Ekar — P2P Car Sharing in Saudi Arabia

Over the past few years, mobility in Saudi Arabia has been changing rapidly. As cities expand, digital services mature, and the number of expatriates grows, traditional car rental is no longer the only option. New mobility models are stepping in, and one of the most notable among them is P2P car sharing — a format where vehicles are owned not by a company, but by private individuals. The largest and most recognizable service operating under this model in the Kingdom is Ekar. Below is a detailed look at how the platform works, who it’s best suited for, and what to keep in mind before your first rental.

What Ekar Is and How P2P Car Sharing Works

Eekar is a short-term vehicle usage platform built on a peer-to-peer model. Unlike traditional car sharing services that rely on a corporate-owned fleet, ekar connects private car owners with users who want to rent a vehicle through a mobile app.

This distinction matters in Saudi Arabia. In a country where personal car ownership has long been the norm, the P2P model allows the fleet to grow quickly without large capital investments from the operator. For users, it means more variety — not just in vehicle class, but also in pricing, condition, and rental terms.

From the user’s perspective, ekar functions like a familiar car sharing service: vehicles are displayed on a map, bookings are made in the app, and rentals are managed digitally. Behind the interface, however, each car belongs to an individual owner rather than a centralized company.

Where Ekar Car Sharing Operates in Saudi Arabia

Ekar’s core operations are concentrated in Saudi Arabia’s largest metropolitan areas. The service is well established in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — cities where demand for flexible urban mobility is highest. In these markets, ekar is commonly used for daily errands, short business trips, and as an alternative to taxis or traditional rentals.

It’s also worth noting that ekar is not limited to Saudi Arabia. The platform operates actively in the United Arab Emirates as well, where the P2P model has developed along similar lines. This regional presence reflects ekar’s broader Middle East focus and its ability to adapt to different local markets.

Who Can Rent a Car and Who Can List One

For renters, the requirements are fairly standard by regional standards. Users must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and have an active bank card for payments. Identity verification and approval are handled directly through the app.

Private owners can list their vehicles as long as they meet ekar’s technical and documentation requirements. Cars must be in good mechanical condition, fall within the platform’s accepted model-year range, and be free of major damage. All registration documents must be in order. Before a vehicle goes live, it is inspected, and owners receive access to a dashboard where they can set availability, pricing, and rental conditions.

How Ekar Car Sharing Works: The Rental Process

The entire rental process is fully digital. Users open the app, select a car on the map, and book it for the desired period. Vehicle access is typically handled through the smartphone, without a physical key exchange. This setup is especially convenient for urban trips where speed and flexibility matter.

Car owners manage availability schedules and receive notifications for each booking. They can track rental history, earnings, and usage statistics. This makes ekar attractive not only to renters, but also to owners looking for a structured way to generate extra income from their vehicles.

Ekar Pricing and Platform Fees

Rental prices on ekar vary depending on the specific vehicle, its class, and the owner’s conditions. For example, compact cars like the Toyota Yaris may cost between 30 and 50 SAR per hour, while midsize sedans such as the Hyundai Elantra typically range from 120 to 180 SAR per day. Longer rental periods are also available in some cases.

For reference, the general pricing structure looks like this:

Ekar charges vehicle owners a commission of roughly 30% of the rental price. Renters typically do not pay additional service fees, though final prices can vary depending on the specific listing.

Insurance and User Responsibility

Every Ekar rental includes basic insurance coverage. However, in the event of an accident or a policy violation, part of the financial responsibility may fall on the renter. Owners are generally encouraged to carry extended insurance to reduce their exposure when their car is used frequently by different drivers.

The platform enforces clear usage rules. Smoking inside the vehicle is prohibited, pets must be transported in carriers, and driving outside the approved service area may result in penalties. Below are typical responsibility amounts based on ekar’s conditions and common user experience:

Ekar Car Sharing: Advantages and Limitations of the P2P Model

The main advantage of ekar is flexibility. Users gain access to a broader selection of vehicles and price points than what is typically available in a corporate fleet. For owners, the platform provides a structured way to monetize a personal vehicle without managing bookings on their own.

At the same time, the P2P model requires a more thoughtful approach. Vehicle quality can vary, and customer support in unusual situations may not always match the level offered by large international rental brands. Reading listing details carefully and checking reviews is especially important.

App Popularity and Market Presence

According to app store data, ekar maintains a visible presence in the mobility app landscape:

These figures suggest steady regional usage while keeping the service firmly in the niche segment compared to global platforms.

Final Thoughts

Ekar has carved out a meaningful position in Saudi Arabia’s evolving mobility landscape by offering a practical P2P car sharing model in a market traditionally dominated by private car ownership. The service is well suited for users looking for flexible car sharing in urban environments, as well as those who occasionally need per-minute car rental or short-term car rental without relying on traditional rental offices.

That said, renting directly from private owners comes with added responsibility. When approached thoughtfully, Ekar can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to taxis and classic rentals — particularly in the Kingdom’s largest cities.