To protect delivery riders from the intense summer heat, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has significantly bolstered its support network by establishing 23 temporary rest areas across the city. Strategically placed near major metro and bus stations, these facilities offer a safe haven for riders during the mandatory midday work ban, which restricts outdoor labor from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm between mid-June and mid-September. This year’s expansion represents a 53 percent increase in capacity, ensuring that workers have access to comfortable spaces to recharge while they wait for their next delivery assignments.

The initiative goes beyond just providing shelter, as the RTA and its partners have prioritized the overall well-being of the workforce. At various bus station locations, the UAE Food Bank, in collaboration with Deliveroo, is distributing hot meals to riders to keep them nourished during the grueling summer months. By expanding these facilities and supporting the nearly 3,000 delivery companies now operating in the emirate, the RTA aims to improve road safety, reduce heat-related illnesses, and recognize the vital role these workers play in sustaining Dubai’s fast-paced digital economy.