Community leaders have praised delivery riders for their unwavering dedication to ensuring residents and citizens across the island continued to receive food, medicine and other essential supplies in recent days.
As conflict disrupted daily routines delivery services soon became a vital lifeline for many households, providing stability during a period of uncertainty.
Leading this sentiment, Pakistani Women’s Association (PWA) president Shahmeen Islam shared a personal encounter that underscored the impact of the marvellous men on their motorcycles.
“Recently, I met a delivery driver in the midst of all this tension and even rain,” she said.
“He stood there smiling. I asked him how he felt working during such a time, and his response surprised me. He said he felt safe doing his job,” she added.
Ms Islam explained that at that moment, she remembered an extra Ramadan grocery bag at home that had not yet been distributed through PWA’s ongoing Ramadan campaign, and decided to give it to him.
“The smile that lit up his face was more than gratitude. It changed something within me.
The fear I had been carrying eased, replaced by a realisation that we can always do more,” she said.
In recent years the delivery-men-on-wheels have been highly criticised for their apparent lack of road awareness and courtesy with parliamentarians leading the calls for restrictions to be put in place to curtail their services.
However, many have also lost their lives, or suffered serious injuries, as innocent victims of road accidents.
Now, it appears, their courage, courtesy and good service has been appreciated.
And, the uncertainty continues despite Iranian apologies as missiles and drones continue to be intercepted.
Ms Islam encouraged residents who have been staying indoors and relying on deliveries to extend small gestures of kindness.
“If you are ordering from restaurants or stores, give them a meal, drink or a few essentials,” she said, adding that most delivery drivers rely on daily earnings to sustain themselves and their families.
While working in such conditions may carry risks, she stressed that communities have a responsibility to offer support.
“And, when we hand something to them, let’s also remind them that if they hear sirens in the future, they must stop and take cover. Safety and good deeds must go together,” she added.
She also highlighted the importance of supporting small businesses, many of which are struggling amid the instability.
“Emotional support is just as important,” she said.
“There are many women and families who have recently moved here. I have received calls from individuals asking how not to feel overwhelmed and seeking reassurance.”
She urged residents to continue checking in on one another and foster a sense of unity.
“This is the time to become a buddy, to be available for a conversation and to connect with people. We can use our social media not to amplify fear, but to spread steadiness and positivity. A simple message. A simple check-in. A simple offer of support. This is an opportunity to respond not with anxiety, but with unity.”
One Heart Bahrain volunteer Amal Ishaq echoed these sentiments.
“This work is a vital source of income for drivers, and it has become harder for many to earn consistently in the current situation,” she stated.
“So, if you do place an order, please do it thoughtfully and add a small tip or bonus when you can.”
She added that the organisation’s emergency response plan has been designed to reduce unnecessary movement by shifting support to remote co-ordination and doorstep delivery.
“We are deeply grateful to our food aid partner, BAWA Food Trading, which has been contributing its own delivery van service as part of this charitable effort.
This has enabled essential food rations to reach people safely while minimising residents’ movement,” she said.
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