Thrifty Redefines Car Rentals With New Self-Service Digital Kiosks in UAE

Thrifty Car Rentals UAE has launched the region’s first self-service digital car rental kiosk, introducing a new level of convenience to the UAE’s mobility sector. Unveiled at the Novotel and Ibis Deira Creekside Dubai, the new technology is designed to eliminate common customer pain points such as long queues and extensive paperwork, allowing users to complete the entire rental process in minutes.

A New Era of Convenience

The self-service kiosks aim to fundamentally reshape the car rental experience by digitizing every step. Customers can use the intuitive interface to browse Thrifty’s extensive fleet, from economy to premium vehicles, complete ID verification, and process secure payments without any counter interaction. Once booked, the vehicle can be delivered within one to three hours, depending on the location and car category. This innovation transforms car rental into an on-demand service, mirroring the ease of booking flights or hotels. A planned integration of 24/7 live customer support will further enhance the user experience by offering real-time assistance.

Suhale Showkat, Head of Retail at Thrifty UAE, commented, “The launch of our self-service digital kiosk marks a defining moment for Thrifty and for car rentals in the region. We’ve reimagined the rental experience to reflect how today’s customers prefer to interact, with speed, transparency, and convenience. This innovation allows users to take full control of their journey, from browsing to booking, in just a few taps.”

Strategic Expansion Across the Emirates

The kiosk at Novotel and Ibis Deira Creekside Dubai is just the beginning of an ambitious nationwide rollout. As part of a growth strategy to double its footprint over the next two years, Thrifty UAE plans to deploy a network of over 100 smart kiosks by 2026. Two more kiosks are already being launched at Taj Exotica, Palm Jumeirah and Ibis Al Rigga. These will be strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as residential communities, transit hubs, and retail destinations, making vehicle access more accessible than ever.

“Partnering with Thrifty for this launch fits perfectly with Novotel and Ibis Deira Creekside Dubai’s mission to offer guests next-generation convenience,” said Sumit Gupta, General Manager at the hotels. “Having a car rental kiosk in our lobby not only adds value to their stay but also reflects Dubai’s reputation as a hub for innovation and service excellence.”

Driving the UAE’s Smart Mobility Vision

This technological advancement aligns directly with the UAE’s national vision for a digital-first economy and sustainable transport innovation. By digitizing the booking process, Thrifty is contributing to more efficient urban mobility and supporting the country’s goal of enhancing quality of life through intelligent infrastructure. For the millions of tourists and business travellers visiting the UAE annually, the availability of on-demand car rental services at key locations provides a significant layer of convenience, reinforcing the nation’s status as a global hub.

About Thrifty Car Rental UAE

Established in 1989 as part of A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises, Thrifty Car Rental UAE is a leading name in the regional mobility sector. Operating for over 40 years, the company caters to cost-conscious business and leisure travellers, offering a wide range of short- and long-term car rental and leasing services. Under the leadership of Chairman Abdullah Ahmed Al Moosa, Thrifty has built a strong reputation for affordability, reliability, and customer-centric service.

Source: Zawya