Careem and MAJRA to expand Rahma Pledge into year-round support for UAE delivery workers

Careem, in partnership with the MAJRA National CSR Fund, has announced plans to expand its Rahma Pledge summer initiative into a year-round programme supporting delivery workers across the UAE.

The announcement was made at a partner recognition event attended by organisations that contributed to the initiative during the summer.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the MAJRA Board of Trustees, said the expansion reflects the UAE's focus on compassion, partnership and social responsibility.

“Delivery workers are an essential part of daily life across the country and supporting their wellbeing is an important area where collaboration between government, the private sector and the community can make a meaningful difference,” he said.

He added that expanding the initiative beyond the summer demonstrates the potential of partnerships between the public and private sectors and encouraged more organisations to participate.

More than 100,000 visits recorded

The Rahma Pledge returned for its second summer in June 2026 as part of Careem and MAJRA's Captain Summer Initiatives. The four-month programme provided practical support to delivery workers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, while expanding to Al Ain for the first time.

The initiative was open to delivery workers across the UAE, regardless of the platform they worked for.

Nine air-conditioned mobile rest areas operated daily from 10am to 5pm in high-traffic delivery zones. The facilities provided workers with spaces to cool down, rest and rehydrate between deliveries.

The programme also offered free health screenings in partnership with Pakistan Association Dubai, while chilled drinks, snacks and other refreshments were available at all nine locations.

As of early September, the rest areas had recorded more than 100,000 visits and were expected to reach around 125,000 visits by September 15, compared with 86,000 visits during last year's programme.

AED 1.4 million in partner contributions

The initiative brought together several companies and organisations, which collectively mobilised more than AED 1.4 million in products, services and direct contributions.

PepsiCo served as the Official Refreshment and Snack Partner, supplying beverages and snacks across the rest areas throughout the summer. Nestlé contributed food and beverages as Official Community Partner, while Pakistan Association Dubai served as Official Healthcare Partner.

One Shot provided hydration products as the Official Hydration Partner, while Arla Foods joined the initiative this year as its Official Dairy Partner, supplying chilled dairy beverages.

The year-round programme is expected to adapt its support according to seasonal needs and broaden its focus beyond hydration, food and health to include education and community engagement.

Nestlé and PepsiCo have already made initial commitments to continue supporting the initiative beyond the summer. Other partners have also been invited to make annual pledges to help ensure the programme is prepared ahead of next summer.

Rest areas expand capacity

This year's nine rest areas provided 358 seats, representing an 89% increase compared with 2025. They also operated for an additional hour each day.

Delivery workers gave the facilities an average rating of 4.92 out of 5, with around 96% of ratings receiving five stars.

Visits were verified through QR check-ins at each station, providing a record of usage and enabling the partners to measure the programme's reach.

After September 15, registered workers will be invited to provide feedback on the initiative. The results will be included in a closing report and used to help shape future editions of the Rahma Pledge.

Partners look to build longer-term programme

Mudassir Sheikha, CEO and Co-founder of Careem, said the support provided to delivery workers should continue beyond the summer months.

“Captains are the heart of Careem and the high quality of daily life that all of us enjoy across the UAE,” he said. “This support shouldn't end when the temperature drops, and with our partners we're working to take the Rahma Pledge year-round.”

Sarah Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of MAJRA National CSR Fund, said the initiative demonstrated how companies can work together around a shared social purpose.

She said the programme marked the beginning of a broader effort and called on more private-sector organisations to join as the Rahma Pledge expands beyond the summer season.