UAE-Based Delivery Drivers Continue Delivering Food Amid Missile Threats

The armed conflict and missile attacks affecting the Gulf region have not paralysed on-demand delivery services. Delivery partners were reported to continue operating on UAE streets to deliver residents’ orders amid sirens and the threat of falling missile debris. The UAE Ministry of Defence notes that the air strikes, which began on 28 February, have left 3 dead and 58 injured. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has even issued a remote-working recommendation for the private sector from 1 to 3 March, except for essential jobs requiring physical presence. Although most missiles and drones were halted by air defence systems, the interception process still carries the danger of debris falling to land. However, not ordering food could keep couriers outdoors longer to meet their daily targets. As reported by KompasTekno from Wired, an anonymous driver from the Deliveroo platform revealed that he works under the auspices of a third-party logistics agency. If he refuses to work or fails to meet the daily delivery quota, the agency will impose a fine on him. Ironically, the partner says he has not yet received any safety guidance from the company regarding the ongoing airstrikes. The app’s pay system is generally heavily dependent on performance. Uber, the ride-hailing and delivery service, pays partners based on each pickup, delivery, distance travelled, and customer tip. Refusing orders will directly impact their income drastically. In its official statement, Careem, the on-demand service, claims to continuously evaluate the safety of their operational areas in real time. The company says it has provided immediate safety updates and guidance to their partners (whom they call Captains) via WhatsApp groups and SMS. Careem also emphasises that partners are not required to be online if they are concerned about their safety. Amid this crisis, Careem notes a sharp surge in orders for staple goods such as mineral water, rice, pasta, and fresh produce. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Uber confirmed that their services, including UberEats, remain fully operational in the region. They say driver safety is their top priority and that their operations are aligned with local government recommendations.