Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market

Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market valued at USD 2.5 Bn, driven by tourism surge, urbanization, and tech adoption for sustainable mobility.

The Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market is valued at USD 2.5 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is driven by increasing urbanization, a surge in tourism - particularly as Saudi Arabia surpassed its 100 million visitor target ahead of schedule - and robust expansion of the local economy, all of which have led to higher demand for flexible transportation options. The market has experienced a notable increase in both short-term and long-term rental services, serving local residents, business travelers, and international visitors. Recent trends also highlight the adoption of digital fleet management, online booking platforms, and the integration of electric vehicles into rental fleets, reflecting a shift toward tech-enabled, sustainable mobility solutions.

Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam continue to dominate the market due to their roles as economic, administrative, and cultural hubs. Riyadh, as the capital, attracts a significant volume of business travelers and tourists, while Jeddah serves as the main gateway for pilgrims visiting Mecca. Dammam, with its proximity to major oil fields and industrial zones, sees strong demand from corporate and expatriate clients, making these cities central to the car rental and mobility landscape.

In 2023, the Saudi government enhanced sector regulation through the Car Rental Activity Regulation Rules, 2023 issued by the Transport General Authority. These rules mandate comprehensive insurance coverage for all rental vehicles, enforce strict vehicle maintenance standards, and require digital registration of rental fleets. The regulations are designed to protect consumers, ensure high service standards, and promote transparency and safety across the industry.

Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market Segmentation

By Type:

The market is segmented into various types of rental services, including short-term rentals, long-term rentals, luxury car rentals, commercial vehicle rentals, ride-sharing services, car leasing, subscription-based rentals, and electric vehicle rentals. Each of these segments addresses distinct consumer needs and preferences, reflecting the evolving landscape of mobility solutions in Saudi Arabia. Notably, short-term and long-term rentals remain the dominant segments, while ride-sharing and electric vehicle rentals are gaining traction due to digital adoption and sustainability initiatives.

By End-User:

The end-user segmentation includes individual consumers, corporate clients, government agencies, tour operators, and mobility platform users. This segmentation highlights the diverse customer base utilizing car rental and mobility solutions in Saudi Arabia, with individual and corporate demand leading, and growing adoption among government and tour operators as mobility platforms expand their offerings.

Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Hertz Saudi Arabia, Budget Saudi Arabia, Avis Saudi Arabia, Sixt Rent a Car Saudi Arabia, Europcar Saudi Arabia, Thrifty Car Rental Saudi Arabia, Al Wefaq Rent a Car (Yelo), Careem, Udrive, Yelo Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Saudi Arabia, National Car Rental Saudi Arabia, Hanco (Al Tala’a International Transportation Co. Limited), Key Car Rental Company, and Samara (Alturki Holding) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Tourism and Business Travel:

In future, Saudi Arabia anticipates welcoming over 27 million international tourists, driven by initiatives like Vision 2030. This influx is projected to generate approximately SAR 100 billion in tourism revenue, significantly boosting demand for car rental services. Business travel is also on the rise, with a 15% increase in corporate travel budgets, further enhancing the need for flexible mobility solutions to accommodate both leisure and business travelers.

Expansion of Urban Infrastructure:

The Saudi government is investing over SAR 100 billion in urban infrastructure projects, including new roads and transportation hubs, in future. This expansion is expected to improve accessibility and connectivity, making car rentals more appealing. Enhanced infrastructure will facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce travel times, encouraging both residents and tourists to opt for rental vehicles as a convenient mobility solution.

Adoption of Technology in Mobility Solutions:

The integration of technology in the car rental sector is accelerating, with over 60% of rental companies in Saudi Arabia adopting mobile applications for bookings in future. This shift is supported by a 25% increase in smartphone penetration, allowing customers to easily access services. Additionally, the rise of telematics and data analytics is enhancing fleet management, improving operational efficiency, and providing better customer experiences.

Market Challenges

Regulatory Compliance Issues:

The car rental industry in Saudi Arabia faces stringent regulatory compliance challenges, with over 50 new regulations introduced in the past year alone. These regulations cover safety standards, licensing, and environmental requirements, creating a complex landscape for operators. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, impacting profitability and operational continuity, thus posing a significant challenge for market players.

High Competition Among Service Providers:

The car rental market is experiencing intense competition, with over 900 registered companies vying for market share in future. This saturation leads to aggressive pricing strategies, which can erode profit margins. Additionally, the presence of international brands further intensifies competition, compelling local companies to innovate and differentiate their services to maintain customer loyalty and market presence.

Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Mobility Solutions Market Future Outlook

The future of the Saudi Arabia car rental and mobility solutions market appears promising, driven by ongoing urbanization and technological advancements. As the government continues to invest in infrastructure and smart city initiatives, the demand for efficient mobility solutions is expected to rise. Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainability will likely lead to a greater adoption of electric vehicles and innovative rental models, enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiencies in the sector.

Market Opportunities

Growth in Electric Vehicle Rentals:

With the Saudi government aiming for 30% of all vehicles to be electric in future, the car rental sector has a significant opportunity to expand its electric vehicle offerings. This shift is expected to attract environmentally conscious consumers and reduce operational costs associated with fuel, positioning rental companies favorably in a competitive market.

Development of Smart Mobility Solutions:

The rise of smart mobility solutions, including ride-sharing and integrated transport services, presents a lucrative opportunity for car rental companies. By collaborating with tech firms, rental services can enhance their offerings, streamline operations, and provide customers with seamless mobility experiences, tapping into the growing demand for convenience and efficiency in urban transportation.