According to new data from eZhire, the leading on-demand car rental platform, 41.59% of residents in the UAE prefer sedans when renting a car.
This preference highlights a growing trend in the UAE’s rental market, with 67% of bookings made by locals and expatriates seeking flexible, hassle-free rental solutions.
As demand for such services continues to rise, particularly among young professionals, the trend is shaping the future of car rentals in the UAE and across the broader GCC.
UAE rent-a-car trends
In the UAE, weekends are the peak rental period, with Friday and Saturday seeing the highest volume of bookings. Almost 60% of renters are aged between 30 and 40, indicating that the country’s vibrant expat and resident population is driving the demand for affordable and flexible car rental options.
Sedans remain the vehicle of choice, with 43.56% of tourists also opting for these practical vehicles during their stay.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, the car rental landscape shows a different dynamic, with the majority of bookings — 82% — coming from visitors. Reflecting the kingdom’s growing appeal as a major tourist destination, 76.02% of tourists choose sedans, and the trend is even more pronounced among local residents, with 83.46% preferring sedans. This suggests that both residents and visitors value the convenience and practicality that sedans offer for everyday travel.
The peak rental day in Saudi Arabia is Thursday, with demand driven primarily by individuals in the 30-40 age group, similar to the trend in the UAE. The rising influx of international visitors has played a key role in shaping this demand, making Saudi Arabia one of the most sought-after destinations for car rentals in the GCC.
GCC
Across the GCC, sedans continue to dominate the car rental market. In Qatar, 82.51% of rentals are sedans, while in Bahrain, a staggering 97.39% of rentals are for sedans. This widespread preference reflects the practical and cost-effective nature of sedans, making them the vehicle of choice for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.
Rental trends vary by country, with daily rentals being particularly popular in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, while the UAE sees a growing preference for weekly and monthly rentals, driven by the country’s unique mix of residents, tourists, and long-term visitors.
Shifting car rental behaviours
“Our insights show a dynamic shift in car rental behaviour across the GCC,” said Hassan J. Saduzai, CEO and Co-founder of eZhire.
“In the UAE, we see a growing trend among expats and residents seeking flexible rental options without the long-term commitment of car ownership. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism industry is driving unprecedented demand for reliable and accessible rentals.”
“We are using these insights to enhance our offerings and better serve the diverse needs of the region, continuing our mission to make car rentals more accessible, convenient, and streamlined for all.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
