Coronavirus: Dubai authorities collaborate to ensure faster delivery of goods, essential commodities

The Department of Economic Development, Dubai, announced a strategic collaboration between Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Aramex; and Carrefour, operated by Majid Al Futtaim in the UAE, to support essential delivery of supplies to the community amid the coronavirus situation.
The collaboration will see DTC and Aramex working together to deliver various basic commodities to consumers across Dubai who shop electronically using the Carrefour website (carrefouruae.com) or via its smart mobile app, a statement issued on Thursday said.

The initiative comes in response to the high volume of demand for food and consumables ordered through online stores.

As part of the agreement, Aramex has provided a dedicated fleet of its courier vehicles, while DTC has committed a number of taxis to assist in ensuring efficient delivery of items ordered by Carrefour shoppers online.
Precautionary measures

Aramex and DTC will take all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all parties involved, such as regular sanitisation of vehicles and tools used in the delivery process. Both organisations will also adhere to all regulations and guidelines set by the World Health Organisation and local public health authorities.

"We are pleased to coordinate this constructive alliance between Dubai Taxi Corporation, Aramex, and Carrefour, which is in line with the ongoing government efforts to support various economic sectors and contribute to the sustainability of the national economy," said Omar AlMeheiri, Director of Follow-up and Development in the Business Registration & Licensing sector in DED.  

AlMeheiri added: "E-shopping and the use of smart apps are part of the procedures followed by the public to avoid overcrowding and to stay safe at home."
Government initiatives supporting non-cash transactions have increased the popularity of e-commerce in the UAE.

Marwan Al Zarouni, Director of Operations and Commercial Affairs, DTC, said that due to the high demand for electronic shopping, DTC is doing its best to create initiatives that will facilitate and accelerate the delivery of e-purchases by the public during the current period."
Ahmed Marie, General Manager of Aramex in the UAE said: "Aramex is committed to supporting all preventive measures taken by the UAE government to maintain safety and public health and to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)."

Phillippe Peguilhan, Country Manager of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, commented, "This strategic alliance is the result of the commitment of public and private entities to work shoulder to shoulder in serving the UAE community. The agreement also reinforces Carrefour's promise to satisfy the needs of its customers, especially in light of the current situation. This includes faster delivery of goods and essential commodities to the homes of all UAE residents, to allow them to further comply with important government instructions to stay home."