Whether you’ve lived in Dubai for years, just moved here, or are on an extended holiday, chances are you’ve got at least three food delivery apps on your phone (because who doesn’t love a great deal?). And I’ll be the first to say I love the convenience of getting my favourite meals delivered, but, sometimes it just isn’t worth it. I mean waiting 30 minutes for my food to be prepared and then another 40 minutes while the delivery rider is stuck in traffic makes me feel like I should’ve just cooked that 15-minute recipe I saw on Instagram. But today, all of that changes! Today, I have some game-changing tips on how you can time your food deliveries just right, especially during Ramadan, to avoid the Iftar rush hour. So, keep reading and don’t forget to thank me later!

Also read: Dubai: Delicious Iftar & Suhoor Deals To Enjoy This Ramadan

The Best Times To Order Food In Dubai

Morning: The Best Time for Breakfast Orders

Dubai’s morning rush is real, with peak traffic between 8 AM and 10 AM as people head to work and kids get dropped off at school. If you want a smooth breakfast delivery experience:

• Order before 8 AM or after 10 AM to avoid your rider getting stuck in the morning gridlock.
• Planning to order food for Iftar? Do it in the morning! This way, you can avoid delays, store your food, and simply reheat it before sunset for a stress-free Iftar.

Afternoon: The Trickiest Time for Lunch Orders

Lunchtime might seem like a good time to order, but here’s the catch – while there’s less traffic, there are way more delivery riders on the road handling multiple orders. To avoid long wait times:

• Order between 10 AM and 11 AM before the rush kicks in and save your food for later.
• Prefer a late lunch? Order any time after 3 PM when the midday madness has calmed down.

Evening: Beating The Iftar & Dinner Rush

As sunset approaches, traffic in Dubai is at its peak as people finish work early during Ramadan so that they can rush home for Iftar. Closer to sunset you wait to order, the more time it’ll take due to high demand, restaurant backlogs, and riders getting caught in traffic. To avoid this:

• Order your Iftar meal a few hours in advance so it arrives on time. Sure, you may have to reheat it, but that’s better than being hungry waiting anxiously for a late delivery. (Please be mindful of any raw meat/food items that require to be cooked right away or stored safely at the right conditions)
• If you’re not fasting and want dinner, order after 7 PM or 7:30 PM. By then, the Iftar rush is over, riders have had time to break their fast, and traffic is much lighter.

How To Support Delivery Riders During Ramadan

But sometimes, life happens, and you end up having to order food at peak times. If your delivery estimate falls between 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM, chances are your rider will have to wait until after your drop-off to break their fast. So, here’s how you can show them kindness and appreciation this Ramadan (and you can even keep the generosity going well after Ramadan has ended):

• Offer them a bottle of water (chilled, if possible).
• Give them some dates or a small packaged snack so they can break their fast and regain energy.
• If you’re in a position to, add a tip on the delivery app you’re using or hand them cash as a token of appreciation.
• Leave a positive rating and review – what might feel like a small gesture for you can make a big difference for them, because these reviews are seen by their superiors and a good review can get them a good rep at work!

With all that said, I hope these tips help you beat the traffic rush and enjoy your meals on time – without the stress! And whether you’re fasting or not, supporting small and local restaurants and delivery riders this Ramadan (and otherwise) is a great way to give back!

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