As the UAE prepares for a new era of passenger rail travel, one of the biggest challenges facing travellers is how to seamlessly complete their journey beyond the station. In line with this, Thrifty Car Rental UAE, one of the region’s leading mobility providers, today announced that it has been awarded an exclusive five-year car rental partnership for Etihad Rail, giving passengers access to convenient and flexible onward transportation across the national rail network.
According to Thrifty UAE, more than 50% of train commuters globally rely on car rentals and other shared mobility options to complete the final leg of their journey. To support this evolving need, Thrifty UAE, in partnership with Etihad Rail, will be offering a first-of-its-kind Rail to Road service in the region. Designed for convenience and flexibility, the service gives passengers access to a vehicle directly at the station, allowing a seamless integration with the rail journey.
As Etihad Rail introduces passenger services across the country, this exclusive five-year agreement will aim to provide seamless, integrated mobility solutions that support the UAE’s vision for a more integrated transport network.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Etihad Rail to help shape the future of transportation in the UAE. The inauguration of this railway is a monumental step forward for the UAE, and we are grateful to play a part in its historic success. True connectivity is about the entire journey from start to finish. By bringing Thrifty into the Etihad Rail network, we are bridging the gaps for passengers and helping build a smarter, fully connected, and sustainable future for travel in the UAE,” expressed Mr. Abdulla Ahmed Almoosa, Founder of A. A Almoosa Enterprises.
Industry studies show that first- and last-mile connectivity is a critical driver of public transit adoption worldwide. With Etihad Rail expected to carry 10 million passengers annually once fully operational, this partnership aims to provide reliable, seamless mobility options that complement the speed and convenience of rail travel.
Passengers can easily book Thrifty services through several touchpoints, including the Etihad Rail app, website, and Thrifty’s own platform. Additionally, each of the 11 rail stations will feature both a digital kiosk and a physical assistance desk to seamlessly handle growing demand. The companies are also working towards full digital integration, enabling travellers to reserve vehicles alongside train ticket bookings through a streamlined customer journey.
To support the growth of the UAE’s national rail network, Thrifty UAE plans to invest more than AED 10 million over the next 5 years in fleet expansion, digital infrastructure, and enhancements to the customer experience. With an initial fleet of approximately 500 vehicles and scalable capacity aligned with passenger demand, the company is also investing in AI-powered customer journeys and intelligent mobility solutions, with the platform set to evolve continuously as the rail network expands. The initiative supports the UAE’s vision for integrated and sustainable transportation.
By combining rail travel with on-demand vehicle access, the initiative will allow business travellers, commuters, and tourists to move seamlessly between stations and their final destinations.
