Latest Car Subscription Services in the UAE Explained

Not everyone wants to buy a car. And today, more than ever, owning a car in the UAE is not the only option. Thanks to car subscription services, personal mobility no longer means owning a vehicle.  In fact, if you prefer not to have the hassle of ownership, the long-term commitment and the maintenance, insurance cost, etc. Just get a car on subscription, it is not only easy but quick. And, the UAE has several options that make it even super convenient, and with tailor-made plans, these services are incredibly useful. Here's everything you need to know.

The Significance of Car Subscriptions

After an initial slow start, according to research, today, more consumers prefer vehicle subscription services over traditional rentals globally, it is a huge business. More than half of the car owners today prefer not to own a vehicle in the future and use them on demand. People want flexibility, not commitment.

This is also the trend catching up rather faster in the Middle East, and the UAE is no different. What a car subscription means to you is essentially freedom of  choice.  You don’t need to stick with one single car; rather, you can switch cars based on your needs. If you’re driving in the city, then get a sedan for a month, then if you wish, upgrade to an SUV for a weekend desert trip next month or a bigger car for a family road trip. Just change your subscription.

The market scenario

Today, many players offer subscription services in the UAE. Let’s take a look at them.

RTA Ekar

Ekar is the established player owned by the government and operated by the Roads and Transport Authority, which means it comes with real authority and not a startup. Their service offers as many as 1,000 vehicles available, which means customers can choose from a wide variety of choices and availability won’t be an issue. 

Ekar service works on pay-per-minute, daily, weekly, or monthly plans. The price brackets start from 40 to 50 fils per minute, which comes to about AED 24-30 per hour. 

The important aspect of their service is transparency and no hidden charges. The entire process is straightforward. Just download the app, register with your UAE driver's license, passport, or Emirates ID. Find a nearby vehicle through the app. Scan the QR code on the car window to unlock. The PIN is in your glove compartment. Turn on the engine, and you’re ready to go.

The advantage of Ekar: there are many, as everywhere present, multiple locations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. Parking is free in designated RTA zones A through L zones, which is a lot convenient and free parking means actual savings.

The limitation is that you can't take Ekar vehicles outside your emirate. That means an Ekar from Dubai stays in Dubai. For residents moving between emirates regularly, this may not be the most suitable.

Udrive

Udrive launched in 2016 and has powered over 2 million trips, which clearly means a growth story. Within a short period, it has gained a lot of traction. There are many reasons, like a super user-friendly app and service available across the country.

You will find Udrive's model is similar to that of Ekar. You avail their services through a Pay-per-minute service, and a similar registration process with Emirates ID, driving license, and passport verification. Download the app, book the car of your choice, scan the QR code, and drive.

The Pricing is also comparable to Ekar. Nearly 40-50 fils per minute, depending on car type and location, the monthly subscriptions start around AED 1,200-1,500 for regular access, depending on your plan.

Interestingly, Udrive’s fleet is pretty diverse across top brands, including Toyota Yaris, Nissan Tiida, Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Spark, and others. You’ll find their service quite professional with modern, well-maintained vehicles. The company has raised nearly US$10 million in funding, so they're financially in sound condition.

The advantage of Udrive is their massive expansion. After the UAE, they moved to Saudi Arabia. The app is sleek, and customer support is responsive when issues arise, something customers love. 

The limitation is that, just like Ekar, parking is free only in designated areas. Private parking and valet fees come out of your pocket.

Pay-Per-Minute vs. Monthly Subscriptions

Both services offer flexibility in different ways.

Pay-per-minute is good for:

• Occasional drivers who use cars 2-3 times per week
• Business trips where you need short-term transportation
• Those who don't have predictable weekly car needs
• Trying different vehicle types before deciding what you actually want

Average cost: AED 24-30 per hour means roughly AED 200-240 for a full day (8-10 hours). Weekend trips cost around AED 300-400.

Monthly subscriptions make sense when:

• You drive regularly, 4+ times per week
• Your commute is outside the public transport range
• You need a consistent vehicle available
• You're considering buying, but want to test the model

Average monthly cost: AED 1,200-1,800 depending on vehicle type and usage limits. This includes insurance. You don't pay separately for coverage. This is included.

Subscription Experience Explained

Subscribing to a car is a real simple process; it works remarkably well and easily. Here's the actual flow:

Download the app from Google Play or App Store. Registration takes 5-10 minutes, and the service providers verify your documents instantly in most cases. Sometimes it takes up to 24 hours if there's a minor discrepancy.

Once approved, you get a PIN and access to available vehicles. The app shows nearby cars with real-time location tracking. Battery levels and fuel status are visible. You know exactly what you're getting.

Unlock is via QR code scanning. Takes 30 seconds, and the PIN is stored in the vehicle. Start the engine and you're moving.

The good part is that Insurance is included in the subscription cost. You don't need personal coverage for these vehicles; that part is taken care of by the company, which covers accidents up to a certain amount. 

Fuel is usually included for a certain mileage allowance per month. If you exceed the limit, you will pay overage charges. Average overage is AED 1.50-2 per kilometre.

Parking in designated zones is free; however, in malls, private spots, or valet parking is your responsibility.

Returning the vehicle is simple. Park it in any authorised zone, end the trip through the app. The final charge is calculated automatically. Payment processes within 24 hours.

Costs Breakdown

Here's what you actually pay, month-to-month comparison:

Monthly Subscription (AED 1,500 average)

• Service cost: AED 1,500
• Insurance: included
• Fuel allowance: 1,500-2,000 km included
• Maintenance: included
• Parking (designated zones): free

Pay-per-minute (Occasional user, 40 trips/month, 2 hours each)

• 80 hours × AED 30/hour: AED 2,400
• Insurance: included per trip
• Fuel: charged separately if exceeding allowance
• Total: approximately AED 2,600-2,800

Buying vs. Subscription (for comparison)

• Car purchase: AED 60,000-100,000 upfront
• Insurance annual: AED 2,000-3,000
• Maintenance annual: AED 1,500-2,500
• Fuel monthly: AED 500-800
• Total annual: roughly AED 9,000-13,300, excluding car cost

Subscription makes financial sense if you drive less than 30,000 km annually.

How to Choose Between Ekar and Udrive

Choose Ekar if

• You value government backing and stability
• You want maximum vehicle availability
• You're primarily in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• You prefer established service without startup risk

Choose Udrive if

• You want a polished, modern app experience
• You need flexibility and newer vehicle options
• You value customer support responsiveness
• You like the company's growth trajectory

In reality, both services work absolutely perfectly. Whatever the actual difference, it is not much. Your choice comes down to personal experience and availability in your area. It is recommended to try both for a month each, which should give you a flavour of each, and then you can make a better decision.

Conclusion

Frankly, in 2025, car subscriptions aren't experimental anymore; they are pretty much mainstream. This is something quite useful for certain car users, financially it works best, and also a lot convenient too. The most attractive aspect is the flexibility, which beats ownership for many people. If you're considering getting a subscription service, then try it for a month to just experience yourself  before making any more commitment.  The big deal is you can cancel anytime. No commitment or penalties. Just download, drive, and decide. That's the future of car ownership in the UAE, which is already right here.