[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog for the latest updates as the UAE deals with heavy rains and unstable weather conditions.]
As the UAE braces for a fresh burst of storms on Thursday and Friday, delivery workers continue to ride through flooded streets with rain-soaked attire to deliver orders. One video, shared with Khaleej Times, shows a Talabat delivery rider soldering on as the street is engulfed in rainwater, reaching up to half of the motorcycle the rider is on.
Delivery companies say riders are not required to take in orders and drive in these weather conditions, and that their safety is of utmost importance.
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In response to the aforementioned video, Talabat confirmed to Khaleej Times that it was an isolated incident and does not reflect how the delivery company operates.
“The safety of our riders is and will remain our top priority. During heavy rainfall, we proactively pause operations in areas where conditions are unsafe, in line with our safety protocols and local authority guidance,” it said.
Talabat added that its riders aren’t obliged to continue delivering in unstable weather conditions if they don’t feel safe, adding that they can “go offline at any time without consequence.”
“Decisions are made in real time based on live data, on-ground input, and continuous monitoring of conditions, which can change quickly across locations. Any incidents identified are reviewed immediately and addressed,” it said in a statement to Khaleej Times.
“Riders receive practical road safety guidance during challenging weather, while customers in affected areas of the UAE are notified in-app of potential delivery delays. Our teams continue to closely monitor conditions across the seven emirates and adapt operations as needed to ensure safety remains front and centre.”
Limited delivery areas
Deliveroo, another online food delivery company, said it is monitoring the situation and continues to receive updates on the ground from agency riders and its operations teams.
“Depending on how different areas are affected, we limit delivery areas to reduce driving distances,” the company said in a statement. It also said that Deliveroo riders are encouraged to temporarily stop delivering should they feel unsafe riding in these conditions.
“If weather conditions worsen and it’s no longer safe for riders to drive, we immediately pause operations in all affected areas and proactively inform customers in-app about delays or closures. When the weather improves and it’s safe for riders to start driving, operations will resume and customers will be able to place orders again,” it said in the statement.
The country experienced days of unstable weather this past week, which induced some private companies to allow their employees to work from home. Some, like food delivery riders and other blue-collar workers, continued work, though with safety measures.
UAE authorities have repeatedly urged the private sector to take precautionary steps to protect employees during adverse weather. On Monday, it emphasised that private companies should consider the safety of workers, especially labourers and other employees who work outdoors, during these conditions.
