Enhancing rider wellbeing: Scaling the “Summer Together” initiative

At a glance

• Annual “Summer Together” rider wellbeing program at talabat
• 60+ climate-controlled rest areas and solar-powered “smart boxes”
• Strategic partnerships with MoHRE, Emarat, and 3PL providers
• 462,000+ rest area visits and 100% of the fleet equipped with summer kits
• Strengthening occupational health standards within the delivery ecosystem

Through its “Summer Together” initiative, talabat is improving rider wellbeing by combining infrastructure, equipment, and partnerships to create safer, more supportive working conditions across the UAE.

Maintaining rider safety and wellbeing during extreme weather is a critical operational priority, requiring coordination across the entire delivery ecosystem. In the UAE, talabat’s “Summer Together” initiative has evolved from a 2023 pilot into a nationwide infrastructure project, built on the strength of public-private partnerships. The program works closely with the Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers who manage rider fleets, ensuring safety measures are embedded in everyday operations.

This collaborative model is supported by key government bodies, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), to align platform efforts with national occupational health standards. A central component of this synergy is the deployment of specialized rest infrastructure. By partnering with service station operator Emarat, talabat has placed air-conditioned rest areas at strategic fuel stations across the Emirates, providing riders with accessible, high-quality environments to recharge between deliveries.

The infrastructure also uses sustainable technology to meet the demands of a modern city. Solar-powered “smart boxes” operate 24/7, offering quiet areas for hydration, device charging, and maintenance tools. These stationary hubs are complemented by a flexible fleet of mobile air-conditioned buses, which are deployed across urban zones targeting areas with high concentrations of riders. To date, these facilities have supported over 462,000 visits, providing a vital touchpoint for hydration and rest.

At a Glance

Rest area visits

462,000+

supported across the UAE

Fleet coverage

100%

of delivery fleet equipped with summer kits

Beyond physical stations, the initiative ensures that every rider is equipped for the environment through their respective 3PL partners. Currently, 100% of the delivery fleet has access to summer kits featuring cooling snoods and thermal bottles. This is further supported by more than 20,000 shaded waiting areas secured through partnerships with local restaurants and cloud kitchens, ensuring temperature-controlled spaces are never far away.

By integrating technology with physical logistics and regulatory alignment, the “Summer Together” program demonstrates how platforms can act as a catalyst for better industry standards. By working alongside 3PL partners and government authorities, talabat is helping to build a more resilient and supportive delivery ecosystem, ensuring that the growth of the digital economy remains rooted in a clear commitment to rider wellbeing and safety.