Dubai completes construction of 20 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the construction of 20 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders, out of a planned total of 40, in several key locations across the Emirate. The initiative aims to enhance road safety, foster well-being, and reduce the risks of road incidents. By providing these facilities, RTA seeks to offer comfortable amenities to delivery riders while waiting for new orders, thereby increasing their overall happiness rating, and encouraging them to comply with traffic laws and regulations.

Traffic Safety

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said, “RTA is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for delivery drivers. This initiative aims to enhance traffic safety for all road users and achieve the targeted indicators of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy with its ‘Zero Fatalities’ vision to rank Dubai the best in the world in terms of traffic safety.

"The construction of rest areas aligns with the significant growth in the delivery sector in recent years, addressing the public's increasing demand for goods. As of the end of last June, the number of companies providing delivery services by motorcycles in Dubai reached 2,535 with a total of 40,088 delivery bikes in operation.

“The locations for the rest areas were selected through an analysis of operational data and by studying areas with the highest demand for delivery services, in coordination with delivery companies.

As a result, rest areas have been constructed in the following areas: Hessa Street, Al Barsha Heights, Al Barsha, Al Karama, Riggat Al Buteen, Umm Suqeim (Jumeirah 3), Jumeirah (Al Wasl Road), The Greens, Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Rashdiya, Al Satwa, Nad Al Hamar, Al Nahda, Oud Metha, Arabian Ranches, International City, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Al Jaddaf, Mirdif, Last Exit Al Khawaneej, Dubai Motor City, and Al Garhoud.

"The external design of the rest areas was carefully planned to minimise the impact of sunlight inside while ensuring adequate insulation without obstructing the view. Each rest area features an air-conditioned space for drivers to rest, equipped with snack vending machines, a water dispenser, and a mobile phone charging station. Each rest area can accommodate up to 10 people, depending on the specific location. A sufficient number of motorcycle parking spaces were provided next to each rest area,” added Al Tayer.

Delivery Service Excellence Award

RTA has established an integrated structure for the delivery sector to ensure excellence in the provision of services to the public. Key initiatives include issuing professional certificates for delivery drivers. In 2022, RTA launched the Delivery Service Excellence Award to foster competition among companies and delivery drivers.

The overall objectives of the award are to improve traffic safety, promote adherence to traffic laws and regulations, and enhance the quality of services offered by companies to customers. The winners of the inaugural session were honoured at the beginning of this year.

Categories and Selection Criteria

The Delivery Service Excellence Award consists of two categories, the first is for companies aiming to honour the Top 3 companies in delivery services as well as the Top 3 companies in delivery services via smart platforms and applications. The second category is for drivers and is designed to honour the Top 100 professional drivers.

Rigorous criteria have been set to select the best delivery companies highlighted by the adherence to safety, quality, health and environment standards and other stipulations set by RTA including adopting the best international practices, applying modern technologies, ensuring continuous training and qualification, and contributing to customer satisfaction.

The criteria for the best driver include the driver’s file being free of complaints, violations, and incidents in addition to an assessment of the employee performance and keenness to enhance the quality of the delivery service and support the growth within an environment that cares for safety and security.