In a significant step for Oman’s digital ecosystem, two local entrepreneurs have launched Ajarlee, the sultanate’s first homegrown car rental application. The platform, co-founded by Mohammed bin Suleiman al Subhi and Majid bin Said al Nu’amani, creates a unified digital marketplace connecting customers directly with car rental offices, streamlining a traditionally offline process.
Addressing a Local Market Gap
The inspiration for Ajarlee, which translates to ‘Rent Me the Car’, came from identifying a clear need within the Omani market. While international car rental apps were available, a locally developed solution tailored to the region’s specifics was missing.
“While international car rental apps existed, there was no Omani-built platform offering the same convenience,” explained co-founder Mohammed bin Suleiman al Subhi. “That’s where our journey began.”
With five years of business management experience, Subhi partnered with Majid bin Said al Nu’amani, who brings over a decade of software development expertise to the venture. Their goal was to eliminate the friction of traditional rentals. “Users can now book a car in just a few minutes — no phone calls or office visits, only a few taps on their mobile,” Nu’amani added.
Overcoming Early Hurdles
The path to launch was not without its challenges. The founders initially faced difficulties securing funding and persuading traditional car rental businesses to embrace a digital model. The team undertook a comprehensive outreach effort to build trust and demonstrate the platform’s value.
“We visited more than 400 offices across the sultanate,” Subhi recalled. “There was hesitation at first, but as offices saw real results, trust and participation grew.”
Securing Key Strategic Backing
Ajarlee’s potential was recognized early on by the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), which provided a crucial startup grant. This initial support was later bolstered by a significant investment from ITHCA Group through the Future Fund Oman, solidifying the startup’s financial foundation and positioning it for scalable growth.
Building Regional Momentum
With a strong product and solid backing, Ajarlee has begun to expand its presence beyond Oman. The startup has showcased its platform at major regional technology events, including COMEX in Muscat and Bibaan in Saudi Arabia.
“These exhibitions gave us exposure to global experiences and opened new business opportunities,” said Nu’amani. The positive reception was evident at COMEX, where the team signed eight memoranda of understanding with various car rental offices.
Looking ahead, the founders plan to enhance the platform by introducing digital insurance options and monthly subscription packages. Their long-term vision includes expanding Ajarlee’s footprint into neighboring Gulf markets.
About Ajarlee
Ajarlee is an Omani technology startup that provides a mobile application for car rentals. The platform acts as a digital marketplace, connecting users with a wide network of local car rental agencies, allowing them to browse, compare, and book vehicles seamlessly through their smartphones.
Source: Zawya
