UAE delivery apps are changing how orders are managed during the hottest hours of the day, with platforms including Careem and Talabat updating their systems to better protect riders during summer. The changes follow the UAE’s Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, which restricts outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM from June 15 to September 15.
The annual policy aims to reduce heat-related risks for outdoor workers, encouraging companies to adjust operations while maintaining smooth services for customers.
New Delivery Limits During Restricted Hours
During the midday restriction, delivery riders cannot be required to work if they choose not to. Those who continue working during this period will have limits on their assignments to reduce heat exposure.
Riders are restricted to a maximum of three orders per trip, with the total delivery time capped at 60 minutes. Foot deliveries are also not permitted during these hours.
Careem has updated its dispatch system to automatically adjust rider assignments based on availability and the new safety limits. Customers may notice longer estimated delivery times during the afternoon window as the platform prioritises rider safety over speed.
Talabat has also introduced changes to help riders manage their shifts while ensuring they have access to support facilities.
Cooling Stations Available Across the UAE
More than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations with drinking water are available for delivery workers across the UAE. These cooling points, provided through government and private sector partnerships, can be accessed through interactive maps within rider apps.
Careem’s Captain app helps riders locate nearby rest areas, while Talabat’s rider app provides reminders and tools to plan breaks around available facilities.
For customers, these updates may result in slightly longer delivery times during peak afternoon hours. However, the changes reflect a wider effort to create safer working conditions for delivery workers while keeping essential services running throughout the UAE summer.
