Today's Edition
SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
Across the UAE, delivery riders form an integral part of daily life, supporting commerce and enabling seamless access to goods and services for residents.
As their presence on the roads continues to grow, authorities in Abu Dhabi are increasingly prioritising rider safety, rolling out measures aimed at improving working conditions, enhancing road safety awareness, and minimising traffic incidents.
As part of the latest measures, Abu Dhabi is set to ban motorcycles from Friday, May 15, on roads with speed limits of 120km/h or higher. The ban will eliminate the presence of most two-wheelers, which are commonly used by delivery riders, on highways in the capital, as well as on Sheikh Zayed Street on the stretch between the Sheikh Zayed Bridge and the Sheikh Zayed Tunnel.
The emirate's public transport authority, the Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility), said the regulation is aimed at enhancing road safety, protecting delivery riders, and improving traffic flow on key routes.
The newest directive reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to the wellbeing of workers and residents in the emirate, with AD Mobility implementing several measures to enhance rider safety on the emirate's roads ever since delivery services became a vital part of the UAE's urban logistics ecosystem.
In June 2023, the authority mandated that delivery riders only use the rightmost lanes on roads with a speed limit of 100km/h or higher, and announced a plan to set up more than 2,800 parking spaces across Abu Dhabi city for delivery bikes, as well as 200 spaces in Al Ain.
The authority continues to organise regular training programmes for delivery motorcyclists to increase awareness of traffic laws and safe riding practices.
Riders are required to complete a written assessment following the training, and must also present valid certificates of good conduct that are renewed annually.
Last year, AD Mobility also inaugurated two new rest stops for delivery riders, located in Abu Dhabi's Rabdan area and Shakhbout City, as part of its Summer Without Accidents campaign. The rest stops feature shaded and air-conditioned areas with comfortable seating, along with drinking stations and charging points for electronic devices, providing riders with a safe and comfortable space to rest during working hours.
In addition to ensuring their overall comfort and well-being, traffic authorities also issue regular advisories and safety notifications in order to keep delivery riders safe.
This March, for instance, as Abu Dhabi experienced a spell of rainy days, Abu Dhabi Police's Traffic and Patrols Directorate urged riders using motorcycles to suspend operations during periods of inclement weather.
The advisory was shared in multiple languages, and highlighted the heightened risks of riding two-wheelers during the rain.
The Police also conduct regular safety workshops for riders, in collaboration with AD Mobility, service providers, and food delivery services.
Speaking to Aletihad, riders said they feel safe while working in the emirate with the support measures and regulations in place.
"I have been a rider in Abu Dhabi for five years, and I am grateful for the opportunity. We are always kept informed about the traffic and safety guidelines in place, and can always avail of rest areas across the city for a quick break during working hours," said Asad Ali.
Akter Shehzad added: "My work mainly sees me supporting two food delivery apps in Abu Dhabi during the evening hours. I have to say that I find Abu Dhabi roads to be particularly safe."
