In the previous news report here, a survey revealed how online food orders will increase throughout Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, despite the fasting. Most of the food orders will be coming from customers who are celebrating their iftar.
But what about the delivery riders who also want to celebrate? Are they going to continue working? Absolutely not.
Time off
For instance, Careem, the Dubai-based super app, will offer captains or drivers to manage their schedules, so they can pause work when they want to fast or otherwise continue working if they feel they need to.
Careem Food’s Jaskaran Singh, its vice president, told the media, "During Ramadan, we anticipate areas and restaurants that are particularly busy during iftar and ensure there are enough captains available nearby to meet the demand. We give our captains the freedom to manage their own schedules so they can pause work during iftar if they are fasting or continue working if they are not. As a gesture of appreciation, Careem colleagues in the UAE and Jordan are organizing iftars three times a week for our captains.”
Well-being
Not only will the riders get the chance to take some time off, but platforms are also taking initiatives to protect their well-being.
Deliveroo UAE will support its riders during Ramadan, recognizing the adjustments they will be making during this period.
"This is a time of devotion, and we admire our riders who fast while on duty. They can break their fast at their convenience and log out for iftar,” said a spokesperson for Deliveroo.
The company is encouraging its riders to visit its “Roo Vans” and Edition Sites, where they can pick up complimentary iftar meals and special Ramadam gift boxes. Their restaurant partners are generous enough to contribute thousands of free or discounted meals for their riders throughout the Ramadan affair.
Free meals
But wait, there are more. There’s also a partnership between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and talabat UAE, known as the Ramadan Hero Meals campaign, which allows customers to provide meals for delivery riders across Dubai. Yes, it is a way to help customers give back to the community. After all, Ramadan is more than just fasting and sacrificing, but also giving back to the community, self-reflection, and immersing yourself in community life.
To elaborate, the Ramadan Hero Meal campaign lets customers provide meals for delivery riders throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Not only this, but participating restaurants will also offer specially curated menu items at reasonable prices.
talabat is one of the world’s leading online food delivery services operating in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq. This platform seamlessly connects customers with their favorite restaurants.
Partnership with restaurants
Restaurants are also making an effort to help delivery drivers. For instance, Dodo Pizza UAE has launched its yearly Ramadan charity campaign, which pledges more than 3,000 iftar boxes for its delivery drivers. These include wraps, dates, and water.
“This Ramadan, we wanted to create something meaningful that embodies the spirit of generosity and gratitude,” stated Walid Yehya, Dodo Pizza’s UAE operational director. “Delivery drivers are the backbone of our business. They make life easier for everyone, and this initiative is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work.”
With them is Aminia Restaurant in Al Karama, which will also provide complimentary iftar food packs for delivery riders during Ramadan from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Riders can pick up iftar boxes containing a sumptuous, freshly prepared meal that can provide sustenance as they continue on with their shift during this time of fasting.