Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez recently went undercover as a delivery rider in Dubai to gain firsthand insights and address challenges in the food delivery service. The aim was to understand the difficulties faced by employees during peak summers. By delivering orders in 40-degree heat, he discovered problems in the delivery process and came up with solutions to fix them.
During his undercover mission, he encountered obstacles such as waiting for orders at restaurants, restricted access to buildings due to security measures, and phone malfunctions caused by the heat. This firsthand experience highlighted the challenges faced by delivery drivers.
Rodriguez aims to enhance the entire delivery process after getting the firsthand experience. To address the issues, Talabat introduced air-conditioned buses as resting spaces, open to all delivery personnel. Rodriguez believes that while Dubai Authorities have implemented shelter areas, more collaboration is needed to ensure access to all buildings.
Furthermore, Rodriguez plans to enhance rider training. This includes sharing details about restaurant logistics, parking spots, and other essential information. The goal is to ensure riders can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
However, concerns have been raised about rider safety and well-being, given the pressure to deliver orders swiftly. Rodriguez intends to continue his undercover efforts regularly to address these concerns.
