RTA to build Dubai rest spots for delivery riders

UAE businesses asked to submit bids to construct rest areas in three locations

Delivery motorcyclists in Dubai, who will soon be able to pull up at designated roadside areas. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai’s delivery riders will soon have designated resting areas.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a tender for the construction of three integrated rest stops in the emirate.

The stations will be on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Festival Plaza at Jebel Ali Village, at Port Saeed next to Al Muraqabat Street 22, and at Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 2 near Al Manama Street.

The aim is to provide basic services for riders such as maintenance, refuelling, rest areas and restaurants.

The RTA will provide educational material about public safety and quality regulation at these sites, it said in a statement.

The project is in line with RTA’s efforts to regulate and enhance the safety of the delivery business, which has boomed in the past few years.

The RTA said there were 2,891 delivery service companies in Dubai as of December, an increase of 48.3% compared to 2021. In addition, there are more than 36 online delivery companies operating through smart platforms and applications.

A sharp rise in accidents involving delivery motorcyclists in recent years has prompted authorities to launch a string of initiatives such as issuing professional rider certificates, service excellence awards and workshops to educate drivers on traffic laws.

Delivery drivers issued with safety rules - in pictures

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  The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has issued a manual explaining the regulations covering delivery riders on Dubai streets. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  New rules aim to make the roads safer for them and other users of the road. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Delivery riders in the emirate are not allowed to use backpacks for deliveries. Victor Besa / The National

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  Drivers must also wear a protective helmet. Photo: Deliveroo

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  Delivery drivers wait at a red light in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National