The Truck and Fleet Middle East towers of power face a small park which often finds itself doubling up as a rest-stop for bike delivery riders wearing orange or green t-shirts. Most of them look exhausted by the time they sweat and loiter there.
Motorcycle delivery services in the UAE may have revolutionised the logistics and delivery industry, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of the Emirates, but we haven’t done a very good job in looking after them.
It’s noticeable to me that they rarely talk to each other. Take the uniforms and the pads off (well those that wear them) and they would resemble the hollowed out homeless that strew across Europe’s open spaces. Those folks always look tired too but then they rarely have to find shade as the mercury heads north of 40oC.
These nimble two-wheelers weave through the bustling city streets of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, bypassing the snarls of traffic to deliver everything from important documents to hot meals at worryingly breakneck speeds. This mode of delivery requires a respect for the urgency of time-sensitive demands, reflecting the dynamic pulse of the UAE’s economy, and our appetite to have what we want, when we need it.
At the Fleet and Mobility Summit earlier this year, Yango Delivery had to face a series of questions about rider safety and training. The perception, even in a savvy fleet environment, was that they have become dangerous pests on the roads that put their lives on the bottom line to get to the next delivery.
I don’t blame them for wanting to break where they can. It must be exhauting. The relentless pace can take a considerable toll on the riders. Long hours on the road, high temperatures, especially during the summer months, and the pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can lead to rider exhaustion, both physically and mentally.
This not only jeopardises their health and safety but can also affect road safety and service quality. It’s critical for employers to ensure sustainable work schedules, provide adequate rest periods, and enforce strict safety measures. They also need to encourage their riders to take advantage of rest-stops such as the 356 new air conditioned areas the UAE is putting out there.
We must always ensure fair working conditions, because addressing rider exhaustion is not just a labour issue but also a social one, reflecting on the values of the community and its care for its workforce.
