10,000 Air-Conditioned Rest Shelters Rolled Out for Delivery Drivers
Backed by transport and labour authorities, the initiative helps gig workers rest at app-integrated, air-conditioned stops.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has launched a summer initiative to provide over 10,000 air-conditioned rest shelters for delivery drivers across the UAE. Rolled out ahead of the annual midday work ban, the shelters aim to improve working conditions for thousands of gig economy workers exposed to extreme heat during peak summer months.
The shelters are being installed in high-demand areas near restaurants, shopping malls, fuel stations, and cloud kitchens—offering accessible break spaces for drivers who often work long shifts without fixed rest points. The number of shelters this year marks an increase from the 6,000 provided in 2023.
The initiative is being implemented in coordination with key local bodies, including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre, and economic development departments across the emirates. Several fuel providers—such as Emarat—are also contributing space for the shelters.
Major delivery platforms including Talabat, Careem, Deliveroo, and Noon are integrating shelter locations into their apps, allowing drivers to locate the nearest rest points in real time.
The project supports ongoing enforcement of the UAE’s midday work ban, which prohibits outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM from June 15th to September 15th. Employers must also provide shaded areas, cold drinking water, and first aid supplies. The public is encouraged to report violations through MoHRE’s hotline, mobile app, or website.
