Dubai’s delivery sector offers steady employment for bike (Class A) and light-vehicle (Class B) drivers. With the expansion of food delivery, e-commerce parcels, and grocery services, opportunities exist for both UAE residents and international applicants. This guide covers realistic salaries, application steps, licence requirements, and visa pathways for drivers from India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Bike vs Light-Vehicle — which path fits me?
| Factor | Bike (A) | Light-Vehicle (B) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry speed | Faster onboarding, high demand | Longer process, background checks |
| Earning pattern | Volume-based, peak hours are crucial | Higher base, bulk deliveries |
| Costs | Lower fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs | Higher vehicle costs, parking fees |
| Who it suits | Quick starters, city navigation | Family providers, steady income |
Job summary (quick facts)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roles | Food delivery, e-commerce parcels, grocery/pharmacy |
| Licence | UAE Class A (bike) or Class B (light-vehicle/van) |
| Work pattern | Flexible shifts, peak hours (lunch/dinner), weekends |
| Documents | Valid UAE licence, Emirates ID, clean record |
| Hiring channels | Direct platforms, agencies, and job portals |
| Skills that help | City knowledge, Arabic basics, customer service |
How much do delivery drivers earn in 2025?
| Role Type | Base Range (AED/month) | OT/Peak Incentives | What moves the number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Delivery | 2,700–3,600 | +800–1,500 | Orders completed, peak hours, ratings |
| Light-Vehicle/Van | 3,000–4,200 | +600–1,200 | Route efficiency, bulk capacity |
| E-commerce Parcels | 3,200–4,500 | +700–1,300 | Package volume, delivery success rate |
Offers vary by employer, benefits package, individual performance, and current market conditions.
Fast Apply: step-by-step
- Lean CV (licence on top + metrics): Lead with licence type and years of experience. Include delivery metrics if available (orders per hour, customer ratings).
- Documents ready: Scan copies of UAE licence, Emirates ID, passport, and clean driving record. Keep files under 2MB.
- Apply to 3–5 roles: Target different platforms and agencies. Customize each application with relevant keywords from job descriptions.
- Clarify costs/benefits: Ask about insurance coverage, equipment provision, overtime rates, and fuel allowances during interviews.
- Respond fast: Check applications daily. Reply to interview requests within 24 hours. Hiring moves quickly in this sector.
Requirements you’ll actually need
Licence A/B basics: Valid UAE driving licence with a clean record. International licence holders must convert through RTA within specified timeframes.
Right-to-work or sponsorship path: UAE residence visa or confirmed sponsorship arrangement. Employment visa processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Insurance/safety: Personal insurance coverage. Many employers provide additional coverage, but verify details before starting.
Phone+data/GPS: Smartphone with a reliable data plan and GPS capability. Most platforms provide delivery apps with navigation features.
Professionalism: Customer service skills, punctuality, basic Arabic or English communication. Clean appearance and professional conduct.
Platform snapshots
- Talabat: Rider registration requires licence verification, background check, and an app training session
- Careem: Delivery captain onboarding includes vehicle inspection, insurance verification, and platform orientation
- Deliveroo: Recruitment is often handled through approved agencies with a structured onboarding process
10 trusted places to apply (links)
| Source | Apply/Explore |
|---|---|
| Indeed UAE | Search delivery driver jobs |
| Bayt | Browse opportunities |
| GulfTalent | View current openings |
| Dubizzle | Check job listings |
| Naukri Gulf | Explore positions |
| WhatJobs UAE | Find delivery jobs |
| GrabJobs | Apply directly |
| Talabat Riders | Rider registration |
| Careem Drive | Become a captain |
| Deliveroo | Rider application |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the licence off the CV top: Recruiters scan for the licence type first. Place prominently in the header or summary section.
- Duplicate applications to the same role: Multiple applications to the same position appear unprofessional. Track applications in a spreadsheet.
- Ignoring cost basics: Fuel, maintenance, insurance, and phone costs impact net earnings. Calculate before accepting offers.
- Weak address/communication: Incomplete contact details or delayed responses lose opportunities in a fast-moving recruitment cycle.
Visa & licence FAQs (straight answers)
Can I apply from India/Pakistan/Nepal?
Yes, but you need a confirmed employment offer with visa sponsorship. Most hiring happens locally due to license and background check requirements. Some agencies recruit internationally for bulk positions.
Which licence do I need (bike vs. light vehicle)?
UAE Class A for motorcycles and scooters. UAE Class B for cars, vans, and light trucks up to 3.5 tonnes. International licences require conversion through RTA.
Do platforms sponsor visas?
Varies by platform. Some work with agencies that provide sponsorship. Others require an existing residence visa. Always obtain a written sponsorship commitment before relocating.
What salary should a newcomer expect?
Start around AED 3,000 baseline for most roles. Increase earnings through peak hour shifts, high completion rates, and a clean driving record. Performance bonuses are typically available after the probation period.
Any 2025 updates I should know?
Platform onboarding standards continue evolving with enhanced background checks and training requirements. Follow official platform checklists and recruitment updates, rather than relying on third-party advice.
Ready to start?
Apply to 3–5 roles today using the trusted sources above. Keep your CV format consistent across applications and respond quickly to interview requests. The Dubai delivery market moves fast—speed matters.
