Thrifty UAE Unveils First Self-Service Car Rental Kiosk

Dubai, United Arab Emirates : Thrifty Car Rental UAE has taken a bold step into the future of mobility with the launch of the country’s first self-service digital car rental kiosk. Installed at Novotel and Ibis Deira Creekside Dubai, the new kiosk marks a major milestone in Thrifty’s mission to blend technology and convenience, redefining how customers experience vehicle rentals in the UAE.

The innovative kiosk allows customers to browse cars, verify their identity, and make secure payments in just a few minutes—eliminating long queues, lengthy paperwork, and time-consuming manual procedures. With delivery options available within one to three hours, depending on the location and vehicle type, the new system offers unparalleled speed and flexibility for both residents and visitors.

The launch event was attended by Thrifty UAE’s key executives — Rahul Singh, Benny Thomas, Suhale Showkat, and Harshvardan Singh — alongside management from Novotel and Ibis Deira Creekside Dubai. Together, they celebrated a significant step forward in bringing digital convenience to everyday mobility.

A New Era of Digital Mobility

The Thrifty self-service kiosk has been designed to make car rental as simple as booking a hotel stay or flight. Users can explore a diverse fleet of economy, family, and premium vehicles through a touchscreen interface powered by Thrifty’s proprietary booking technology. The kiosk ensures a fully digital, paperless process, while future integration of 24/7 live customer support will provide real-time assistance for those who prefer guided interaction.

This first-of-its-kind solution reflects Thrifty’s commitment to making mobility smarter, faster, and more accessible. By eliminating traditional barriers, the company is transforming car rentals into a seamless, technology-led experience for a new generation of customers.

Expanding Smart Mobility Across the UAE

The Novotel and Ibis Deira Creekside Dubai kiosk is just the beginning. Thrifty is set to deploy additional kiosks at Taj Exotica, Palm Jumeirah, and Ibis Al Rigga within the week, with a goal to reach over 100 kiosk locations by 2026. These installations will be strategically placed across residential areas, business districts, airports, and shopping destinations, ensuring convenient access to vehicle rentals anytime, anywhere.

This expansion forms a central part of Thrifty UAE’s strategic roadmap to double its operational footprint within two years. By investing in innovation and smart mobility, Thrifty aims to align with the UAE’s national agenda for digital transformation and customer-centric service excellence.

Leadership Perspectives

Suhale Showkat, Head of Retail at Thrifty UAE, said: “The launch of our self-service kiosk represents a defining shift in the car rental experience. We’ve built this technology to give customers full control—speed, transparency, and convenience—all at their fingertips. As we expand, our mission remains clear: make car rentals accessible to everyone, everywhere, through intelligent digital solutions.”

Sumit Gupta, General Manager of Novotel and Ibis Deira Creekside Dubai, added: “Partnering with Thrifty for this innovation aligns with our commitment to guest convenience. Many of our visitors—especially business travelers—value quick and reliable mobility options. Having a kiosk in our lobby not only enhances their experience but also reinforces Dubai’s status as a global leader in innovation and hospitality.”

Technology Driving Customer-Centric Innovation

Thrifty’s kiosk is more than a booking platform—it is a fully integrated mobility solution. The system synchronizes live vehicle availability, secure payment gateways, and real-time delivery tracking. Its intuitive design reduces waiting time, enhances transparency, and ensures a smooth, paper-free process.

The company also plans to integrate future features such as mobile app connectivity, loyalty programs, and connected car technology—further elevating convenience for frequent renters and corporate clients.

Supporting the UAE’s Smart Mobility Vision

The rollout of self-service kiosks directly contributes to the UAE’s national drive toward digital innovation and smart mobility. By optimizing fleet efficiency and digitizing operations, Thrifty is supporting a more sustainable, customer-focused transport ecosystem.

For the UAE’s fast-growing tourism and business sectors, this initiative ensures travelers have on-demand access to reliable transport, whether for business trips, leisure, or long-term stays.

About Thrifty Car Rental UAE

Founded in 1989 as part of A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises, Thrifty Car Rental UAE is one of the region’s most trusted mobility brands. Under the leadership of Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Al Moosa, the company has built a reputation for offering reliable, affordable, and flexible vehicle rental solutions.

Thrifty caters to both short-term renters and long-term corporate clients, offering competitive monthly rates, a diverse fleet, and customer-first service. With over four decades of excellence, Thrifty continues to pioneer new ways to make transportation in the UAE smarter, simpler, and more sustainable.