Heavy rains in UAE: Delivery apps limit radius, pause services for safety of riders

[Editor's note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest updates on unstable weather in the UAE ]

Delivery companies across the UAE carefully monitored the situation on Thursday, pausing and delaying deliveries as unstable weather hit large parts of the country. While some suspended deliveries as the rain intensified, others put up notices on their apps asking customers to expect delays. However, all the companies specified that the safety of their delivery riders was the most important thing for them.

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“Rider safety is always a priority,” said Mike Wang, Head of Logistics at Keeta. “We work closely with our delivery partners to provide clear guidance during changing weather conditions, while managing customer expectations through transparent communication. Everyone’s safety is a shared responsibility, and we continuously monitor official guidance from relevant authorities to ensure we operate responsibly and with care.”

On Thursday, torrential rain hit several parts of the UAE including Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai. The heavy downpour caused water logging on several streets and in low-lying areas, slowing down traffic considerably. Dubai resident Sajana Abdulla said she saw several riders taking cover as the rain intensified. “I saw many riders parking their vehicles on the yellow line or in parking areas,” she said. “I also saw some of them waiting on the hard shoulder of an underpass in Business Bay to stay dry. I hope they all stayed safe.”

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A Careem spokesperson said that to keep their delivery riders safe, the company took several steps. “During inclement weather, we work closely with regulators and follow guidance from the relevant authorities,” the statement read. “We also reduce delivery radii to keep trips shorter and use a location-specific approach to pause or resume deliveries based on real-time conditions. We stay in constant communication with captains, providing advance notice when bad weather is expected and sharing safety guidance.”

The statement added that the delivery captains have full flexibility and are never required to take a delivery if they prefer not to. “We also notify customers when delays are expected, ensuring transparency while prioritising captain safety,” it concluded.

Delivery service provider Deliveroo said that they encourage their riders to assess the driving conditions in their area and temporarily log out if they feel unsafe driving. 

“Depending on how different areas are affected, we limit delivery areas to reduce driving distances,” he said. “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.”

Nasreen Abdulla

nasreen@khaleejtimes.com

Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.