UAE expands rest stations for delivery riders during summer

Dubai: The UAE is set to significantly increase the number of rest stations for delivery riders this summer, with plans to open 6,000 stations across the Emirates. This initiative is in collaboration with various government entities and private-sector companies, enhancing the comfort of delivery personnel during the intense heat of summer.

Starting June 15, a nationwide ban on outdoor work will be enforced from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. daily, lasting until September 15. This ban, aimed at protecting workers from extreme temperatures that can rise to 50 degrees Celsius or higher, restricts any labour in direct sunlight or open-air areas.

An interactive map will be introduced to assist delivery drivers in locating these rest stations easily, ensuring they have access to shaded areas and cooling equipment during their mandatory breaks. This move is part of a broader effort to safeguard those in the delivery sector, who often transport temperature-sensitive goods and cannot pause deliveries even during the midday break.

The initiative builds on a project from the previous year, which provided 365 rest stations. Major delivery companies like Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon and Careem are involved, alongside new participants such as restaurants, shopping centers, retail stores and cloud kitchens.

Now in its 20th year, the annual midday break rule mandates that companies provide necessary facilities to combat the heat, under penalty of fines reaching up to Dh5,000 ($1,360) per worker and Dh50,000 for multiple infractions. However, there are some exemptions to this regulation, reflecting its flexible enforcement tailored to different industrial needs.