Delivery riders and professional drivers across the UAE will face eight new operational requirements from January 1, 2027, under updated federal traffic regulations aimed at improving road safety and strengthening oversight of the rapidly expanding delivery sector.
Under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, riders working on motorcycles licensed for delivery services will no longer be allowed to carry customer orders in backpacks. Instead, they must use approved equipment designed for transporting deliveries. They will also be prohibited from carrying passengers while performing delivery duties.
The regulations introduce several additional obligations for professional drivers and delivery operators. Riders must wear prescribed uniforms, carry valid professional permits and present them to authorities when requested. They must also use approved vehicle systems and cannot undertake professional driving activities without valid authorisation. Transporting prohibited materials or items that violate public order is also forbidden.
The wider motorcycle safety provisions prohibit dangerous riding, weaving through traffic and operating motorcycles without holding the handlebars properly, except when signalling. Protective helmets are compulsory, while riders must generally travel in single file.
The changes are particularly important for Sri Lankan expatriates employed by food delivery companies and logistics operators. Riders and employers should begin preparing for the requirements well before the January deadline, particularly regarding approved delivery equipment, permits and vehicle systems.