Sedans dominate across GCC as flexible rentals reshape mobility trends
Visit eZhire: www.eZhire.ae
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – November 2024 – As the GCC car rental market accelerates into a phase of transformative growth, eZhire, the region’s leading on-demand car rental platform, unveils key insights revealing the evolving mobility behaviors in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. With a mission to make car rentals as seamless as ordering food, eZhire’s latest data shows how residents, expats, and tourists are embracing digital-first, flexible rental solutions.
UAE: Residents and Expats Lead the Demand
In the UAE, 67% of all car rentals come from residents and expatriates, indicating a shift away from traditional car ownership. eZhire’s data shows a significant preference for sedans, with 41.59% of residents and 43.56% of tourists opting for the practical vehicle type. The platform notes Fridays and Saturdays as peak rental days, reflecting the country’s active weekend culture.
The dominant renter demographic? Young professionals aged 30-40, who value flexibility and cost-efficiency.
KSA: Tourism Booms, Rentals Soar
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia presents a different story. With 82% of car rentals driven by tourists, the Kingdom is fast becoming a top travel destination. Sedans once again dominate, capturing 76.02% of tourist rentals and a whopping 83.46% from residents.
Thursdays mark the highest demand, with the 30-40 age group leading rentals – mirroring patterns observed in the UAE.
“Our insights show a dynamic shift in car rental behavior across the GCC,” said Hassan J. Saduzai, CEO and Co-founder of eZhire. “We see the UAE’s residents and expats moving away from ownership, while Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector is fueling short-term rental demand. These trends reaffirm the need for a tech-first, user-friendly approach to car rentals in the region.”
GCC-Wide Trends: Sedans Reign, UAE Embraces Long-Term Rentals
Across the Gulf, sedans remain king. In Qatar, 82.51% of rentals are sedans, while Bahrain leads the region with 97.39% of rentals in the same category. While daily rentals dominate in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, the UAE is experiencing a surge in weekly and monthly rentals, further highlighting its unique mix of tourists, long-term visitors, and digital-savvy expats.
About eZhire
Founded in 2016 by Hassan J. Saduzai and Farhan Ali, eZhire is a pioneering digital car rental platform eliminating the need for deposits, paperwork, or office visits. Users can book vehicles anytime via the eZhire mobile app, with 24/7 delivery service—making transportation more accessible, transparent, and flexible across the GCC.
With a presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, eZhire is empowering individuals—from tourists to young professionals—to enjoy hassle-free car access whenever they need it.
👉 Download the app on iOS or Android
👉 Learn more: www.eZhire.ae
For interviews with CEO Hassan J. Saduzai or media inquiries, please contact:
Anisha Sharma
Empyre Communications
📞 +971 50 246 6165
📧 anisha@empyrecommunications.com
🌐 www.empyrecommunications.com
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