Intense showers on 14 December forced leading delivery apps Talabat, Deliveroo and Careem to suspend or throttle services across large parts of Dubai and Sharjah. Scores of two-wheeler riders parked along the E311 corridor after in-app advisories instructed them to log off for safety reasons. Customers experienced wait times exceeding 90 minutes and reduced restaurant availability.
Deliveroo told Khaleej Times that its safety protocol requires closing specific delivery zones when wind speed exceeds 30 km/h or sustained rainfall lasts more than 15 minutes. The company uses real-time meteorological feeds and GPS rider telemetry to trigger the shutdown algorithm and automatically notifies customers.
![Food- and Parcel-Delivery Platforms Pause Operations as Rain Batters UAE Roads]()
E-commerce warehouses in Jebel Ali reported minor outbound-parcel delays as trucks queued behind surface-water pumping operations. While most corporate relocation shipments move by sea or air, last-mile disruption is a reminder that extreme weather can derail everyday services relied upon by newly arrived assignees.
HR teams with duty-of-care obligations were advised to broadcast safe-travel notices to employees who ride motorcycles or drive economy sedans with worn tyres. Insurance brokers said any rider injured while working on a tourist or visit visa could face claim denials, highlighting the importance of correct work-permit status even for gig-economy roles.
Deliveroo told Khaleej Times that its safety protocol requires closing specific delivery zones when wind speed exceeds 30 km/h or sustained rainfall lasts more than 15 minutes. The company uses real-time meteorological feeds and GPS rider telemetry to trigger the shutdown algorithm and automatically notifies customers.
E-commerce warehouses in Jebel Ali reported minor outbound-parcel delays as trucks queued behind surface-water pumping operations. While most corporate relocation shipments move by sea or air, last-mile disruption is a reminder that extreme weather can derail everyday services relied upon by newly arrived assignees.
HR teams with duty-of-care obligations were advised to broadcast safe-travel notices to employees who ride motorcycles or drive economy sedans with worn tyres. Insurance brokers said any rider injured while working on a tourist or visit visa could face claim denials, highlighting the importance of correct work-permit status even for gig-economy roles.
Source: Khaleej Times
