Delivery riders are essential to fulfil the appetites of millions of residents, but their work conditions are far from easy. An indispensable workforce in the Emirates, delivery men brave the weather conditions on roads throughout the year to serve residents. Ever since the pandemic, there has been a boom of nearly 48% in home deliveries, highlighting their vital role in daily life. Being a ubiquitous part of modern life, Dubai promises to build Rest Stations to ensure delivery boys stay comfortable and healthy on every assignment.
As the owner of a home relocation company in UAE – E-Movers, I’m personally touched by this noble initiative and applaud the Dubai government for its considerate thinking. In this article, I emphasize the measures taken to ease the life of delivery riders in the city and share my thoughts on how we as residents can contribute towards this noble gesture.
Dubai’s RTA intends to erect rest spots for delivery riders in designated areas, namely Sheikh Zayed Road, Port Saeed and Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 2. The project aims to enhance the well-being of riders by giving them a safe place to rest and recharge. These well-thought-of rest corners would provide air-conditioned spaces for riders to relax or dine during stops, along with maintenance and refuelling services. A choice of restaurants, chilled drinking water and charge points are added benefits.
Always on the move, finding a place to rest turns into a great struggle, especially in the heat and riders end up under a tree, in mosques or malls. The Riders Stations’ dedicated space is the Emirate’s way of giving back and thanking delivery boys for their hard work under the sun or rain, which is integral to keeping the country moving.
Recent news in other parts of the world has highlighted the miserable ways delivery boys are treated and non-appreciated. Riding under the scorching sun to far-off locations and plagued by traffic a late delivery is turned down of cancelled adding to their woes. The kindness and compassion shown to delivery riders by Dubai leaders will surely go a long way in opening our hearts to the hardships these workers face and be ever thankful for their services that provide our needs sitting in air-conditioned spaces.
Let us be supportive by respecting these heroes, showing kindness, and accepting slightly late orders. We can also lessen their misery in our own way by offering them a glass of chilled water, juice or some fruit. As the Managing Director of E-Movers, renowned packers and movers in Dubai, I also call on residents to extend similar support to supermarket delivery boys as well as movers and packers as these services are for crucial a comfortable life.