a category introduced in this edition to recognise entities supporting the delivery sector beyond core operations. The Group was acknowledged for contributing to RTA’s strategic objectives aimed at enhancing quality of life for riders. This included supporting the provision of water dispensers at several rider rest areas operated by RTA and ensuring their regular maintenance to maintain consistent service standards.
Safety drive
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, described the award as one of the regulatory tools used to embed safety, quality and sustainability standards across fast-growing operational sectors. He said the delivery industry has become a core pillar of Dubai’s commercial and logistics transport framework, requiring governance that balances service efficiency with the protection of lives and improvements in quality of life.
Al Tayer said RTA works closely with strategic partners, particularly Dubai Police, to develop a regulated and safe operating environment for the sector. This includes flexible legislation, clearly defined professional standards and incentive programmes that promote compliance and reward excellence. These measures, he noted, align with the pace of urban economic growth and efforts to strengthen public confidence in delivery services.
He added that investment in occupational safety, rider empowerment and operational efficiency supports the sustainability of the sector while reinforcing Dubai’s competitiveness and its position in the regulation and management of smart, integrated transport systems.
Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said traffic safety remains one of the force’s core strategic pillars and continues to be a top policing priority. He linked the initiative to the Dubai Road Safety Strategy, which aims to reduce traffic incidents, injuries and fatalities while achieving high safety standards across the emirate’s road network.
Rise in participation
Al Marri said the delivery sector’s rapid expansion and extensive reach require operating models that enhance compliance, oversight and awareness. Recognising outstanding performers, he noted, demonstrates Dubai Police’s approach to encouraging responsible traffic behaviour while strengthening institutional partnerships that contribute to a safe and sustainable transport environment.
He added that ongoing coordination with RTA involves activating high-impact initiatives, deploying smart systems and implementing targeted awareness and training campaigns for delivery bike riders. These efforts are focused on protecting riders and other road users while advancing the broader objectives of the Road Safety Strategy.
The current edition of the award recorded a 20 per cent increase in applications compared with the first edition. Authorities said a clear and transparent evaluation mechanism was established to ensure fair assessment of both companies and riders. The process was carried out by specialists from RTA in collaboration with Dubai Police, reflecting a joint oversight model.
Selection standards
The award framework adopted detailed criteria for selecting winners. For companies, these included compliance with safety, quality, health and environmental standards, adherence to RTA requirements, application of global best practices, use of modern technologies, continuous training and qualification, and contributions to customer satisfaction.
Criteria for riders centred on maintaining a clean record free of complaints, traffic violations and accidents, alongside performance evaluations. The approach aimed to highlight consistent professional conduct and alignment with safety and operational benchmarks.
The ceremony also featured a video presentation outlining the award’s launch, objectives, significance and judging committees. Committee members and subcommittee teams were recognised during the event, followed by a group photograph of the honourees as proceedings continued at the venue.