What happened?
Careem and Talabat have reduced rider assignments during the UAE’s mandatory midday work restriction period, limiting deliveries and adjusting dispatch operations to protect riders from extreme summer temperatures.
Who is affected?
Delivery riders, customers using food and grocery delivery apps, and businesses relying on delivery services across the UAE.
Why does it matter?
The changes support the UAE’s Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy while helping delivery platforms protect riders’ health without completely stopping services.
UAE delivery companies have changed how they operate during the summer midday work ban to protect riders from extreme heat. In line with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s (MoHRE) Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, Careem and talabat have introduced dispatch limits, adjusted delivery timings and expanded rider support measures across the country. The updated operations remain in effect daily from 12:30 pm to 3 pm until September 15, ensuring delivery services continue while prioritising rider safety during the hottest part of the day.
Why are UAE delivery companies changing dispatch timings?
The operational changes follow MoHRE’s annual summer heat regulations, which prohibit outdoor work under direct sunlight and in open areas between 12:30 pm and 3 pm from June 15 to September 15.
The policy is part of the UAE’s long-running initiative to reduce heat-related illnesses among outdoor workers during peak summer temperatures.
Under the regulations, delivery riders cannot be compelled to work during the restricted period, while companies must provide access to cooling facilities, drinking water, first-aid equipment and heat awareness guidance.
Foot deliveries also remain prohibited during the restricted hours.
How have Careem and Talabat changed delivery operations?
To comply with the regulations, both delivery platforms have introduced operational changes designed to reduce rider workload without suspending deliveries altogether.
According to Careem, its dispatch system now automatically limits riders to a maximum of three active orders during the restricted hours. The combined delivery duration for those assignments cannot exceed 60 minutes, helping prevent riders from spending extended periods outdoors.
The platform also adjusts estimated delivery times shown to customers. Notifications explain that slightly longer waiting times are part of the company’s rider safety measures rather than operational delays.
Similarly, talabat has reduced rider assignments during the restricted period while continuing deliveries under revised schedules.
These measures aim to ease pressure on riders while maintaining service across restaurants, grocery stores and retail partners.
What support are riders receiving during the summer?
Beyond limiting deliveries, both companies have expanded their summer welfare programmes.
More than 12,000 air-conditioned cooling stations are now available across the UAE through government and private-sector partnerships. Riders can locate the nearest rest area using maps integrated into the Careem Captain App and the talabat rider app.
Talabat has also introduced:
- Weekly health check-ups
- Care packages containing electrolytes, wet wipes and hygiene products
- Hydration reminders through the rider app
- Rest stop events with cold refreshments
Careem has continued its annual summer safety programme by providing heat stress awareness training and access to free professional medical support through the Pakistan Association Dubai. Riders also receive beverages and snacks supplied through company partnerships during the summer months.
These initiatives are designed to help riders recognise early signs of heat exhaustion while encouraging regular breaks throughout their shifts.
How is the UAE ensuring companies follow the rules?
MoHRE continues to monitor compliance through smart inspection systems and field inspection campaigns across the UAE.
Delivery companies are required to educate riders about heat safety, ensure they know where nearby cooling stations are located and provide the necessary equipment to work safely during the summer.
Authorities have also expanded digital monitoring in recent years to strengthen enforcement and improve compliance across businesses employing outdoor workers.
The UAE has implemented midday work restrictions for more than two decades, making the programme one of the region’s longest-running worker protection initiatives.
Each year, the policy is updated with additional safety measures that reflect changing work environments, including the rapid growth of app-based delivery services.
How does it benefit customers and businesses?
Customers ordering food, groceries or retail items during the restricted hours may notice slightly longer delivery times.
However, the changes are intended to balance customer convenience with rider wellbeing. Instead of encouraging faster deliveries, companies are extending estimated arrival times and reducing the number of simultaneous assignments given to each rider.
For restaurants and retail businesses, deliveries continue as usual, although peak lunchtime orders may take slightly longer than normal.
The revised operations allow delivery platforms to remain compliant with UAE labour regulations while continuing to support thousands of businesses that rely on delivery services every day.
Why It Matters?
The updated delivery rules benefit everyone involved in the delivery ecosystem.
- Riders receive better protection from extreme summer temperatures.
- Customers continue receiving deliveries with transparent timing updates.
- Businesses can continue serving customers while remaining compliant with national regulations.
- The UAE reinforces its commitment to worker welfare through one of the region’s most comprehensive heat protection programmes.
The revised dispatch measures will remain in place until September 15, after which delivery platforms are expected to return to normal operating schedules unless authorities announce otherwise.
FAQs
Why are UAE delivery apps changing delivery timings?
Careem and Talabat have adjusted dispatch operations to comply with MoHRE’s summer heat safety regulations, which restrict outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 3 pm.
Until when will these rules remain in effect?
The Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy is active from June 15 to September 15, 2026.
Will customers experience longer delivery times?
Yes. Customers may notice slightly longer estimated delivery times during restricted hours as rider assignments are reduced.
How many orders can riders receive during the restricted period?
Careem has confirmed riders are limited to a maximum of three active orders, with a combined delivery duration of no more than 60 minutes during the restricted hours.
What facilities are available for delivery riders?
Riders have access to more than 12,000 air-conditioned cooling stations, hydration support, health checks, medical assistance and heat safety guidance.
The UAE’s summer heat regulations continue to evolve alongside the country’s growing delivery industry. By reducing rider assignments, expanding access to cooling stations and strengthening welfare initiatives, companies like Careem and talabat are helping protect delivery workers while ensuring essential services continue across the country during the hottest months of the year.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
