App Paused? The Real Reason You Can't Order Food in Dubai Right Now

DUBAI – If you are struggling to order lunch today, look outside.

As heavy rains lashed parts of the UAE on Sunday morning, the country’s leading food delivery giants hit the brakes. Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem have all issued advisories warning residents of significant delays or temporary service pauses in specific areas.

The message from the platforms is unified: Rider safety comes first.

What The Apps Are Saying

Residents opening their apps this morning were met with "High Demand" or "Unavailable" notifications.

Talabat: Issued an in-app advisory confirming a pause in deliveries in affected zones to protect riders from slippery roads and poor visibility.

Deliveroo: Warned customers to expect "fewer restaurants" and longer wait times. "Due to poor weather conditions... you may see fewer options than you’re used to," the statement read.

Careem: Also flagged that orders-whether food or ride-hailing-will take longer than usual.

The Scene on the Streets

The impact was visible on the ground. Khaleej Times reported seeing dozens of delivery riders stationed safely on the side of the Mohammed Bin Zayed Highway, waiting for the downpour to subside rather than risking the ride.

Forecast: A Wet Week Ahead

Don't expect the skies to clear up immediately. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has predicted "unstable weather" to continue throughout the entire week.

Temperature Drop: Be prepared for a chill, as temperatures are expected to dip as low as 13ºC.

Advisory: Authorities are urging the public to drive cautiously and follow safety guidelines.

The Expat’s Guide: If you are planning dinner tonight or grocery shopping for the week, it might be wise to order early or stock up now, as intermittent pauses in delivery services are likely to continue with the rain.