Udrive’s data reveals how freedom of choice is shaping UAE Millennials’ mobility habits

Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has released new proprietary data showing how app-based car access is becoming part of everyday work, school and leisure travel across the UAE. Customers aged 30 to 40 account for 45% of users, while mornings and weekends are the busiest periods across the platform. Residential communities and business districts generate the highest demand, showing how app-based car access is becoming part of everyday travel across the UAE.

This core age profile points to a generation seeking greater freedom to choose when, how and what they drive as they balance professional and family commitments. Activity rises during the morning as customers head to offices and schools, then builds again around afternoon pick-up times as families manage school collections and after-school activities. At weekends, shopping, leisure and social visits bring more customers onto the road.

This reflects the way many people live across the region, where changing jobs, growing families and new priorities can lead residents to move homes more frequently. From housing and entertainment to transport, greater choice and access are becoming increasingly important, allowing services to adapt as people’s lives change.

In Dubai, Karama, Al Nahda, Dubai Marina and Al Rigga rank among the most popular areas for vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs, with demand concentrated around residential neighbourhoods and nearby parking areas. Office-led travel also accounts for a major share of daily ridership, with Barsha Heights, Business Bay and the area around Emirates Headquarters among the strongest locations. These journeys include daily commutes, meetings and trips that involve several stops or fall outside fixed public transport schedules.

The Ford Territory, BYD QIN and MINI Cooper rank among the most preferred vehicles on the platform, with SUVs continuing to attract strong demand. Vehicle needs can change quickly, with a customer choosing a compact car today before moving to an SUV as their family grows, or upgrading to try something different. Long-term rental allows the vehicle to adapt to the customer’s life rather than tying them to the same car for several years.

“Life in the UAE moves quickly, and people’s circumstances and tastes can change considerably within a few years. We are seeing the same mindset with cars, as people want the convenience of having a vehicle alongside the flexibility to choose one that suits their needs today. Our data helps us understand how those needs are evolving so we can position vehicles effectively and build a fleet around the way residents move. At Udrive, our vision is to make mobility seamless, accessible and data-driven, ensuring our service continues to evolve with the needs of residents across the country, ” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

Udrive operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman and has completed more than three million rentals. In 2025, customers travelled more than 45 million kilometres and completed over half a million trips, while registrations increased by 14% compared with 2024. Residents account for 90% of the customer base, demonstrating strong everyday demand for flexible car access.

As cities grow and travel patterns become more varied, Udrive will continue expanding its coverage and fleet choice across the country. The latest data shows car sharing becoming a regular part of commuting, family routines and leisure travel, giving residents access to a vehicle when needed.