Dubai software engineer Tarik Toptas has turned his everyday food orders into a gift for Careem delivery riders, handing out more than 240 meals in just two weeks.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, the 24‑year‑old Turkish tech expert moved to Dubai to launch a business that builds software and mobile applications.
After a year of handing out water and cookies to riders, he decided to add a full meal to each order he placed for himself, making the extra dish a habit he says gives him daily motivation. “It gives me great motivation to grow in life, grow my business and to do more for other people, not only for myself,” he said.
“Most of the time they don't even know how to react. They walk away and then they walk back to the door and say, ‘Thank you very much and god bless your family.’” — Tarik Toptas, Software Engineer
The gesture caught riders off guard at first – they were bewildered when he handed them coffee, a burger or pasta – but the smiles on their faces encouraged Toptas to make the practice regular.
He has already paid for more than 240 dishes, ranging from chicken‑and‑rice lunches to breakfast meals and cold drinks, and even handed out about 200 pizzas outside a local pizzeria to riders picking up orders.
Looking ahead, Toptas aims to reach 500 meals and wants riders to pick their own favourite dishes. He is also scouting a venue where he could share a lunch or dinner with roughly 500 riders, turning the act of giving into a community experience.
His generosity stems from earlier charitable work in the Netherlands, where he supported clean‑water projects, built water pumps and backed health campaigns in Palestine and Africa.
“My message is that you don't need to do a lot to make people happy in life,” he said. “You can start with a small gesture to make a difference, to make people positive in life. Even a kind word can make someone's day better.”
Frequently asked questions
How many meals did Tarik Toptas donate to Careem riders?He donated over 240 meals to Careem riders in just two weeks.
Why did Tarik Toptas start donating meals to Careem riders?He began the gesture because it gives him daily motivation to grow and help others.
What kind of meals did Tarik Toptas donate to Careem riders?He provided a variety of dishes, including chicken‑and‑rice lunches, breakfast meals, cold drinks, and pizzas.
How does Tarik Toptas plan to expand his meal donations?He aims to reach 500 meals, let riders choose their favorite dishes, and is scouting a venue to host a communal lunch or dinner for about 500 riders.
