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Free meals, option to log out: Dubai delivery riders get time off during iftar
As food orders increase around iftar time — by at least 20 per cent — some companies have launched initiatives to ensure their riders also get time to break their fast
- PUBLISHED: Thu 6 Mar 2025, 5:30 AM
For CareemFood Captain Abdul Rahman, Ramadan holds a special place. A delivery rider for nearly seven years, he hasn’t had the chance to break fast with his family during the holy month. He is, however, "grateful that he gets to take time off for iftar".
Abdul Rahman was referring to Careem allowing its delivery riders to pause work for iftar if they are fasting. The delivery rider breaks his fast at a mosque — with colleagues or alone. “It’s important to take that break and reflect.”
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A report by Ipsos UAE highlighted how food delivery sees a 20 per cent increase in orders during Ramadan. As the orders increase around iftar time, some companies have launched initiatives to ensure their riders also get time to break their fast.
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"During Ramadan, we anticipate areas and restaurants that are particularly busy during iftar and ensure there are enough captains available nearby to meet the demand. We give our captains the freedom to manage their own schedules so they can pause work during iftar if they are fasting or continue working if they are not. As a gesture of appreciation, Careem colleagues in the UAE and Jordan are organising iftars three times a week for our captains,” Jaskaran Singh, VP of Careem Food, told Khaleej Times.
Other delivery companies in the UAE are also adopting similar measures, ensuring wellbeing of riders. Deliveroo, an online food delivery company, is focused on supporting its riders during Ramadan, recognising the adjustments they make during this period.
"This is a time of devotion, and we admire our riders who fast while on duty. They can break their fast at their convenience and log out for iftar,” said a Deliveroo spokesperson.
The company encourages riders to visit its ‘Roo Vans’ and Edition Sites, where they can pick up complimentary iftar meals and special Ramadan gift boxes. “Our restaurant partners have generously contributed thousands of free or discounted meals for our riders throughout Ramadan.”
Industry support
Various restaurants are also stepping up to aid delivery drivers. Dodo Pizza UAE has launched its annual Ramadan charity campaign, pledging over 3,000 iftar boxes for its delivery drivers. These boxes include wraps, dates, and water.
“This Ramadan, we wanted to create something meaningful that embodies the spirit of generosity and gratitude,” said Walid Yehya, Dodo Pizza's UAE operational director. “Delivery drivers are the backbone of our business. They make life easier for everyone, and this initiative is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work.”
Another restaurant, Aminia Restaurant in Al Karama, is providing complimentary Iftar food packs for delivery riders throughout Ramadan from 5pm to 6.30pm daily. Riders can pick up boxes of iftar which contain a sumptuous, freshly prepared meal designed to provide the hydration and sustenance they need to continue their demanding shifts. The restaurant anticipates distributing at least 1,000 Iftar boxes during the month, with the capacity to accommodate more riders if needed.
Speaking on the initiative, Kabir Azhar and Asher Azhar, directors of Aminia, emphasised that Ramadan is one of the busiest times of the year for the food industry, with delivery riders often struggling to find time to break their fast as they work to ensure timely meal deliveries for others. They highlighted that this initiative aims to provide riders with a moment of relief and a nourishing meal, acknowledging their hard work and dedication throughout the holy month.