This Goods Delivery Courier Bets Its Safety To Get Rid Of Road Barriers During Hurricanes In Dubai

JAKARTA - A Dubai-based delivery courier has won praise after he risked his safety to get rid of barriers entering the highway at a roundabout in the storm.

Wakas Sarwar, 34, who is from Pakistan, was filmed while removing the barrier at the weekend earlier this month in Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

On Monday, Sarwar, who works for Deliveryroo, learned that his stringsy actions had made him viral online.

His good actions were widely shared on social media, without his knowledge, thus attracting the attention of the Ministry of Human Resources and the Emirates.

"When I cleared the road, I didn't know anyone recorded me," Sarwar said in a video shared by the ministry.

"I did what I thought was right to do," he said.

After seeing the video, Khalil Al Khoori, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Emiratism, received Sarwar at his office and gave him an award.

"I was accepted by ministry officials on Tuesday, thanking for what I did," Sarwar told The National.

"They gave me a very good gift. I am very happy, but the gift is not important; the respect they show is the most important thing," he said.

Sarwar has been a resident of Dubai for 12 years and is concerned that motorcyclists and cars passing through the area may not be able to see these blocks that could result in accidents.

"As humans and Muslims, we have to care about other people. If I look at those beams and pass them, then I can save myself, but if other drivers don't see them, they could have an accident," he explained.

Apart from the ministry, he also received appreciation from his superiors who gave him bonuses.

"The attitude of my superiors and the ministry encourages people to be the best they can," he said.

Deliveriveroo also paid tribute to his employees for his efforts to help others.

"The safety of our driver-partners is a top priority for Deliveryroo, and through his actions, Waqas ensures safety is not only for himself, but also for driver-partners and other motorists on the highway," said the company's representative.

"His courage should be praised, and we are grateful that the UAE is a country where the act of kindness by motorists is not only recognized internally, but also appreciated by the authorities," the company said.