New services allows Dubai commuters to rent cars on mobile apps

A new Smart Rental Service is being offered in Dubai for motorists to rent cars for short periods of time.

DUBAI // Commuters in Dubai are now able to rent cars for short periods of time via applications, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority said.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general of RTA, said that the Smart Rental Service is in collaboration with the companies U Drive and ekar, each of which is providing 100 vehicles. It will cost between Dh24 and Dh30 per hour.

“The service aims to enhance the integration of mass transit systems through easing the mobility of commuters, especially metro and tram riders, to their final destinations,” said Mr Al Tayer.

The service will be offered to customers starting on Monday and “enables the rental of vehicles for short periods not exceeding six hours via smart apps on mobile phones and tablets”.

“At a later stage, the service would be available through the Integrated Mobility Platform in Dubai.”

Mr Al Tayer said that vehicles are to be deployed in 45 locations, including Dubai Metro stations Rashidiya, Burjuman, Ibn Battuta, Union and Business Bay.

RTA cooridnated with Dubai Police to make sure companies licensed to offer the hourly car rental service meet security requirements for the car rental system.

Abdulla Al Ali, chief executive of Public Transport Agency, said the Smart Rental Service is available on the U Drive UAE and ekar apps. UAE residents should first register in the system by entering their ID, driving licence and credit card details.

Visitors are required to enter passport, visa, driving licence and credit card details. Customers are given personal identification numbers after the data are verified, then log in and book a vehicle.