Dubai taxis to deliver groceries and online shopping in non-contact system

The Union Coop Society and Emirates Post are two of the first companies to team up with the RTA on the initiative

RTA taxis will deliver online shopping and groceries in Dubai in a bid to encourage people to stay at home amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai taxis are teaming up with the city's online shopping platforms to deliver goods in a non-contact system, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.

The scheme is designed to speed up delivery times and encourage shoppers to stay at home amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Orders will be delivered by Dubai Taxi Corporation vehicles and franchised taxis.

The RTA has said that Union Coop Society and Emirates Post are among two of the first companies to partner with them to offer the service, and hopes to "broaden the scope of the initiative to cover all online shopping companies".

"The initiative is in line with RTA’s efforts to reduce the pressure on delivery services offered by online shopping platforms and ensures the public are able to receive their orders on time," the government authority announced in a statement.

"All precautionary measures to safeguard the health and safety of both customers and drivers through contactless collection and delivery of orders [has been taken]."

UAE leaders are encouraging the country's residents to stay at home, in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

As it stands, there are plenty of ways to get groceries delivered in the UAE. Hypermarkets, including Carrefour and Lulu, offer home delivery, however waiting times are currently at a high, due to the demand.

Similarly, InstaShop connects shoppers to local supermarkets and mini-marts, but waiting times are currently high.