To enhance road safety, promote the well-being of riders, and reduce the chances of accidents on the road, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to build 40 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders in strategic locations throughout the city. These facilities are intended to provide comfortable amenities for delivery riders when they are waiting for new orders. It aims to boost their satisfaction and encourage them to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
In terms of the rest areas, the outer structure of these rest areas has been designed to minimise the effects of sunlight while ensuring adequate insulation, all without obstructing the view. Each rest area is air-conditioned and comes equipped with amenities including a snack dispenser, water cooler, and a mobile phone charging station. Depending on the district, each of these facilities can accommodate up to 10 individuals and offers ample motorcycle parking spaces nearby.
Commenting on this and adding more about traffic safety, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said, “Traffic safety is a top priority and RTA is keen to implement the traffic safety strategy in place for the emirate aimed to rank Dubai a global leader in traffic safety. The construction of these rest areas is part of RTA’s efforts to provide a proper working environment for delivery riders, given the substantial growth of the delivery business in recent years to meet the public demand for goods."
The choice of rest area locations for delivery riders is determined through a detailed analysis of operational data, and it involves identifying the areas with the greatest demand in collaboration with delivery companies.
Based on the study conducted, there are plans to establish multiple rest areas in various Dubai districts, including Arabian Ranches, International City, Business Bay, Al Quoz, Al Karama, Al Satwa, Al Jaddaf, and Mirdif. The RTA has already finished building two rest areas in Al Barsha, and the rest will be constructed in three phases. The goal is to have all the rest areas up and running by July 2024.