Keeta, the on-demand delivery platform backed by Chinese technology company Meituan, has launched a summer welfare programme for its riders in the UAE, adding cooling stations and rest areas across its operational footprint in the country.
The facilities offer air-conditioned spaces, complimentary cold drinks, seating, and basic amenities. Keeta says the network covers both dedicated rider support areas within its own facilities and additional cooling points deployed across the UAE.
“Delivery riders are central to Keeta’s operations and to the service we provide every day across the UAE. During the summer months, our support for riders must be practical, accessible, and responsive to their needs on the ground. By expanding access to cooled rest areas, hydration points, and dedicated support facilities, we are reinforcing our commitment to rider welfare and creating a safer, more supportive working environment for the people who keep our platform moving,” Colin Xu, Head of Logistics Operations at Keeta UAE said in a statement.
The programme also aims to give riders space to connect with colleagues between shifts. Keeta said it plans to gather rider feedback during the summer to adjust the network where needed.
The initiative is a modest but practical response to one of the more visible welfare concerns in the UAE’s gig economy: delivery workers spending long hours outdoors during summer temperatures that regularly exceed 40°C. Regulatory pressure on rider welfare has grown across the Gulf in recent years, with companies in the sector increasingly expected to demonstrate structured support beyond base pay.
