Viral UAE video: Talabat rider praised for removing concrete blocks from busy road

The delivery executive will be suitably compensated, the company says

Nasreen Abdulla

Published: Thu 28 Jul 2022, 10:19 AM

Last updated: Thu 28 Jul 2022, 10:16 PM

Talabat will gift their hero rider a ticket back home so he could spend some precious time with his 2-year-old son after a video of him removing a concrete block from a busy street went viral.

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The 27-year-old had told earlier told Khaleej Times that he had not seen his son since he was a few months old and missed him terribly. “I try and call him every week but I miss him a lot,” he said.

In the video that has been shared several times on social media, Pakistani national Abdul Ghafoor Abdul Hakeem can be seen waiting at the busy traffic intersection in Al Quoz as cars and trucks whizz past him.

Once all the vehicles have passed, Abdul Hakeem runs to remove two heavy concrete blocks, which is thought to have fallen out of a truck that passed by the area earlier. He then puts them in a safe place before returning to his bike.

However, Abdul Hakeem did not realise that someone had videotaped his action until almost two weeks later when officials from Talabat inquired about the incident.

“When I got a call from Talabat asking about the incident, I had no recollection of it,” he said. “Then they specified what time and which intersection in Al Quoz it was and that is when I suddenly remembered.”

Out to deliver an order that day, Abdul Hakeem was waiting at the intersection when he realised the danger the fallen blocks posed. “I saw the blocks but didn’t really think much of it,” he said. “As I waited, a taxi went over the block and the driver almost lost control of his car. That is when I realised that it could cause a major accident.”

Parking his bike aside, he rushed to the spot and removed the blocks. “To be honest, I didn’t think I was doing anything special,” he said. “I was just making sure no one would get hurt. If God forbid, one of our riders hit it, it could even cause a death. That is why I acted quickly.” He then went on to deliver his order on time.

Netizens hailed Hakim for his selfless act and presence of mind. Meanwhile, Talabat called the incident “heartwarming” and thanked whoever took the video.

“We appreciate it when people take the time to capture these incidents as it helps us recognise riders who contribute to the community,” said Tatiana Rahal, Managing Director, Talabat UAE.

“Such videos have the power to impact our day and even drive positive change. The safety of our roads is everyone’s responsibility, and we are proud of what Abdul Ghafoor has done by removing the concrete blocks off the streets to ensure the safety of other motorists and bike riders. We’re very proud to have him as part of our team and we hope it makes his family proud too when they see him getting appreciated for doing such great deeds."

Abdul Hakim said the appreciation was heartening but he hoped to see more patience toward riders. “I just hope people can slow down a little or give us the way once in a while,” he said. “Also, I hope our customers can be more understanding when delays happen due to issues that are out of our control.”

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