The platforms powering your deliveries are part of a UAE-wide plan to keep riders safe in the heat

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that more than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations will be made available to delivery workers across the country this summer, in what is now the fourth consecutive year the initiative has run. The stations are equipped with basic amenities and will be operational throughout the UAE’s Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy window from June 15 to September 15, during the daily midday work ban, which runs from 12.30pm to 3.00pm.

What makes this year’s rollout particularly well-considered is the logistics behind it. Unlike construction workers, who are typically stationed at a fixed site during restricted hours, delivery riders are constantly on the move. To address this, workers can locate their nearest rest station in real time using interactive maps on their phones, meaning that whichever part of the country they’re in, a space to cool down is never far away.

The initiative is a genuinely broad coalition effort. The RTA in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and the Departments of Economic Development across the emirates are all involved, alongside Emarat petrol stations and major delivery platforms including Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, Careem, and Keeta. Restaurants, shopping malls, retail stores, and cloud kitchens have also signed on, meaning rest points are woven into the fabric of the city rather than limited to dedicated facilities.

What is the midday work ban?

Each year, the UAE implements a midday outdoor work ban for construction workers, preventing work during the peak hours of the summer heat between June 15 and September 15. From 12.30pm until 3pm, work under direct sunlight is prohibited, with employers required to ensure workers have access to shaded areas during breaks and exempted operations.

Should you see any violations, you’re encouraged to report it through the MoHRE call centre on 600 590000, as well as through its official website and app.

Image: wam