Delivery firms in the UAE have halted services in certain regions as thunderstorms, heavy rains, and hail battered the Emirates on Tuesday. Numerous roads have become submerged, with several vehicles seen stranded on flooded streets.
In zones where deliveries persist, customers have been advised to anticipate delays.
“Our drivers have the freedom to arrange their own schedules, enabling them to work when it suits them best without any pressure or enforced shifts,” a company representative stated.
Additionally, the company has restricted the delivery zones for eateries and grocery outlets. “This ensures shorter journeys, safeguarding the drivers who choose to operate while still catering to the majority of our customers. We’ve also implemented a location-based strategy for pausing and resuming deliveries, taking into account weather conditions and driver availability in each area.”
Deliveroo’s app mentioned that customers might encounter “fewer restaurants, grocers, and stores” than they are accustomed to.
In a communication with Khaleej Times, the company explained that its riders evaluate the driving conditions in their respective areas and have the choice to “temporarily log out if they feel unsafe behind the wheel”.
“Depending on the impact on different regions, we restrict delivery zones to minimize driving distances. If weather conditions deteriorate and it becomes unsafe for riders to drive, we promptly suspend operations in all affected areas and proactively notify customers in-app about delays or closures. When the weather improves and it’s deemed safe for riders to resume driving, operations will recommence, and customers will be able to place orders once more,” a company spokesperson elaborated.
