Zomato to stop food delivery from Nov 24

Zomato's food ordering feature in the UAE will be discontinued from November 24. Customers looking to order food on the Zomato app will be redirected to Talabat.

Some Zomato employees in the UAE will lose their jobs. A spokesperson for Zomato told Khaleej Times that a severance package will be extended to the affected staff members. It includes “financial and immigration support, outplacement opportunities along with covering the cost of healthcare for our people and their families”.

“As an organisation, we are wellpositioned to support our people adequately as they transition in the best way possible for their careers. We truly value the contribution and commitment each one of them has had towards building Zomato's food ordering business,” the spokesperson added.

Zomato will continue to build on its restaurant discovery and dining out business, the company said in an email to partner restaurants.

The company is “redefining the way our customers experience dining out” through the launch of new features called ‘Vibe Check' and ‘Zomato Pay'.

Vibe Check, which is now live in the UAE, makes it easier for partner restaurants to promote themselves. Eateries can post short videos — similar to Instagram Stories — to showcase their locations and specialties. Zomato Pay helps users make payments and avail of discounts and other offers.

These features will “further enhance the value for our customers as well as restaurant partners”, Zomato said in the email.

Addressing restaurant partners, Zomato said: “We want to thank you for being a trusted partner of Zomato food ordering over the years. Your contribution has been significant in offering a great experience to and delighting our beloved customers. We wish you the very best for the continued growth of your business and look forward to partnering with you in the growth of your dining out business.”

The spokesperson added that the company is “proud of and grateful” for the Talabat-zomato partnership.

She highlighted “the role we played in supporting many great local restaurants in growing their online businesses on our platform, whilst at the same time delighting customers with their favourite meals, delivered by committed Talabat riders” .

Zomato had sold its UAE business to Talabat in 2019 for $172 million. Its food delivery services were being operated by Talabat.