Delivery riders thank public for patience and iftar gifts
Delivery riders have praised Dubai residents for their compassion and generosity during Ramadan.
Riders said the cool temperatures also meant it was easier to do their jobs while fasting.
“Customers have been extremely kind and patient with us during Ramadan,” said Talabat delivery rider Muhammad Danveer, 26.
“At other times of the year, if we phone them up looking for directions they can demand that we hurry up.
“During Ramadan, they are telling us to take our time and they are extremely patient.”
Some riders were urged to wait to make deliveries until after they broke their fasts, said Mr Danveer, who is from Pakistan.
“The majority of people have been very generous this year and often give us food and water, especially if we’re delivering just before or post-iftar time,” he said.
Riders said they benefited from the earlier start to the holy month this year.
“In previous years it was a lot hotter during Ramadan, but now it’s much better,” said Deliveroo rider Hassan Gariba, 24, from Ghana.
“The days can be very long when you are fasting.
“It’s even more so in the summer, when you have the heat to contend with as well.
Things feel like they are going a little quicker now that the weather is cooler. It makes it less stressful.”
Toseef Ghaffar, 27, who delivers food for Kitopi, said he used several methods to ensure he stayed cool during the day.
“It’s usually difficult to work while fasting in Dubai because it’s so hot,” he said.
“The weather is a bit better compared to last year.
“We make sure we cover our face when riding the bike, wash our face with cold water and try to spend more time in cold places and rest in the Kitopi kitchens waiting areas.”
It is not only customers who have supported riders during the holy month.
Many restaurants have offered food, as well as vouchers for meals when they break their fasts.
Deliveroo has used a van to distribute iftar meals to its riders in Dubai. Traffic during Ramadan can be a challenge for delivery riders, especially when motorists are travelling home to break their fasts.
Road safety experts offered advice to the public on how to stay safe during that time of day.
But Mr Gariba said the roads in Dubai were quieter than usual before iftar.
Many people chose to leave their offices earlier in the day to return home and break their fasts.
“There’s a lot less traffic on the roads at that time than if it was any other time of the year,” he said.
“Most people have been going home earlier in the afternoon for Ramadan.
“The traffic is much heavier around 4pm than later.
“There are also quite a few people who choose to stay in their office and get their iftar delivered to them there.”