Restaurants to absorb delivery charges

Dubai: Most Dubai restaurants will not issue extra charges on their delivery services for the time being saying they cannot yet estimate the financial load of the new Salik road toll system.

On previous Gulf News reports, Dubai residents continuously voiced their disapproval on the new Salik system saying there is an atmosphere of confusion and that they are frustrated over the inadequacy of the system.

The same response is communicated by restaurant managements who say the traffic congestion either remains the same or become worse.

However, they cannot yet predict the effects of Salik on their business and policies.

"We will not charge on our delivery services for the time being," said Eyad Ahmad, PR Officer of United Restaurant development that manages Zaatar W Zeit and Cinnabon.

The company has 20 branches across the UAE, he said while adding that the Salik system will not solve the traffic congestion.

An official from a well-known fast food outlet, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "I am against system. I think most companies will start compensating their employees. Salik toll gates should be placed between major cities and not in the cities."

For now, Emirates International Restaurants will not place additional charges on their restaurants, said Walid Sa'ad, Financial manager of the company, which manages leading restaurants such as Chili's, Romano's Macaroni Grill, The Pizza Company, Swensen's, Black Canyon, Bread Talk, 3 Forks, Cantina Laredo, El Chico, and Pinoy.

"Time is money especially for a rapidly growing economy like Dubai. People will not spend a lot of time on congested roads because every minute counts for something. Besides more time on the road adds to your fuel expenses," he said while pointing out that the authorities should wait for the completion of the Metro, and road and transportation systems.

Unlikely to change

He felt that even if people pay for the Salik, the reality of traffic congestion will remain the same.

As for Fredrick Dandan, Managing Director of Saj Express, it might reduce congestion by 50 per cent. But the charge is "too much, it should be Dh2 maximum," he said.

"We are arranging a meeting next week to discuss the effects of road toll. We might charge on our delivery services, it is yet to be discussed but for now there are no changes," he said.

Americana, which runs Hardees, KFC and Pizza Hut in the country, will not place additional charges on their delivery services for the time being.

"For most people Dh4 is not a big deal so I don't think there will be any change. They still have to wait for the alternatives," said Baha Mohammad, Customer Service Agent of Americana in the UAE.