DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a summer safety campaign to help delivery riders manage the risks of working in extreme heat, including heat exhaustion, dehydration and road-related hazards.
The initiative, titled “Safe and Healthy Summer for Delivery Riders,” is being carried out throughout August in partnership with food delivery platform Keeta and aims to support one of Dubai’s fastest-growing frontline workforces.
As part of the campaign, 5,000 health kits will be distributed to riders. The kits include essential health and protective supplies, along with items such as cooling towels and hand fans designed to provide support during outdoor work.
Riders will also receive access to health screenings, consultations and safety awareness sessions focused on preventing heat-related illnesses and improving road safety practices.
Protecting workers during peak summer heat
RTA said the campaign supports wider efforts to create safer working conditions for delivery riders, whose numbers have increased alongside the growth of Dubai’s delivery and logistics sector.
The authority’s traffic safety programmes now reach more than 70,000 delivery riders across the emirate.
Officials highlighted that summer conditions can affect concentration, reaction times and decision-making abilities for people working outdoors, making hydration, rest breaks and proper protective equipment essential.
The campaign is being implemented under the wider “Summer Without Accidents” initiative, carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior.
Previous safety efforts show impact
RTA said it conducted more than 120 field awareness activities in 2025, reaching over 17,000 riders directly.
The authority also shared safety messages through media and digital platforms, reaching more than 50,000 riders.
According to RTA, these efforts contributed to a decline in fatalities involving delivery motorcycles, falling from 35 cases in 2024 to 33 cases in 2025 despite continued expansion in the sector.
Public-private partnership
The latest campaign brings together government and private sector partners to improve rider welfare.
Keeta is supporting the initiative by sponsoring health kits, while Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) and Protectol Health are contributing medical and protective supplies.
RTA said partnerships with private companies play an important role in strengthening community-focused programmes and supporting workers who provide essential services across Dubai.
Delivery riders have become a key part of the city’s daily economy, serving residents and businesses through food, retail and logistics platforms.
The campaign will continue throughout August, with organisers encouraging riders to follow heat safety guidance, stay hydrated and use available support services while working during the summer period.
