Talabat rolls out solar-powered rest areas for delivery riders

Food delivery platform Talabat, in cooperation with the Joint Committee for Traffic Safety in Abu Dhabi, has rolled out solar-powered rest areas for delivery riders. The initiative includes the relaunch of the air-conditioned mobile buses strategically positioned across key rider locations in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration aims to provide all delivery riders with easily accessible stations where they can recharge and hydrate between delivering orders during the scorching summer months.

The solar-powered smart boxes were locally built by Smart Energy Solutions (SES) to encourage domestic production and decorated with graffiti art by local talent.

The self-sufficient smart boxes operate 24/7 and are equipped with rechargeable batteries, eliminating fuel consumption and providing an environmentally friendly solution with reduced CO2 emissions. Riders will enjoy noise-free, seated and air-conditioned rest areas with access to water dispensers and mobile recharge stations. The design of the smart boxes includes an external structure that offers a shaded parking area for bikes, along with an air pump to check tyre pressure.

The introduction of three rider rest areas running on renewable energy in Abu Dhabi is one of many steps the private and public sectors are taking to help reduce carbon footprint in line with the UAE government’s commitment towards a greener future in the lead-up to COP28 this year.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has issued a circular to Dubai-based restaurants offering delivery services to arrange shaded rest areas for delivery riders. This move came into effect on June 15, 2023 and will continue until September 15, 2023.