Heavy rains in UAE: Food deliveries delayed amid unstable weather

Some food and grocery delivery services have paused deliveries in some areas due to the adverse weather the country experienced on Sunday. Food delivery companies noted that some orders may be delayed or paused to ensure the safety of their delivery workers. 

In the mid-morning hours on Sunday, Khaleej Times saw dozens of food delivery riders stationed on the side of Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) heading towards Dubai. The delivery company Talabat issued an advisory on the app earlier about a delivery pause, citing riders’ safety.

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Deliveroo, another online food delivery company, put out a statement warning that customers may see limited options. “Due to poor weather conditions and to ensure the safety of our riders, you may see fewer restaurants, grocers, and stores that you’re used to, and your order may take longer than usual to arrive,” it said.

In a statement to Khaleej Times, Deliveroo said, "Depending on how different areas are affected, we limit delivery areas to reduce driving distances. And 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.” It added that operations resume when the weather improves and is safe for the riders.

"Riders are also encouraged to assess the driving conditions in their area and temporarily log out if they feel unsafe driving," it added.

Careem, which delivers orders alongside its ride-hailing services, also noted that deliveries may take longer than usual. 

Unstable weather

Residents awoke on Sunday morning to cloudy skies and rainfall in some areas, namely on the coast and in the northern parts. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the country is expecting unstable weather throughout the entire week, with temperatures dropping to 13ºC. It issued an advisory earlier, urging members of the public to follow guidelines as the country goes through this period.

Hind Aldah

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hind@khaleejtimes.com

Hind Aldah covers business, tech, crypto and all that jazz for a younger audience. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.