Thrifty Car Rental

Fleet and Vehicle Options

One of Thrifty’s strengths in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is the diverse fleet of vehicles it offers. According to the company’s UAE info, their range spans from "Mini to Luxury cars" – covering virtually every major category. Whether you need a cheap runabout for city errands or a comfortable SUV for a family trip, chances are Thrifty has something suitable. Here’s an overview of the fleet types you can expect:

• Economy & Compact Cars: Thrifty provides plenty of small, budget-friendly cars ideal for city driving. These include economy sedans and hatchbacks (think along the lines of a Toyota Yaris or Nissan Sunny). Such models are fuel-efficient and easy to park, making them popular for daily commutes or travelers on a tight budget. Thrifty often positions itself as a budget option in the UAE, offering competitive daily rates for these basic models​. (Notably, many rentals come with unlimited mileage, so you won’t have to worry about kilometer caps on your Dubai–Abu Dhabi drives​.)
• SUVs and 4x4s: If you need more space or plan to venture beyond the city, Thrifty’s UAE fleet includes a range of SUVs. You can rent compact crossovers for extra comfort, or opt for full-size 4x4 vehicles like the Nissan Patrol or Toyota Fortuner, which are well-suited for UAE’s desert terrain​. These robust models are a great choice if you’re thinking of exploring off-road destinations or simply want a sturdier ride for a family outing. (In fact, Thrifty highlights that their fleet has vehicles specialized for desert driving, catering to adventures in dunes or rugged areas​.)
• Luxury and Premium Vehicles: Despite the name "Thrifty," the company also offers higher-end cars for those looking to travel in style. In Dubai especially, you’ll find luxury sedans (such as BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, or Lexus models) and even some sports cars available to rent​. These premium options typically come with the latest features and very low mileage on the odometer. Business travelers or anyone who wants a touch of luxury can appreciate that Thrifty has this segment covered alongside their economy cars. (For example, one customer in Dubai rented a Renault Duster SUV from Thrifty and noted it was the most economical choice among major brands for that class of vehicle​ – indicating you can sometimes get a mid-range or luxury-class vehicle at a relatively good rate with Thrifty.)
• People Movers & Others: In addition to the above, Thrifty also caters to special requests. Need a 7-seater van for a group trip or a pickup truck for hauling gear? Thrifty’s fleet in the UAE includes multi-passenger vans and commercial pickups in select locations​. This makes it easier to find the right vehicle size for your needs, be it a family vacation to Abu Dhabi’s attractions or moving some items across town.

Overall, the fleet variety is a strong point for Thrifty. It’s very much a one-stop shop, offering everything from basic runabouts to high-end rides. All cars come fully air-conditioned (a must in the UAE) and rentals include the standard insurance by law, with options to add extra coverage if desired. As mentioned, many customers also appreciate that Thrifty often provides unlimited mileage on standard rentals (no per-km charge)​ – a valuable perk for those planning to drive long distances across the Emirates. Always double-check your rental agreement, but this policy means you can drive freely between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond without watching the odometer.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

A key part of any review is looking at what real customers have to say. For Thrifty’s UAE operations, the feedback is mixed, with both positive and negative extremes. It’s important to note that car rental experiences can vary a lot depending on the location and individual circumstances, but some clear trends emerge from online reviews on platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor.

Overall Ratings: On aggregate review sites, Thrifty UAE doesn’t score very high in recent times. For instance, on Trustpilot the company’s rating in the UAE is only around 1.3 out of 5 stars​, which is obviously quite low. This Trustpilot score (based on relatively few but very unhappy customers) suggests there have been notable issues frustrating renters. By contrast, if you look at Google Reviews for various Thrifty branches in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the picture is a bit better – many locations hover around 3 to 4 stars out of 5. For example, Thrifty’s Al Quoz (Dubai) branch shows an average rating of 3.7/5 on Google​, which indicates a mix of both satisfied and dissatisfied clients. And on one car rental booking platform, Thrifty in UAE has an average customer satisfaction score of 7.5/10 based on hundreds of renter reviews​, suggesting that a good number of people do walk away with a positive experience.

What are people praising or complaining about? Here’s a summary of common feedback themes:

• Security Deposit and Charges: The security deposit policy is arguably the number one source of complaints. Many renters have reported delays or difficulties in getting their deposit refunded after returning the car. In some cases, customers said their deposit (which can be around AED 1,500–3,000 held on a credit card) wasn’t released for well over a month​. On TripAdvisor’s forum, one upset customer went so far as to call Thrifty UAE "a major scam rental car company” alleging that the company "rips off" tourists by not returning deposits in a timely manner​. While that is a harsh claim, it underscores how serious the deposit issue has felt for some. Additionally, unexpected charges have been mentioned – for example, a number of people complained of being charged for fuel even after returning the car with a full tank​. Others have mentioned surprise add-on fees or disputed damage charges. The lesson here is to be very clear on the deposit terms and to meticulously check the car (and document its condition) to avoid any surprises later. It’s not unique to Thrifty, but the volume of such comments suggests this is a pain point.
• Vehicle Condition & Availability: Feedback on the actual cars is two-sided. On one hand, many customers are happy with the vehicles provided – noting they were clean and quite new. In fact, one reviewer in early 2024 was pleasantly surprised to get a free upgrade to a nearly brand-new car, praising that “the car was very clean and new” and the whole pickup/drop-off process was seamless​. On the other hand, a few renters have reported getting cars that had maintenance issues or high mileage. For example, there was a report of a car with an engine check-light on and some shaking, which obviously isn’t a great first impression​. There are also occasional complaints about not receiving the exact model that was reserved – e.g. being given a different car (in the same category) or having to accept an alternative if the requested vehicle type wasn’t available on the spot​. This is relatively common in the car rental industry (reservations are usually for a category, not a specific model), but it can lead to disappointment if someone was set on a particular car.
• Customer Service and Speed: Customer service at Thrifty branches in UAE gets mixed reviews. Some customers laud the staff for being friendly and helpful, but others had the opposite experience. Negative comments include reports of long wait times at the rental desk – for instance, waiting 20-30 minutes or more at the airport counter due to queues or paperwork delays, or feeling that the staff was not attentive​. A few reviewers mentioned instances of unhelpful or even curt service when problems arose (like trying to resolve billing issues). Conversely, other clients have singled out certain Thrifty employees for praise, saying they went above and beyond. It really seems to depend on the location and day. As an example of the positive side: one long-term customer shared that the account manager at Thrifty was “just a text away” and provided excellent service over 1.5 years of rentals​. Clearly, there are staff who build good relationships with repeat customers. But if you’re a first-time renter, be prepared that service quality might be hit or miss.

Despite some of the alarming negative reviews out there, it’s worth noting that plenty of people have perfectly fine experiences with Thrifty. In fact, some travelers explicitly recommend Thrifty in the UAE and would use them again. We found feedback where users said they had no issues getting their deposit back on time and encountered no surprise fees, which suggests that many rentals go smoothly​. A travel vlogger on LinkedIn recently shared that he was initially wary due to the bad online reviews, but his own rental with Thrifty UAE was "extremely smooth". He enjoyed perks like unlimited mileage and a nearly brand-new car (only ~470 km driven), and he noted the convenience of Thrifty allowing him to pick up the car in Sharjah and drop it off in Abu Dhabi with no hassle​. In his case, the process was quick and problem-free, and it reinforced the idea that satisfied customers often don’t write online reviews as often as unhappy ones. Another reviewer from Australia echoed a positive experience, mentioning that they got a free upgrade at Dubai Airport and found the car rental "well priced" with "no issues" at all​. Bottom line: The customer feedback spectrum for Thrifty in Dubai/Abu Dhabi ranges from five-star praise to one-star rants. The company’s wide availability and attractive prices are big plus points, and many renters do appreciate the service. However, recurring issues (especially around deposits and billing transparency) have dragged down its online ratings. Our advice is to approach Thrifty with realistic expectations: inspect your car carefully, keep documentation, and don’t be shy to ask the staff questions about any fees or policies. That way you can enjoy the good parts – like a solid car at a good price – while minimizing the risk of any misunderstandings.

Comparing Thrifty with Competitors

How does Thrifty stack up against other major car rental companies in the UAE? To put things in context, we’ll compare it with two well-known competitors: Dollar Rent A Car and Hertz. These are often mentioned as alternatives, since Dollar is another popular brand in Dubai/Abu Dhabi and Hertz is a premium global brand that also operates in the UAE. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the choice can depend on what you value most in a car rental service.

Thrifty vs. Dollar Rent A Car

Thrifty and Dollar Rent A Car signage side by side at a Dubai location. Thrifty and Dollar have a very close relationship in the UAE – in fact, they are sister companies under the same local ownership and management​. Both brands are part of the same parent group (the UAE franchise holder, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises, has operated Dollar since the mid-2000s and Thrifty since 1989). What this means for customers is that the service experience and policies of Thrifty and Dollar are largely similar in the Emirates. They often share resources, and you’ll find both desks at all major airports and many malls/hotels. In the image above, you can literally see Thrifty and Dollar signs on the same facility – a common sight, as their branches sometimes operate in tandem.

Fleet and Pricing: There isn’t a huge difference in fleet between Thrifty and Dollar. Both offer a wide range of vehicles (economy, SUV, luxury, etc.) and because they are under one umbrella, they have access to a similarly large fleet pool. One might occasionally have a model that the other doesn’t, but generally you’ll see the same types of cars available. Pricing is competitive in both; on a given day, you might find Thrifty a few dirhams cheaper than Dollar or vice-versa, but they tend to be in the same bracket (both targeting the mid-range/budget-conscious renter). According to one analysis, Thrifty sometimes advertises slightly lower base rates, but the difference is marginal and often offset by included extras​. Bottom line: if you’re shopping around, don’t be surprised if your quotes from Thrifty and Dollar come out nearly the same.

Customer Service and Reviews: Since the companies are managed together, they also share similar customer service standards – for better or worse. The common issues like deposit refunds and wait times can crop up with Dollar as well, and likewise many customers rent from Dollar without any trouble. For instance, we saw a traveler on a Dubai forum mention they used Dollar twice with "no problems with cars or service" – no extra fees, decent vehicle condition, and they recommended Dollar to others​. This sounds a lot like the positive experiences people have with Thrifty. On the other hand, some have reported slow email responses or difficulty reaching Dollar’s customer service, which mirrors complaints about Thrifty’s communication at times​. Given the shared management, it’s not surprising that the two brands’ reputations in the UAE are virtually identical. Both tend to score around 3-4 stars in Google reviews for various branches, and both have their share of negative Trustpilot or TripAdvisor stories from frustrated customers who encountered billing issues.

Notable Differences: It’s honestly hard to pinpoint a significant service difference unique to Thrifty vs Dollar in the UAE – they are that closely linked. One minor distinction could be loyalty or membership programs: globally, Dollar and Thrifty have their own reward programs (Dollar Express and Thrifty Blue Chip, respectively), but in the UAE these programs may not be as prominently used or beneficial as, say, Hertz’s program. Also, sometimes the promotions or discount codes each brand offers will differ. For example, Thrifty UAE might run a special on long-term rentals while Dollar highlights a weekly rental deal, or one of them partners with a particular airline’s miles program and the other doesn’t. These are small marketing differences rather than core service differences. If you have the time, it doesn’t hurt to check both websites or call both counters to see if one has a better deal for your specific dates.

Verdict – Thrifty or Dollar? Since Thrifty and Dollar are under the same roof in the UAE, choosing between them won’t make a huge difference in your experience. You can expect reliable, standard service and a good selection of cars from both. If you find a significantly better price with one over the other for the same category, go with the cheaper. Otherwise, you might simply choose based on convenience (whichever counter is nearer or has a shorter line at the airport). Rest assured that both are established players in the UAE car rental market with decades of operation, so it really comes down to the deal you get. Just remember that all the earlier caveats about deposits and policies apply to both brands equally.

Thrifty vs. Hertz

Hertz is one of the world’s best-known car rental companies, and in the UAE it operates as a separate entity (franchised by the Al-Futtaim Group since 1993)​. Comparing Thrifty to Hertz is interesting because Hertz positions itself more upmarket. Here are the key points of contrast:

Brand and Fleet Quality: Hertz in UAE markets itself as a premium service. They emphasize having the “nation’s youngest and safest fleet”​, which implies that Hertz cars on average might be newer models with high safety standards. In practice, Hertz’s fleet in Dubai/Abu Dhabi also spans economy to luxury, but you’ll often find more premium and luxury models readily available. For example, Hertz may have a higher proportion of luxury SUVs, executive sedans, and even specialty vehicles (they sometimes offer high-end sports cars or exotic models through the Hertz Dream Collection). Thrifty also can source luxury cars, but Hertz’s global ties to luxury segments are stronger. If you absolutely need a specific upscale model or something like a Tesla or Range Rover, Hertz might be more likely to have it in stock. For regular economy or mid-size cars, both companies will be comparable – you might get a Nissan Sentra from Hertz versus a Toyota Corolla from Thrifty, i.e. similar category and condition. The vehicle condition for both should be good, but Hertz’s claim of a “younger fleet” suggests their cars might, on average, have lower mileage. (Both companies refresh their cars frequently, though, so the difference may not be huge.)

Pricing: Here’s where Thrifty often wins. Hertz’s rentals typically come at a higher price point than Thrifty’s. You are partially paying for the brand name and those premium touches. For a given class of car, a Hertz rate might be significantly higher per day than Thrifty. For example, an economy car from Hertz might cost what a compact or intermediate costs at Thrifty. They do run promotions, but generally if budget is a primary concern, Hertz might not be the first choice. Thrifty’s whole ethos is being a value-friendly brand, so they will usually be among the cheaper global brands (along with Dollar, Budget, etc.), whereas Hertz, Avis, and Sixt are often a bit more expensive in the UAE market. If you’re renting long-term (weekly or monthly), definitely compare – sometimes Hertz can surprise with a special offer – but in most cases Thrifty/Dollar will save you some money over Hertz for an equivalent vehicle class.

Service and Perks: Hertz prides itself on customer service and offers some perks aimed at frequent renters. A big draw for business travelers is the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, which is free to join and lets you skip the counter at many locations and go straight to your car (your contract and keys will be waiting)​. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Hertz does honor Gold Plus privileges – so if you’re a member, you might have a smoother, faster pickup experience than at Thrifty, where everyone waits in the same queue. Hertz also typically has more dedicated support lines for customers and possibly slightly more professional service training (being part of Al-Futtaim, a major conglomerate, they focus on service quality). That said, it’s not a night-and-day difference. We’ve seen that even Hertz in the UAE gets its share of complaints for slow service or mix-ups. In one review, a customer rated Hertz in Dubai a mere 2/10 because “the service speed in the UAE is really slow”, even though another customer gave them a 10/10 on service​ – indicating experiences can vary. Thrifty, despite not having an equivalent formal rewards program in UAE, can still deliver good service; some customers mentioned they got very personalized attention at Thrifty as repeat renters. However, generally speaking, Hertz is perceived as offering a more “premium” customer experience, whereas Thrifty’s experience is more no-frills.

Reputation and Reviews: In terms of reputation, Hertz as a global brand often inspires more confidence. Many people choose Hertz expecting a smooth experience. Hertz UAE’s own marketing calls it the “world’s #1 car rental brand” and highlights its long history in the country​. Does this mean Hertz’s reviews are dramatically better? Not necessarily. Interestingly, when you look at consumer review platforms, Hertz doesn’t escape the common issues either – there are reports of hefty deposits and charges at Hertz UAE and some customers complaining about customer service, similar to Thrifty’s complaints​. One difference: Hertz might handle dispute resolution somewhat better through a corporate customer care channel if things go wrong, whereas with Thrifty you’re likely dealing with the local team directly. Also, Hertz’s fleet reliability might be a notch higher (fewer reports of mechanical issues) simply because they cycle cars out a bit faster.

Which to Choose? If you value cost savings and basic reliability, Thrifty is perfectly fine and will likely give you the same type of car for less money than Hertz. Many travelers actually stick to Thrifty/Dollar and have no issues, as long as they follow the rental rules. On the other hand, if you value brand assurance, loyalty perks, and potentially a smoother service pipeline, you might lean toward Hertz – especially for short high-stakes rentals (like a two-day business trip where time is money, and skipping a line is valuable). Hertz can also be a better bet if you absolutely must have a specific luxury model or need a service like 24/7 roadside assistance with greater coverage, etc., although Thrifty offers roadside assistance too. For most typical renters, however, the decision often comes down to price: Thrifty will usually win on that front. It’s worth noting that many experienced renters in the UAE actually recommend sticking with the major international brands (Hertz, Thrifty/Dollar, Avis, etc.) rather than unknown local companies, because despite the hiccups, the big brands do eventually refund deposits properly and have more predictable terms​. In that sense, both Thrifty and Hertz are “safe” choices in a market where some smaller rental outfits have far worse reputations.

So, is Thrifty Car Rental a good choice in Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Overall, Thrifty offers a compelling package for many renters: a wide selection of cars, widespread locations, and generally lower prices than premium competitors. Its long tenure in the UAE (30+ years and counting) means it’s a well-established player that thousands of travelers use every year. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler or need a specific type of vehicle without paying a premium, Thrifty is often one of the first options to check. Many customers have had positive experiences, highlighting things like efficient service, quality cars, and the convenience of features like unlimited mileage​.

That said, an expert review wouldn’t be complete without reiterating the cautionary points. Thrifty’s customer feedback is a mixed bag, and the issues around deposit refunds and surprise charges are the main reason its online ratings lag behind some competitors. Our advice if you choose Thrifty (or Dollar, its twin brand) is to be proactive in your rental process: thoroughly inspect the car, ensure any pre-existing damage is noted, return the car full of fuel (and keep the receipt just in case), and follow up promptly on your deposit if it hasn’t cleared in the promised timeframe. These steps can help you avoid or resolve the common friction points that others have encountered​.

When comparing Thrifty to alternatives like Hertz, remember that you’re often trading off a bit of polish for a better price. Hertz might offer a slightly more premium experience and faster service for loyal customers, but you will pay extra for that and you might not need those perks for an ordinary trip. Thrifty, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, holds its own by providing the core rental service reliably and affordably. In fact, because Thrifty and Dollar are so prevalent in the UAE, many locals and expats rent from them regularly and become repeat customers once they’re comfortable with the process.

In summary, Thrifty Car Rental in the UAE is a solid choice for value-conscious renters who want a broad range of vehicle options. It has a friendly and capable team (with room for improvement in consistency), and it directly competes with bigger names by leveraging the same global standards that Hertz (its parent company) is known for. Just go in with your eyes open: take advantage of the good rates and fleet choice, but also stay vigilant about the paperwork. If you do that, you’ll likely find that renting with Thrifty in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is convenient and meets your needs – just as countless visitors and residents have experienced over the years.