Riding toward their dreams: How Abu Dhabi's delivery drivers find freedom, community and a future on two wheels

In the evening of Abu Dhabi, residents receive their meals at home with little effort. Behind every doorbell and "Your order has arrived," there is a man on a motorbike, swiftly delivering food and other essentials across the city's roads. Three delivery drivers – Mohamad Sadiq, Muhammad Kashif, and Mohammad Souleyman Sayed – shared their experiences, preferences, and aspirations with Gulf News.

Mohamad Sadiq, 29, arrived in the UAE from Pakistan in 2017. Initially, he worked as a painter, then earned a driving license and briefly worked as a driver. He later trained for a bike license and joined Talabat, appreciating the freedom and flexibility it offers. Sadiq enjoys managing his day and has developed strategies to cope with the summer heat. For him, talking with his family in Pakistan is the happiest time. Sadiq's ultimate goal is to become a businessman, providing a better life for his family.

Muhammad Kashif, 27, has been in the UAE since 2022 and rides for Talabat for 10 to 12 hours daily. He values the job's simplicity and the good salary it provides. Kashif treats his bike as a stepping stone toward a business venture, not a final destination. When asked about managing the heat, he simply drinks water, juice, and takes brief breaks in cool shopping malls.

Mohammad Souleyman Sayed, 41, arrived from Egypt a year ago, having worked as an electrician in his home country. He joined Keeta, a delivery company, but his passion lies in providing happiness to customers through timely deliveries. When it comes to coping with the heat, he believes riders look after each other. Souleyman's dream is to open a car mechanic business in the future, a plan already clear in his mind.