Image used for representation only.
Doha, Qatar: During summer, food delivery companies and restaurants take several measures to ensure the health and well-being of their delivery personnel.
Also, the government’s decision to impose restrictions on motorcycle delivery during peak summer hours is being implemented for the second consecutive year. Food delivery companies and restaurants have responded to it by adopting a “well-planned” initiative that will comply with the regulations.
According to the Ministry of Labour’s declaration, delivery riders must use only cars from 10am to 3.30pm to ensure their well-being during the hot summer months.
The measure is also in line with the Ministerial Decree No. 17 of 2021, which restricted the legal working hours in outdoor spaces from June 1 to September 15, during which outdoor work is prohibited from 10am to 3.30pm.
Food delivery companies and restaurants have implemented strategies such as adjusting delivery schedules, providing adequate rest breaks, and equipping their riders with appropriate protective gear, such as cooling vests and helmets.
The Peninsula spoke to some restaurants and drivers about the facilities available during the summer months.
“The continued implementation of regulation reflects the country’s commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of riders. We swiftly adopted the new measures last year within short notice to use only cars for delivery. But this year we had time to plan and was much better placed than last year,” said Vyanktesh Jaiswal, Chief Operating Officer, at Oryx Group for Food Services, which operates Nando’s in Qatar.
Nando’s delivers lunch from all its ten branches in the country and around 35 cars are being deployed for food delivery.
“Nando’s is a brand about and for people, and we always prioritise their health and safety. During summer we ensure that they are not exposed to the extreme heat and keep hydrated. Also, the delivery staff get at least 10 to 15 minutes break between each food delivery,” he added.
Restaurants have also recognised the importance of accommodating the needs of drivers working for food delivery companies and have taken proactive steps to support them. Many restaurants now provide water and designated rest areas.
“Most of our delivery orders are made through food delivery services and we have some facilities for the drivers. Sitting arrangements are available for them inside the restaurant and shaded car parking facilities. We also provide them with water, especially during the summer,” said Nidin Chandran, Marketing Manager, at Al Majid Jawad which operates Dairy Queen in Qatar. Some food delivery drivers expressed their satisfaction with the regulation to limit food delivery only by cars during certain hours of the day and facilities arranged by the restaurants.
Malik, a delivery rider waiting to collect his order from a restaurant inside a mall, said, “It’s difficult to ride a motorcycle during peak heat hours; so the regulation is a big relief.” He added that most of the restaurants have designated areas for riders to sit and wait until the order is ready.
His colleague introduced himself as MD said: “Not only during the hot daytime, restaurants also let us sit and wait inside in the evenings and nights. This helps us to relax.” On the other hand, Deliveroo Qatar has introduced many summer initiatives to prioritise the safety and comfort of its agency riders. “Our riders have always been at the heart of our business and it is our duty to prioritise their safety and satisfaction throughout the year. We are committed to implementing effective measures and providing valuable resources to support our riders and improve their overall experience,” Yazan Aburaqabeh, Head of Operations at Deliveroo Middle East, said when the company introduced the initiatives in June.
