As the GCC car rental market experiences unprecedented growth, eZhire, the leading on-demand car rental platform, reveals fresh insights into regional trends, spotlighting the contrasting dynamics between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These findings showcase a vibrant car rental landscape, driven by diverse user preferences and the growing popularity of flexible, digital-first rental solutions across the Gulf.
With operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, eZhire’s data offers a unique lens into the evolving mobility needs of residents, expats, and visitors, highlighting how each market responds to the demand for accessible, hassle-free car rentals.
The UAE is seeing a surge in rentals among both residents and expats, with 67% of eZhire’s bookings driven by locals and expatriates seeking flexibility without the costs of ownership. Sedans top the charts, accounting for 41.59% of resident bookings, while 43.56% of tourists opt for similar, practical choices, reflecting the UAE’s appeal to both long-term residents and short-term visitors.
Friday and Saturday are peak rental days, capturing the UAE’s dynamic weekend lifestyle. With nearly 60% of renters aged 30-40, the UAE’s young professionals and expat community are fueling demand.
Saudi Arabia: Tourist Rentals Dominate with an Unprecedented Demand for Sedans
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the story unfolds differently. 82% of eZhire’s bookings come from visitors, underlining the kingdom’s transformation into a major tourist hub. With 76.02% of visitors choosing sedans, and residents favoring them even more at 83.46%, Saudi Arabia’s rental trends emphasize convenience for travelers. Thursday leads as the most popular rental day, with demand peaking among the 30-40 age group, similar to trends in the UAE.
“Our insights show a dynamic shift in car rental behavior across the GCC, where we see the UAE’s expats and residents seeking flexible options without ownership costs, while Saudi Arabia’s growth in tourism drives visitor demand for reliable, accessible rentals,” said Hassan J. Saduzai, CEO and Co-founder of eZhire. “By leveraging these insights, we’re able to enhance our offerings and cater to unique market needs, continuing our mission to make car rentals more accessible, convenient, and streamlined for all.”
GCC-Wide Trends: Sedans Rule and Daily Rentals Dominate
Across the GCC, sedans remain the unrivaled favorite. In Qatar, 82.51% of rentals are sedans, while Bahrain sees a staggering 97.39% opting for them, highlighting the practical choice that resonates with GCC residents and visitors alike. Daily rentals dominate in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, whereas the UAE sees a rising preference for weekly and monthly rentals, pointing to the UAE’s unique blend of tourists, expats, and long-term visitors.
“As theleading car rental disruptor in the GCC, eZhire is committed to redefining car access for all, offering a fully digital, app-based experience that puts convenience first. From urban professionals to tourists, eZhire’s rental solutions are designed to meet the region’s evolving needs,” a company spokesperson said.
