Dubai-based car rental tech startup Udrive has secured $5 million in fresh funding from Cultiv8 and Oman Holding International to fuel regional expansion and product upgrades.
Founded in 2017, Udrive offers a flexible pay-per-minute car rental service across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. The platform allows users—both residents and tourists—to locate, book, and unlock vehicles directly from its app or website, eliminating the need for traditional rental counters or paperwork.
First of its kind in the GCC
Udrive pioneered the on-demand car-sharing model in the Gulf, positioning itself as the first tech-driven platform to offer per-minute car rentals in the region. To date, the service has facilitated over two million trips, making it one of the most transacted car rental platforms per vehicle in the GCC.
All-in-one pricing and convenience
Unlike traditional car rentals, Udrive includes parking, fuel, and comprehensive insurance in every booking. Customers can opt for per-minute or daily rates, depending on their travel needs, with no hidden fees. The service caters to short-term and spontaneous mobility—ideal for urban dwellers and travelers alike.
Technology and expansion roadmap
The new funding will support Udrive’s expansion beyond the UAE, targeting other high-demand GCC cities. A major portion of the investment will go toward tech enhancements, particularly automating parking fee payments through a smart geolocation system. This feature detects where the car is parked and automatically pays the meter.
“We want to make car access as easy as streaming a movie,” said Nicholas Watson, CEO and co-founder of Udrive. “Consumers are rapidly shifting away from ownership to on-demand models. Our goal is to meet them there with seamless, affordable mobility.”
Udrive vs traditional car rental
Traditional rental processes often involve long queues, rigid pricing, and deposit requirements. Udrive’s mobile-first experience flips the model: instant access, transparent pricing, and full control through the app. The result is faster bookings, higher customer satisfaction, and growing adoption across demographics.
