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SelfDrive Mobility is redefining the future of car rentals and subscriptions, offering a seamless, tech-driven alternative to traditional ownership and leasing. As the largest digital car rental and subscription platform in the Middle East, SelfDrive provides customers with flexible, AI-powered mobility solutions across multiple global markets. Headquartered in Dubai, SelfDrive embodies the UAE’s progressive business ethos by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. In this interview with Gulf Time, Soham Shah, the visionary founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility, shares the company’s journey, its innovative approach, and how it is shaping the future of on-demand mobility.
1. Can you give us a brief overview of Selfdrive Mobility and its core mission?
SelfDrive Mobility is the Middle East’s largest car subscription and rental platform, designed for a digital-first, on-demand mobility experience. Our mission is to make car ownership and mobility hassle-free by providing customers with a seamless, flexible, and tech-driven alternative to traditional ownership, leasing and rental services
2. What inspired the founding of SelfDrive, and how has the company evolved since its inception?
SelfDrive Mobility was created to fill a critical gap in the market. Before SelfDrive, consumers had only two options—short-term daily/weekly rentals or long-term 12-month+ leases. There was no flexible mid-term solution, and this unmet need led to the creation of SelfDrive. The market demanded it, and we delivered.
At its core, SelfDrive simplifies mobility—giving users access to cars without the long-term commitments of ownership or leasing. Since launching, we’ve expanded across multiple markets, offering a wide range of vehicles with AI-driven personalization, instant booking, and a fully digital experience. Our platform continues to evolve, making mobility more accessible, seamless, and tailored to individual needs.
3. How does SelfDrive differentiate itself from traditional car rental services and other mobility providers?
SelfDrive Mobility stands apart as an asset-light, mobility tech platform rather than a conventional rental service. This is our biggest differentiator. Unlike traditional companies that own fleets, we collaborate directly with dealerships and car manufacturers, enabling us to provide consumers with access to brand-new vehicles straight from the dealership.
Our 100% digital model eliminates physical paperwork and long wait times, ensuring a seamless, instant booking experience. Our AI-driven platform tailors vehicle recommendations to customer needs, offering a faster, more personalized approach. With direct partnerships and competitive pricing, SelfDrive redefines mobility—offering convenience, flexibility, and the latest car models at the best value.
4. What are the key markets where SelfDrive operates, and do you have plans for further expansion?
We currently operate across the GCC, Turkey, Ireland, and India, with ongoing expansion in the UK, with an accessible fleet of 10,000 vehicles. As demand for flexible mobility solutions continues to rise, we are strategically expanding into the MENA region and exploring new markets in Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
5. How does technology play a role in SelfDrive’s offerings?
Technology is at the core of everything we do. Our AI-powered platform enables real-time vehicle selection, predictive analytics for dynamic pricing, and instant booking confirmation, ensuring a seamless and personalized user experience. AI also enhances our recommendation engine, matching customers with the best mobility solutions based on their preferences and driving patterns.
6. What types of vehicles does SelfDrive offer, and how do you cater to different customer segments?
SelfDrive offers a diverse fleet, ranging from high-end luxury cars and premium SUVs to affordable hatchbacks and economy sedans, ensuring there’s a vehicle for every budget and preference. We cater to a wide range of customer segments:
Tourists and short-term visitors can choose from daily and weekly rental options for maximum flexibility.
Expats can opt for subscription-based plans, providing hassle-free mobility without long-term commitments.
Locals looking for stability can benefit from affordable leasing options. Businesses and corporates can take advantage of customized fleet subscriptions, ensuring cost-effective and scalable solutions for their employees.
With a solution for every need, SelfDrive makes mobility simple, flexible, and accessible for all.
7. How do your subscription and rental models provide flexibility compared to traditional leasing?
Unlike traditional leasing, which locks customers into rigid long-term contracts, SelfDrive’s platform offers complete flexibility. Customers can subscribe to a car for a month or up to 12 months, with the freedom to upgrade or downgrade their vehicle as needed—a level of adaptability that traditional leasing companies don’t provide.
Additionally, we offer the unique ability to swap vehicles on a monthly basis, ensuring users always have a car that fits their evolving lifestyle, whether it’s for business, family, or adventure.
This makes our solution perfect for expats, professionals, and businesses seeking a cost-effective, commitment-free mobility option.
8. What partnerships have played a significant role in Selfdrive’s growth and success?
Strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and dealerships have been key to our success. We work with more than 55 OEMs and 120 dealerships in the GCC, which has greatly contributed to our growth and success.
9. What future innovations can we expect from SelfDrive in the coming years? What are your plans for the next five years?
We are focused on expanding our AI-driven mobility solutions, integrating EV-centric offerings, and enhancing our fleet with smart, connected vehicles. Over the next five years, we plan to enter new global markets and further invest in autonomous and sustainable mobility solutions.
10. How do you see the future of car rentals and mobility evolving in the next decade?
The future of mobility is on-demand, digital, flexible, and sustainable. We anticipate a shift towards AI-powered, subscription-based car usage, with EVs and autonomous vehicles playing a larger role. At SelfDrive Mobility, we are committed to leading this transformation by continuously innovating and adapting to changing consumer preferences.