DUBAI: Delivery riders in Dubai now have reserved chairs in selected public waiting areas, giving them a clear place to rest between orders.
Signs placed above the seats identify them as reserved for delivery riders.
The message appears in both Arabic and English, making the purpose of the space easy to understand for riders, residents and visitors.
The reserved seating is a simple addition, but it addresses a common problem faced by riders who spend long hours travelling between restaurants, shops and customers.
Instead of waiting outdoors or standing near busy entrances, riders can take a short, structured break in a marked space.
A practical response to Dubai’s summer heat
Delivery work can be physically demanding, especially during the hotter months.
Riders may spend much of their shift outdoors while wearing helmets and other protective gear.
Regular rest and hydration can help them stay alert while riding.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, or RTA, has advised riders to drink water regularly, take enough breaks and use suitable protective equipment.
In August 2026, the authority also launched a summer safety campaign that includes health checks, rider education and 5,000 kits with cooling towels, hand fans and protective supplies.
The programme is expected to reach more than 70,000 delivery riders across Dubai, according to the official RTA announcement.
Rest facilities are expanding across Dubai
The reserved seats add to Dubai’s wider network of rider facilities.
RTA confirmed in June that 40 permanent air-conditioned rest areas were ready for summer use.
These shelters provide riders with shade and a safer place to recover between trips.
The authority also allocated 23 temporary rest locations at bus and metro stations in June 2026.
An earlier group of shelters included water dispensers, mobile phone charging points and nearby motorcycle parking.
RTA said its rider programmes aim to reduce heat-related risks, support safer road use and improve working conditions.
What riders and residents should know
The bilingual signs make it clear that the marked chairs are intended for delivery workers.
Residents should leave these seats available, especially during periods of intense heat and high delivery demand.
Specific locations for the newly marked public seats have not yet been listed in an official announcement.
Riders should follow posted signs and watch RTA’s official channels for updates on rest facilities and summer safety support.
