In the UAE, despite the rise of digital payments, many delivery riders are still benefiting significantly from cash tips, which help them save a substantial portion of their earnings.
Muhammad Umair, a 24-year-old delivery rider for Talabat in Dubai, reported that he completes 15 to 20 deliveries on weekdays and 10 to 12 on weekends. “I receive around Dh15 per day in tips from customers, which adds up to more than Dh400 per month,” Umair said.
“This amount is enough to cover my rent for a shared accommodation in Sharjah. Since we mostly work with restaurants, many of them also offer us food. So, I can say that at least one meal during work is usually free or complimentary. This helps me to save a bigger portion of my salary.”
Umair also noted that the highest tip he has ever received was Dh80 from a customer residing on the 92nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. Besides cash tips, many customers offer cold beverages, especially during the intense summer heat, further aiding the riders.
Waqas Saghar, a 28-year-old rider with GetGive Delivery Service, shared similar sentiments. Saghar, who completes around 40 to 45 deliveries daily, stated, “On average, a delivery rider earns between Dh2,000 and Dh4,000 per month.”
“I receive more than Dh400 in tips each month. My rent is around Dh300, which I pay from my tip money. Some customers who pay online also give cash tips when I deliver their items. Some generous customers even provide food. Overall, I save around 80 percent of my monthly salary.”
Saghar’s most generous tip was Dh100 from a customer in Abu Dhabi. He described the job, particularly on a motorbike, as demanding but manageable. “Delivery service on a motorbike is a tough task,” he said, reflecting on the challenges faced.
The shift to digital payments has had an impact on tipping practices. Usman Ashique, 29, who has worked with a popular international food chain in Sharjah for over a year, noted a decrease in his daily tips from Dh40 to Dh50 to an average of Dh300 to Dh400 per month.
Despite this decrease, his tips still cover his rent for shared accommodation. Ashique also benefits from cooking with flatmates to save on food costs.
He added that most customers, especially Emiratis, are very considerate, offering water and juices during the hot summer months. Ashique hopes for continued customer understanding regarding delays due to traffic or necessary breaks for safety reasons.
According to a recent study by HelloSafe, which compares insurance and financial products, the UAE and Qatar have some of the highest tipping rates globally.
As delivery riders continue to navigate the challenges of their jobs, the generosity of their customers plays a crucial role in helping them manage their expenses and save more from their earnings.