Air-conditioned rest areas operated round the clock opened in Abu Dhabi to help delivery riders stay cool amidst the summer heat

Three air-conditioned rest facilities powered by solar energy and available 24 hours a day have opened in Abu Dhabi to enable delivery motorcyclists to remain cool in the searing summer heat. The initiative, a first in the region, is part of the 'Summer Together' campaign organised by Abu Dhabi's Joint Committee for Traffic Safety in collaboration with food delivery company Talabat and supported by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and other governmental entities.

Local graffiti artists have adorned these solar-powered sustainable smart boxes made locally by Smart Energy Solutions (SES). The self-contained, air-conditioned smart boxes are equipped with chairs, rechargeable batteries, water dispensers, and mobile charging stations. There is also a bike parking space with shade and an air pump for tyre pressure checks. Air-conditioned mobile buses have also been reintroduced, and they are strategically located across Abu Dhabi. Aside from the launching of the new rest spots, traffic safety training courses for delivery riders were also planned.

The use of renewable energy for rider rest facilities in Abu Dhabi is one of several actions being taken by the commercial and public sectors to assist decrease carbon footprint, in keeping with the UAE Government's commitment to a greener future in the run-up to COP28 this year.

The 'Summer Together' program utilises a hybrid method, combining smart boxes with movable air-conditioned buses, allowing for greater flexibility in relocating the latter depending on shifting ridership concentrations around the Capital. This guarantees that throughout the summer, all delivery riders have access to rest spots where they may relax and recharge.