Food delivery services suspended in UAE due to unsafe weather

Dubai: Food delivery platforms suspended operations on Friday as unstable weather made road travel hazardous, forcing companies to prioritise rider safety.

The decision followed hours of heavy rainfall, high winds and low visibility that disrupted several areas. Users of major delivery apps such as Noon, Talabat, Keeta and Careem reported that restaurant listings appeared inaccessible or showed no available delivery options. While some platforms continued to display menus, order placement was restricted until services could resume safely.

The disruption coincided with warnings from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which confirmed that the country was under the peak impact of the Al Bashayer low-pressure system. Areas in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah had already experienced heavy rain, with deteriorating conditions expected in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Forecasts indicated scattered rainclouds accompanied by lightning and thunder, with a possibility of hail in some regions. Dust storms and rough seas were also reported, reducing visibility and affecting marine operations in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Delivery riders, many of whom operate on motorcycles and scooters, face heightened risks during such conditions. Waterlogged streets, slick surfaces and sudden wind shifts pose serious hazards, prompting service providers to take precautionary measures.

Authorities have advised continued caution as adverse weather is expected to persist into the weekend.