Eid Al Fitr break in UAE

UAE Eid car rentals

As the Eid Al Fitr break approaches, residents and tourists alike are gearing up for travel across the UAE. However, amidst the excitement of planning trips and getaways, an unexpected challenge has emerged: a surge in demand for car rentals. With rental companies reporting fully booked fleets and a sharp increase in prices, many travelers are facing difficulties securing transportation for their vacations.

The surge in bookings for car rentals has caught many rental companies off guard, leading to a shortage of available vehicles. Ahmed Al Hassani from Accelerate Rentals shared, “The surge in bookings started during the beginning of April, and our fleet was nearly sold out on April 6 for Eid holidays.” Similarly, Mohammed Ali from Track Car Rentals mentioned, “Our phones have been ringing off the hook with inquiries for car rentals during the Eid break. Unfortunately, we had to turn away many customers as our entire fleet has been reserved well in advance.”

This unexpected surge in demand has prompted rental companies to implement surge pricing, resulting in a nearly 20 percent increase in rental charges compared to normal periods. Royal Rent A Car, based in Abu Hail, explained, “Despite this, we made arrangements to provide vehicles to our loyal customers. Through partnerships with other companies, we sourced additional vehicles, that contributed to the subsequent surge in prices.”

The heightened demand is not only from UAE residents planning local getaways but also from travelers coming into the country for the Eid break. Soham Shah, founder and CEO of Selfdrive Mobility, noted, “This heightened demand is primarily from travelers originating from GCC countries, who typically flock to the UAE during this festive period to celebrate with family and friends.”

Moreover, the most in-demand vehicles are larger ones like SUVs and crossover vehicles. Shah elaborated, “Preference for spacious and comfortable vehicles, particularly full-sized and compact SUVs were in high demand. These vehicles are well-suited to accommodate families traveling together, providing ample space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey during this special occasion.”

While the surge in rental prices may be a concern for some travelers, rental companies emphasize that it's a necessary measure to manage the high demand and ensure quality service. Al Hassani reiterated, “We understand that the surge in rental prices may be a concern for some customers, but it's a necessary measure to manage the high demand and ensure that we can continue to provide quality service.”

As travelers navigate through the challenges of securing transportation for their Eid vacations, it's essential to plan ahead and explore alternative options if faced with unavailability or high prices. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to book well in advance and consider flexible travel dates to increase their chances of securing a rental vehicle at reasonable rates.

Despite the challenges posed by the surge in demand for car rentals, the excitement of Eid Al Fitr celebrations remains undiminished. With careful planning and flexibility, travelers can still enjoy memorable journeys and create cherished moments with family and friends during this special occasion.