UAE’s first female delivery rider: People love what I do  — Gift Solomon

Nigerian-born, Dubai-based Gift Preye Solomon has written her name in gold in the entire United Arab Emirates as the first female delivery driver, delivering pizzas across the city. She does not only epitomise dignity, she also oozes confidence and joy that can only come from one who enjoys her job.

“Since I became a delivery rider, my experience has been amazing. I get a lot of positive feedback from people when they see me, it makes me happy that I can put a smile on people’s faces.

“People see me on the road and stare at me, sometimes they say hello and say, “Please, drive carefully. I am pleased to know that people really care and appreciate what I do,” she said.

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Being the first at any venture in life can be a disconcerting experience no matter the amount of passion and motivation that came with it. Solomon said she never entertained any fear because her motivation was to change the narrative that certain jobs are meant for a certain gender.

“I am very proud of what I do, I do not just break stereotypes, I have the opportunity to be a part of people’s day and share a smile with them, even for a minute. Well, I would say that sometimes it can scare some people, especially the fact that I am African, but the UAE is a country and a place of opportunity for all nationalities. And the confidence that comes with the knowledge that you are beautiful and hardworking is blissful so I am happy and proud of myself,” she stated emphatically.

Solomon explained how she came to know she’s the very first female delivery rider, while admitting she’s not the first female driver as reported by some news outlets.

“As far as I know, I am the first female food delivery rider in the UAE. I am sure there are female delivery drivers, but not riders, because I have never seen them, like other people,” she asserted.

Gift Preye Solomon hails from Ese Udo local government area of Ondo State but was born and bred in Benin City in Edo State. She was born into a family of 6 children consisting of 4 boys and 2 girls. She became the eldest daughter after losing her sister.

She had a good education but it was cut short by financial difficulties. Nonetheless, she has a degree in Multimedia Networking from NIIT, Benin, Edo State. She later enrolled for a Bachelor’s degree at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) but dropped out at the 200 level as a result of financial incapacity.

She arrived in Dubai in 2015 with help from her parents and friends. After a difficult and unsavoury beginning, Gift Preye Solomon found her foothold in life, working with Freedom Pizzas. After many years and good experience in various capacities, she decided she wanted to be a delivery rider. It was a decision that shocked everyone at the establishment because she had already risen to the managerial level but the Ondo lady was on a mission. Like they say, the rest is history.