Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it has invited businesses in the UAE to build new rest stops for delivery motorbike riders across the emirate. The tender invitation reaffirms the RTA’s commitment to support the government’s drive to expand private partnerships and enhance knowledge-sharing and expertise exchange.
According to the tender invitation, the rest stops will be built in three key locations across Dubai. The first will be located on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Festival Plaza at Jebel Ali Village, the second will be at Port Saeed next to Al Muraqabat Street 22, and the third will be at Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 2, close to Al Manama Street.
The RTA aims to improve delivery drivers’ experience by providing the basic services they need, such as maintenance, refueling, rest areas, and restaurants. In addition to this, the RTA will also provide educational material on public safety and quality regulations.
Delivery riders in Dubai
The project is in line with the RTA’s efforts to regulate and enhance the safety of the delivery business, which has witnessed significant growth rates in the past few years. As of December 2022, the number of delivery service companies in Dubai had reached 2,891, recording a growth rate of 48.3% compared to the previous year. Additionally, over 36 online delivery companies operate through smart platforms and applications in Dubai.
Permanent and temporary rest stops
The RTA has also laid out plans to construct permanent and temporary rest stops for drivers to meet the rapid growth of the sector. The delivery business holds investment prospects capable of stimulating Dubai’s economy and generating benefits that would enable investors to achieve feasible returns on their investments, besides enhancing the leading role of Dubai in this vital market sector.
In addition to building rest stops, a range of initiatives have been launched to improve the efficiency and safety of this essential business sector. These include issuing professional rider certificates, Delivery Service Excellence Awards, and workshops to familiarize drivers with traffic laws for their safety and the safety of other road users. The RTA is committed to building and strengthening relationships with delivery service providers to address their daily challenges and promote joint ventures to upgrade the delivery market, which will facilitate business practices in Dubai.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
