Certain delivery riders in the UAE report that they are able to save a substantial part of their earnings, largely due to the generosity of their patrons, who, despite the prevalence of digital payment methods, still opt to give cash tips. Khaleej Times engaged with delivery riders in the UAE, who detailed how these tips significantly contribute to their savings. Muhammad Umair, a 24-year-old Talabat rider in Dubai, disclosed that he handles about 15 to 20 deliveries on weekdays and roughly 10 to 12 on weekends. "I typically receive around Dh15 daily in tips, which accumulates to over Dh400 monthly. This sum is sufficient to cover my rent for a shared living space in Sharjah. Since our work often involves restaurants, many offer us meals. Thus, I often get at least one complimentary meal during my shifts, aiding in greater savings from my salary." Umair also mentioned that the largest tip he received was Dh80 from a customer at the Burj Khalifa, on the 92nd floor. Some customers also provide small cash tips for the delivery service.
In addition to cash tips, numerous customers offer cold beverages like water or juices, particularly during the intense summer heat. Waqas Saghar, a 28-year-old rider with GetGive Delivery Service in Dubai, shared that a typical delivery rider earns between Dh2,000 and Dh4,000 monthly. "I manage around 40 to 45 deliveries daily in Dubai and receive over Dh400 in tips each month. I use this to pay my rent, which is about Dh300. Some customers who pay digitally also tip in cash upon delivery. Some generous customers even offer food. Consequently, I save about 80 percent of my monthly earnings." Waqas noted that his highest tip was Dh100 from a customer in Abu Dhabi. He commented that while driving a car for deliveries is manageable, motorbike delivery is more challenging.
The transition to digital payments has affected the earnings of riders like Usman Ashique, 29, who has been with a renowned international food chain in Sharjah for over a year. Previously, he received daily tips of Dh40 to Dh50. Now, with more online payments, his monthly tips average between Dh300 and Dh400, still enough to cover his shared accommodation rent. Cooking with roommates also aids in reducing food expenses. Ashique highlighted that most customers, especially Emiratis, are very considerate, providing water and juices during the summer. HelloSafe, an entity that compares insurance and financial products, recently released a study indicating that the UAE and Qatar rank among the highest in global tipping rates.
Ashique also expressed a humble request: "Delivery work in the summer is quite demanding. I hope customers remain courteous and understanding if there are occasional delays due to traffic or necessary breaks for safety reasons."
