Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has distributed meals to delivery riders at 23 temporary rest areas across the emirate as part of its summer support measures. The initiative, carried out with the UAE Food Bank and Deliveroo, supports riders who spend long hours on Dubai’s roads during the peak summer period. It also forms part of wider efforts to improve delivery rider welfare, with Dubai expanding its network of temporary and permanent rest facilities.
- Location: 23 temporary rest areas across Dubai
- Organisations: Dubai RTA, UAE Food Bank and Deliveroo
- Status: Meals distributed as part of summer rider support initiatives
- Who is affected: Delivery riders working across Dubai
- Business impact: Supports a rapidly expanding delivery sector and its workforce
- What’s next: Temporary facilities support riders during the summer, alongside Dubai’s permanent rest-area network
Dubai RTA has distributed meals to delivery riders at 23 temporary rest areas across Dubai, offering additional support during the summer heat. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank and Deliveroo, with meals made available at designated facilities near bus and Metro stations. The move matters as thousands of riders work across Dubai’s growing delivery sector, while temporary and permanent rest areas provide spaces where they can take a break away from the heat.
Where are the meals being distributed to delivery riders in Dubai?
According to RTA, the meals were distributed through temporary rest areas set up at selected locations across Dubai.
The facilities include locations near several major bus stations, including Gold Souq, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya, Al Qusais and Al Karama.
Some Metro stations are also part of the network, including Centrepoint, Al Furjan, DMCC, BurJuman, Ibn Battuta and e&.
The temporary facilities are designed to give delivery riders access to sheltered spaces during their working day, particularly at a time when outdoor temperatures can become extremely challenging.
RTA said the meal distribution initiative recognises the role delivery riders play in Dubai’s day-to-day economy and supports programmes focused on their wellbeing and safety.
Why does Dubai have 23 temporary rest areas for delivery riders?
The 23 temporary facilities are part of Dubai’s wider summer strategy to support delivery riders.
Earlier this year, RTA announced that the number of temporary rest areas had increased from 15 locations in 2025 to 23 locations in 2026. The expansion added eight new facilities, representing a 53% increase in the number of temporary rest areas available to riders.
The locations were selected to support riders working in busy parts of the city and provide convenient places to stop during the day.
These temporary facilities also complement Dubai’s existing network of permanent delivery rider rest areas.
RTA has previously established 40 permanent air-conditioned rest facilities across Dubai. These spaces include amenities such as seating, drinking water, charging facilities and dedicated motorcycle parking.
Together, the temporary and permanent facilities form part of a broader effort to improve working conditions for people whose jobs require them to spend extended periods outdoors.
How does the initiative support delivery riders during the UAE summer?
The initiative comes during the UAE’s annual Midday Break period.
Under rules announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), certain work carried out outdoors and under direct sunlight is restricted between 12:30 pm and 3 pm from 15 June to 15 September.
The wider summer programme includes measures aimed at reducing the risk of heat stress for outdoor workers.
Delivery riders are an important part of this conversation because their work involves travelling between restaurants, stores and customers throughout the day.
While the nature of delivery work differs from other outdoor jobs, access to rest areas gives riders a place to stop, cool down and take a break during their shifts.
The distribution of meals adds another layer of support to the facilities already available.
Dubai’s delivery sector continues to grow
The expansion of rider facilities also reflects the continued growth of Dubai’s delivery industry.
According to RTA, the number of delivery companies operating in Dubai reached 2,948, marking an increase of around 18% compared with the previous year.
Food, groceries, retail products and other on-demand services have become a regular part of daily life for many residents. That growth has increased the need for a large delivery workforce moving across the emirate every day.
For businesses, rider welfare is also becoming an important part of the wider delivery ecosystem.
The availability of rest facilities can help support safer working conditions, while authorities and delivery platforms continue to focus on measures related to road safety and worker wellbeing.
The collaboration between RTA, the UAE Food Bank and Deliveroo also shows how government bodies, charitable organisations and private-sector companies can work together on practical support initiatives.
Why is rider welfare becoming more important in Dubai?
Dubai’s delivery sector is closely linked to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and growing on-demand economy.
Residents increasingly rely on delivery services for everything from meals and groceries to retail purchases. Behind those services is a large workforce that spends significant time travelling on the roads.
RTA’s investment in rest facilities recognises the changing needs of this workforce.
The initiative is also part of a wider shift towards improving facilities for outdoor and mobile workers, particularly during the UAE’s summer months.
By expanding temporary rest areas from 15 to 23 locations and maintaining permanent facilities across the city, Dubai is creating more dedicated spaces for riders to take breaks during their working day.
For UAE residents, the initiative highlights the infrastructure supporting the people behind the convenience of everyday delivery services.
Delivery riders benefit from access to rest spaces and summer support measures, while delivery companies operate within a sector that continues to expand.
The latest meal distribution is a short-term support initiative, but the wider network of temporary and permanent rest facilities points to a longer-term focus on rider welfare and working conditions.
As Dubai’s delivery economy continues to grow, access to safe and suitable rest facilities is likely to remain an important part of the sector’s development.
FAQs
How many temporary rest areas does Dubai have for delivery riders?
Dubai RTA has established 23 temporary rest areas for delivery riders during the 2026 summer period, up from 15 temporary locations in 2025.
Where are Dubai’s delivery rider rest areas located?
The temporary facilities are located near selected bus and Metro stations across Dubai, including Gold Souq, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Centrepoint, Al Furjan, DMCC, BurJuman, Ibn Battuta and e&.
Who distributed meals to delivery riders in Dubai?
The initiative was carried out by Dubai RTA in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank and Deliveroo.
How many permanent rest areas are available for delivery riders in Dubai?
RTA has established 40 permanent air-conditioned rest facilities across Dubai, providing amenities such as seating, water, charging facilities and motorcycle parking.
When does the UAE Midday Break run?
According to MoHRE, the annual Midday Break runs from 15 June to 15 September, with restrictions on certain outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30 pm and 3 pm.
Dubai’s latest meal distribution initiative gives delivery riders additional support during the summer while building on the city’s wider network of rest facilities. With 23 temporary locations and 40 permanent air-conditioned facilities, RTA continues to expand practical infrastructure for a workforce that plays an increasingly important role in daily life across the emirate.
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