Automotive
Convenience Is King: The Quiet Revolution in How Tourists Explore the Emirates

Anudeep Raghuthaman, Head of Sales & Marketing, Dollar Car Rental
The UAE is forecast to attract AED 228.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the most desirable travel destinations globally. With its iconic skyline, desert escapes, and a calendar full of global events, the country offers an experience that few others can rival. It also boasts a well-developed public transport network, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where metro lines, buses, and taxis operate seamlessly.
Yet, despite the availability of public transport, more and more visitors are opting to rent a car. This growing trend is being shaped by evolving traveller expectations, the country’s expansive geography, and the digital transformation of the rental industry itself.
Accessibility Beyond City Limits
While urban mobility is well-supported, many of the UAE’s standout attractions are located outside metropolitan areas. A trip to Hatta’s mountain trails, Fujairah’s coastline, or the red dunes of Al Badayer often requires transport flexibility that city-based systems can’t fully support. These destinations are either inaccessible by metro or involve multiple bus transfers and extended travel times.
For visitors with packed itineraries or those travelling in groups, renting a car offers convenience and direct access to a wider range of experiences, from road trips through the Northern Emirates to early morning excursions in the desert.
Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners
Budget plays a key role in travel decisions. While taxis and ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Careem offer on-demand service, the cost of multiple daily trips can accumulate quickly.
A typical taxi ride in the UAE ranges between AED 30 to AED 40. Over three or four trips a day, the cost can exceed AED 800 to AED 1,000 a week. These figures can be even higher during peak tourism months or major events.
By contrast, car rentals start at approximately AED 90 per day for an economy model. SUVs can be rented for around AED 450 to AED 550 per week. For longer stays, rates become even more competitive, making this a practical option for families and business travellers alike.
Car Rentals in the Digital Fast Lane
One of the key reasons behind the rise in car rentals among tourists is the seamless digital experience now offered by the industry. What was once a time-consuming, paper-heavy process has been replaced by fast, app-based solutions that allow travellers to book, unlock, and return vehicles with minimal effort.
Today’s platforms use smart algorithms to match users with vehicles suited to their preferences, whether based on trip duration, passenger count, or destination type. Keyless entry, mobile check-ins, and digital contracts are now standard features, allowing for a smoother and faster rental experience.
For travellers who value time and convenience, the ability to complete the entire process via a smartphone has significantly increased the appeal of renting a car. The industry’s focus on streamlining user experiences reflects broader trends in tourism, where ease of access and flexibility are key decision-making factors.
Rental Demand Mirrors Seasonal Travel Patterns
Rental activity tends to surge during the peak tourism season between October and March, when the UAE’s milder weather draws a high volume of international visitors. This period also coincides with major events, exhibitions, and shopping festivals that drive movement across cities and emirates.
During these months, higher demand for taxis and ride-hailing services can lead to longer wait times and dynamic pricing. Many tourists, particularly families, solo travellers, and remote workers, opt to rent a car in advance to ensure greater reliability and control over their schedules.
This pattern reflects a broader shift in traveller behaviour, where flexibility, comfort, and the ability to move freely between destinations are valued as much as cost or convenience. Having a personal vehicle enables visitors to explore at their own pace, without being tied to public transport schedules or availability.
The Complete Experience Requires Mobility
In a country known for both urban efficiency and natural beauty, car rentals serve as a bridge between convenience and exploration. Visitors are no longer choosing rentals just for affordability; they see it as a way to enhance the quality and depth of their travel experience.
With the UAE continuing to diversify its tourism offering beyond city centers, demand for car rentals is likely to grow. For many travellers, the journey is just as important as the destination, and in the UAE, that journey often begins behind the wheel.
Automotive
VOYAH Free Brings Premium Luxury EREV Design to the Emirates

VOYAH has entered the UAE with a clear ambition: to redefine modern mobility for the Emirates. Distributed exclusively by Performance Plus Motors, a homegrown mobility enabler founded in 2021, the brand brings together premium design, advanced technology and sustainable performance. More than a new automotive marque, VOYAH UAE positions itself as both a luxury EV player and a sustainability partner, aligning closely with the UAE’s vision for smart, technology-driven progress.
The brand’s design philosophy is shaped by cultural heritage and harmony with nature. At its heart lies the Kunpeng, a mythical creature from Daoist tradition that symbolises limitless ambition and the pursuit of greatness. This inspiration is reflected in VOYAH’s winged logo and in the flowing light signatures across its vehicles. The result is a design language that blends elegance, balance and innovation, uniting craftsmanship with advanced technology to create a holistic identity for the UAE market.

Leading the charge is the VOYAH Free, an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) that embodies the promise of sustainable luxury. With a pure electric range tailored for daily commutes, the Free engages a compact petrol engine only when needed to recharge the battery on longer journeys. Drivers, therefore, enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without being restricted by charging availability, a particularly relevant solution in the Emirates, where infrastructure is developing. By delivering electric-first performance with the reassurance of extended range, the Free removes barriers to adoption and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, including the national target for half of all vehicles on the road to be hybrid or electric by mid-century.
Inside, the Free offers a distinctly premium experience. Its cabin features sustainable materials and a tri-screen digital cockpit that pairs next-generation technology with refined design. The spacious layout creates first-class comfort, ensuring that every journey feels both immersive and elegant. Ownership is enhanced with complimentary 1-year car insurance, registration, tinting, and a home wall box charger with installation. Confidence continues long term through 5 years or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, 8 years or 150,000 km battery warranty and 3 years or 60,000 km service contract. Combined with expert after-sales care and customer education, these measures provide an ownership experience that is seamless and reassuring.

VOYAH UAE also seeks to inspire a wider shift towards sustainability in everyday life. Each Free model contributes to reducing transport-related emissions and encourages greener choices among consumers. Intelligent battery management, AI-enabled mobility, advanced safety systems and seamless connectivity all demonstrate how innovation, luxury and responsibility can progress together.
Through the Free model, VOYAH UAE and Performance Plus Motors are introducing more than a car to the Emirates – they are setting new standards for premium mobility. By combining cultural inspiration, extended-range electric innovation and uncompromising craftsmanship, VOYAH presents a vision that is both practical for today and transformative for the journeys of tomorrow.
Automotive
Metadome.ai launches AI Virtual Sales Assistant with Jameel Motors Egypt

Metadome.ai, in collaboration with Jameel Motors Egypt, one of the country’s most prominent automotive distributors, has launched an AI-assisted virtual sales assistant designed to support the entire customer journey — both pre-sales and post-sales.
Jameel Motors, a key player in Egypt’s automotive market, brings decades of expertise in the mobility sector and a reputation for representing some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands. Its expansive sales and after-sales network position the company as a trusted name in delivering customer-centric innovation.
As a collaboration between two leading technology innovators, Jameel Motors Egypt is stepping into the future of customer engagement by bringing the power of AI to the showroom floor and beyond. Developed by Metadome.ai, the newly launched virtual assistant provides customers with round-the-clock, real-time support across all digital touchpoints. Whether learning about car models, comparing features, booking test drives, or tracking vehicle delivery, the assistant acts as a knowledgeable and responsive digital partner throughout the pre-sales experience.
More than just a sales tool, the assistant also supports post-sales services. Customers can authenticate themselves, book maintenance appointments, access previous service records, receive live maintenance updates, activate warranties, locate service centers, and request spare parts and accessories. It also delivers automated maintenance reminders and other services that’s helping streamline after-sales support while keeping customers fully informed and connected.
“At Metadome.ai, we’re driven by one simple idea—technology should feel intuitive, human, and helpful. That’s exactly what we aimed for with this product. By combining Jameel Motors deep automotive expertise with our conversational AI capabilities and tech backbone, we’ve created an experience that feels less like a bot—and more like a knowledgeable, always-available assistant,” said Shorya Mahajan, Co-founder and COO of Metadome.ai
The assistant is already live at select Jameel Motors digital touchpoints, with early feedback indicating stronger online engagement, faster response cycles, and increased customer satisfaction.
Tarek Abdullatif, Regional Director Jameel Motors Egypt, stated: “We’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can transform industries. This assistant is more than a chatbot it’s a smart, responsive designed to meet the needs of today’s connected customer.”
He added, “In the coming months, the virtual assistant solution will roll out across Jameel Motors entire network, in Egypt as part of the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric service.
Automotive
INEOS AUTOMOTIVE ACCELERATES IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH 1,000TH VEHICLE DELIVERED AND MAJOR REGIONAL EXPANSION

INEOS Automotive has hit a major milestone in the Middle East, delivering its 1,000th Grenadier 4X4 – just over two years after launching in the region. The rugged British-designed off-roader has quickly gained traction with adventurers, professionals, and off-road enthusiasts alike.
REGIONAL INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION

Building on its fast-growing global footprint, INEOS Automotive is making a bold move and expanding operations across the Middle East and Africa. Leading this next chapter is the newly appointed Head of Region, Dan Balmer – a highly accomplished executive with a CV that spans top roles at BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, and Rolls-Royce.
Balmer will be based in INEOS Automotive’s brand-new regional headquarters in the Arenco Tower in Dubai’s Media City, where a growing team – including relocated staff from the UK – will drive sales, marketing, aftersales, and the dealer network.
With a strong existing footprint across six countries and seven dealer sites, the company is now gearing up to expand further across the GCC and break into new Middle Eastern and African markets. “The 1,000th Grenadier delivery signifies that drivers across the region are embracing what we’ve built,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive. “We’re backing that enthusiasm with serious investment: a new regional HQ, a growing team, and an exciting leader in Dan Balmer, who’s ready to take things to the next level.”

INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT AT THE HELM
Newly appointed regional chief, Dan Balmer, brings deep global expertise and local insight to the role. Having previously led teams in major markets for some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands, he’s now focused on growing INEOS Automotive’s presence and partnerships throughout the region.
“Hitting this milestone delivery is just the beginning,” said Balmer. “The Middle East and Africa offer huge potential, and I’m thrilled to lead our efforts here – from expanding into new markets to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”
Balmer started his automotive career as an apprentice design technician, and progressed through the ranks at BMW and Rolls-Royce. His first regional leadership appointment was as General Manager Asia Pacific for Rolls-Royce from 2012. Joining Aston Martin in 2014, Balmer led several regional offices, latterly as President of UK, Middle East & Africa. And at Lotus from 2021, he saw success as President and CEO of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and most recently held the position of President and CEO of Lotus Cars Europe.
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