Dubai: So what’s it like to a be a woman delivery rider – among the only ones right now – in Dubai?
“I absolutely love it,” Glory Ehirim, Noon Food’s first woman delivery rider, tells Gulf News exclusively.
“Leading the way for women is such an amazing feeling. Sometimes even customers’ kids say things like, ‘I want to be like you when I grow up!’ It’s incredible to know I’m part of something that inspires others in a positive way,” she adds.
As the 26-year-old Nigerian goes about her deliveries around the city, Jyoti Lalwani, who heads People’s Experience at her company, says Glory starts work at 8am.
Joy of making food deliveries
“Glory usually works the day shift, delivering customers their morning coffee and breakfast, before moving on to lunches and early dinners. She picks orders based on her location and, along with our other delivery heroes, connects restaurants and customers as the face of our operations,” explains Lalwani.
Glory, who landed the delivery rider job through an online portal, said she was provided with necessary training from the company and secured her licence soon after joining.
Glory says, “I’ve been in the UAE for four years. Before joining Noon Food, I worked as a hotel cashier. I started riding motorcycles back in Nigeria when I was young—I’ve always loved it. Now I get to make it part of my job, which is fantastic.”
In addition to a driving licence, delivery riders are required to obtain a driver’s qualification certificate from the Roads and Transport Authority to work in Dubai. The riders have to undergo both practical and theory training to get a grip on riding and safety requirements, besides necessary maintenance of bikes. In fact, every aspect of carrying out their duties are defined in a specific manual issued by RTA.
So it’s safety first when Glory hits the road.
In what is a drill almost, she covers her head with a stretch cap before donning her helmet, her reflective jacket and protective gear on her arms and legs. She knows she must keep within stipulated speed limits and stick to the lanes designated to them. She also knows she cannot sit in an improper way or have anyone riding pillion. And that she must keep the bike and the delivery box clean at all times.
As Lalwani points out, “Our delivery fleet is fully trained in health and road safety, with daily briefings to stay updated. Our riders maintain a safe distance and follow traffic laws, equipped with top protective gear. Safety is their priority, and we can adjust delivery times if traffic challenges arise. Our fleet is also trained to take regular breaks to ensure safe operation.”
As a woman, are Glory’s duties any different from her male counterparts?
“It’s no different for me—I’m treated just like the men on my team. If anything, I feel like I get even more respect,” she says.
According to Lalwani. “Glory is hardworking, dedicated, and always brings positive energy.”
Glory, who is single, says her parents and siblings are back in Nigeria.
“They’re happy for me because they know I’m happy with what I do.”
