Dubai Drives: Which Car Rental App Fits Your Trip?
May 10, 2025
Copy Link
Sources
35
Show Sources in Text
Google
En Wikipedia
Damacproperties
M Youtube
Careem
Help Careem
Codeflashinfotech
Arabianbusiness
Thestrategystory
Bornintheuae
Paisabazaar
Help Careem
Specials Priceless
Travtalkmiddleeast
Edgemiddleeast
Canvasbusinessmodel
English Alarabiya
Rakuten
Circlemena
Expertappdevs
Travelsdubai
Engineering Careem
Appsrhino
Arkasoftwares
Way2smile
Oyelabs
Dxbapps
Khaleejtimes
Help Careem
Timeoutdubai
Zawya
Help Careem
Kiltons
Play Google
Globenewswire
Navigating Dubai's vibrant streets just got easier, thanks to a wave of app-based car rentals shaking up the transport scene 
[1]
[10]. Forget traditional rental counters for a moment; these services put wheels at your fingertips through your smartphone, offering a flexible alternative to ownership or public transport 
[4]
[8]
[25]. This guide dives into the top players – Udrive, Ekar, Yango Drive, Careem Car Rentals, and One Click Drive – comparing how they stack up so you can choose the perfect ride for your Dubai adventures.
Understanding the App Rental Models in Dubai
Before we compare, let's break down the main types of app rentals you'll find buzzing around Dubai. First, there's Pay-Per-Minute/Hour Car Sharing, the domain of Udrive and Ekar, where you grab a nearby car via app, drive for a short time, and drop it off within a zone, often with fuel and parking included [4][8][10]
[2]
[13]
[17]. Then, you have App-Based Booking for longer hires, like Careem, using their app to book traditional daily or weekly rentals from partners 
[7]
[16]
[23]
[34]. Finally, Aggregator Platforms like Yango Drive and One Click Drive act as marketplaces, letting you compare and book deals from various rental companies all in one place 
[3]
[9]
[15]
[18]
[21]
[26].
Head-to-Head: Comparing Dubai's Top Rental Apps
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. How do these services actually work, what cars do they offer, and what will it cost you?
How They Work: Booking, Unlocking & Driving
For car-sharing champs Udrive and Ekar, it's all about the app [1][4]. You'll need to register first, uploading documents like your Emirates ID and UAE license (or passport and relevant driving permit for tourists) and linking a card [2][4][17]
[33]. Ekar might charge a tiny verification fee [1][33]. Once approved, you simply find a car on the app map, reserve it (often free for a short period), walk up, unlock it with the app, find the keys inside (usually released via a PIN on a dashboard device), and drive off [1][4]
[12][13][17]
[24]. Ending the trip involves parking correctly within the designated zone and locking the car via the app [2][8][17].
Careem Car Rentals integrates booking into its familiar Super App [16][23]. You select 'Car rental', choose your dates and desired vehicle from partners like Swapp, and pay through the app, potentially using your Careem Pay wallet [16][23]
[30][34]
[35]. The process feels seamless, often with the option of having the car delivered right to you [34][30].
Aggregators Yango Drive and One Click Drive offer a comparison shopping experience on their apps or websites [3][9][26]
[28]. You browse offers from multiple rental companies, compare prices and cars, and select your preferred deal 
[20][21]
[27]
[29]
[31]. The booking connection is made through the platform, but the actual rental agreement and documentation are typically handled directly with the supplier you choose [9][20][26][28].
The Rides: Comparing Vehicle Fleets
What kind of wheels can you expect? Udrive mainly focuses on budget-friendly economy and compact cars – think Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sunny – along with some practical SUVs like the Ford EcoSport [1][2]
[5][17]. While they hint at premium options, the core fleet is geared towards affordability and everyday use [2][17]. Ekar also offers a large fleet with plenty of economy and compact choices, but potentially includes more premium options like Infiniti models and even Teslas, alongside SUVs [1][13]
[19]
[32][33].
With Careem, the available fleet depends entirely on its rental partners, such as Swapp [16][23]. This means you could find anything from a budget Kia Picanto to SUVs like the Nissan Kicks or Chevrolet Tahoe, and even premium brands like BMW, depending on the partner's inventory [16][23][30]. Unsurprisingly, aggregators Yango Drive and One Click Drive boast the widest variety [3][9]. By pooling inventory from numerous partners, they offer everything from the most basic economy cars to high-end luxury vehicles, sports cars, SUVs, and vans [20][26][27][28].
Counting the Cost: Pricing Structures & Inclusions
Let's talk money. Udrive and Ekar are famous for their pay-per-minute model, often starting around AED 0.70-0.80 per minute, making them great for quick trips [1][5]. They also offer hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly rates [2][4][8][13][33]. A huge plus for their pay-per-minute service is that fuel, basic insurance, and parking in designated public RTA zones are usually included [2][8]
[11][13][17][25]. However, watch out – some Ekar daily rates might exclude free fuel and parking, requiring you to return the car refueled [33]. You'll always pay extra for Salik road tolls and any traffic fines you incur [2][11][33]. Other potential costs include exceeding mileage limits or returning the car with very low fuel [1][2]. A big win? No security deposit is typically needed [2][4]
[6].
Careem Car Rentals' pricing is set by its partners (like Swapp) and generally focuses on daily, weekly, or monthly rentals [34]. Keep an eye out for promotions [23][30]. You'll need to check the specific offer in the app to see what's included regarding fuel, insurance, maintenance, and mileage allowances [23][35]. Like the car-sharing services, they often promote a no-deposit feature [30].
Yango Drive and One Click Drive display prices set by their supplier partners, primarily for daily, weekly, or monthly rentals [3][9][15][26][28]. The main advantage here is comparison – you can easily see different offers side-by-side [20][21][27]. One Click Drive highlights its no-commission model, meaning the price you see is direct from the supplier [3][20][27]. Always double-check the inclusions (fuel, insurance, mileage, delivery fees) for each specific offer directly with the supplier [20][29]. No-deposit options might be available depending on the partner [21][29].
Where Can You Park & Drive? Zones & Rules
Location matters! Udrive and Ekar operate within strict geographical zones shown clearly on their app maps [1][2][13][17]. You must pick up and, crucially, drop off the car within these zones [2][17]. The good news for pay-per-minute users is free parking in most public RTA zones (A, B, C, D) [17][33]. Intercity travel (like Dubai to Abu Dhabi) is often possible but check the terms and potential fees; trips generally need to start and end in the same city [1][11][13].
For Careem rentals, parking and driving rules are dictated by the partner company's policies [34]. Delivery options are likely available across Dubai [34]. With aggregators Yango Drive and One Click Drive, the rules depend entirely on the rental supplier you choose [20][26]. This generally means wider coverage across Dubai and the UAE, with options for delivery or airport pickup [20][26]. Some suppliers might even allow cross-border travel if arranged in advance [20].
Registration: What You'll Need
Getting started is usually straightforward. If you're a UAE resident, you'll typically need your Emirates ID and a valid UAE Driving License [2][11][33]. Tourists will need their Passport, a valid Visa, and either a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or a home country license from an approved list (always check the latest requirements) [2][11]. Be prepared for a short verification period after you submit your documents during sign-up [1][33].
Which App is Right for You? Matching Services to Needs
So, which service should you choose? It really depends on what you need.
Weighing the Options: Pros and Cons Summary
Every service has its upsides and downsides. App rentals generally offer great convenience via smartphone booking/unlocking and can be cost-effective for short trips [1][4][7][13][17][32]. Inclusions like fuel/parking in carsharing are a bonus, as is the flexibility without ownership hassles and the availability of no-deposit options [2][4][6][8][13]
[14][17][25][29][30]. Aggregators provide access to a huge range of cars [3][9]. However, carsharing models (Udrive/Ekar) have limited vehicle choice and availability can be patchy during peak times [1][4][5][7]. Their strict operating zones and parking rules require attention [2][17][33]. Plus, you're dependent on your phone app working correctly 
[22]. For longer rentals, carsharing can become expensive compared to deals found via aggregators [19][22], and mileage limits or vehicle condition variability can be concerns [1][4][22][33].
Beyond the Booking: User Experience Notes
Generally, the apps for these services are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive [1][4][6][7][8][9][14][23][26][27][29][32][34]. However, like any tech, occasional glitches or lag can happen [22]. While companies aim for clean and well-maintained cars, the shared nature means condition can vary – it's always wise to check the vehicle before you drive off [4][6][22]. Customer support is available, often 24/7, but responsiveness can differ, which is important if you encounter any issues [1][4][6][7][14][22][26][34].
Playing by the Rules: RTA & Key Regulations
Rest assured, services like Udrive and Ekar operate with the blessing of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) [10][11][17]. This official partnership allows benefits like free parking in certain public zones for carsharing users [17]. It also means strict adherence to regulations, including verifying user documentation – valid licenses and IDs/passports/visas are non-negotiable [2][10][11][19].
Smart Driving: Practical Tips for App Rentals
Want a smooth ride? Keep these tips in mind. Always understand the full fee structure, including per-minute/daily rates, mileage limits, and extra costs like Salik tolls before you book [2][5][11][33]. Double-check what's included – fuel, insurance, parking – as it varies wildly between services and rental types [2][4][11][13][33]. Inspect the car for damage before starting and report anything via the app [12]. For Udrive/Ekar, know your operating zones and allowed parking spots intimately using the app map to avoid fines [2][17]. Make sure your phone battery is charged – it's your key! [22] Follow any refueling rules if applicable, and always end your trip correctly in an authorized spot, locking the car via the app [1][2][12][17][33]. Finally, for longer rentals, compare costs – sometimes a daily rate or an aggregator deal beats extended pay-per-minute use [3][19][22].
The Finish Line: Choosing Your Dubai App Rental
Dubai's app-based rental scene offers fantastic flexibility, from quick pay-per-minute hops to longer-term hires [1][4][10][13]. Whether you choose the instant convenience of Udrive or Ekar, the curated partner options via Careem, or the vast marketplace of Yango Drive and One Click Drive depends entirely on your trip length, budget, car preference, and how you value convenience versus choice [3][9][11][16][20][23][26][30]. Use this comparison to pick the service that best fits your journey through this dynamic city.
Try It for Free