Car Sharing Apps Saudi Arabia: Ekar and Udrive Guide

Planning to self-drive for short hops in the Kingdom? Car sharing apps Saudi Arabia — especially ekar and Udrive — offer Singapore travelers flexible, pay‑as‑you‑go mobility in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities. This guide covers app signup, licence and IDP tips, costs and deposits, fuel policy, airport pickup zones, Makkah parking rules, and English customer support so you can drive with confidence during your Saudi stay.

Why Use Car Sharing Apps Saudi Arabia As a Singapore Traveler

Car‑sharing is ideal when you want the freedom of a car without a full‑day rental. With ekar and Udrive, you unlock nearby vehicles, pay per minute or hour, and end the trip in approved zones. For Singapore residents flying into Riyadh or Jeddah for business, sightseeing, or as part of an Umrah journey, this can be cheaper than multiple taxis and more convenient than coordinating rides at peak times.

Both apps show live availability, fuel level, and pricing before you book. Expect compact sedans and hatchbacks suited for city driving and short expressway hops. You’ll use your smartphone to start and end trips, and most processes are handled in‑app — from verification to support.

Quick Comparison: Ekar vs Udrive

ekar and Udrive operate similarly, but coverage, fleet mix, and promotions can differ by city and season. Always check the latest details in the app before you plan a specific route.

• Cities & Coverage: Both services are usually active in Riyadh and Jeddah, with expanding zones in other metros. Coverage is densest in central business districts, shopping corridors, and popular residential areas.
• Pricing Style: Per‑minute and hourly car hire options are common. Look for daily caps to control costs on longer sessions.
• Fleet: Expect common compact and mid‑size models; some cars may include phone holders and USB ports for navigation.
• Fuel: Policies vary by vehicle. Some include a fuel card; others require returning at the same level. The app clarifies each car’s rules.
• Support: In‑app chat and English support are typically available, especially in major cities and airports.

Step‑By‑Step: App Signup And Your First Drive

Set aside 10–15 minutes for account creation and verification before you travel. Do this in Singapore over Wi‑Fi so you’re ready on arrival.

• Download the apps: Install ekar and Udrive from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Allow location permissions.
• Create your profile: Use your Singapore mobile number and email. Keep your passport ready for verification.
• Upload licence: Take clear photos of your Singapore Class 3/3A licence. Some users may also be asked for an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Add payment: Save a major credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard). Singapore‑issued cards generally work; enable overseas/online use in your bank app.
• Wait for approval: Verification can be fast, but allow up to 24–48 hours. You’ll receive an in‑app notification when approved.
• Locate a car: Open the map to view nearby cars and their fuel level. Tap to see pricing and permitted parking zone (the “home zone”).
• Start trip: Walk to the car, inspect the exterior/interior, report any damage in‑app, and then unlock via the app. Most cars start with a push button or key inside.
• During the drive: Follow local traffic rules, keep the app active, and use a phone mount for navigation. Avoid restricted areas highlighted in the app.
• End trip: Park legally within the designated zone, ensure windows/doors are closed, remove personal items, end the trip in‑app, and wait for the confirmation.

Costs, Deposits, Fuel Policy, And Fines

Pricing varies by city, time of day, and active promotions. The app always shows the live rate before you start the trip.

Hourly Car Hire And Per‑Minute Rates

• Per‑minute: Commonly around SAR 0.60–0.90/min (+VAT), subject to change. That’s roughly SGD 0.22–0.33/min at ~1 SGD ≈ 2.75–3.0 SAR.
• Hourly/day caps: Look for hourly bundles and day caps to control costs for longer errands. If you expect multiple stops over a few hours, a cap can be cheaper.
• Pauses: Some apps offer a “stopover” or “park” mode at a reduced rate to keep the car while you run errands; check the live tariff.

Deposits And Payment Holds

• Security holds: A refundable authorization hold may be placed on your card. Amounts vary; check the payment screen. Holds usually release automatically after the trip and any fees clear.
• Billing currency: You’re charged in SAR; your bank converts to SGD. Monitor any foreign transaction fees.
• Receipts: You’ll receive an in‑app invoice. Keep it for expense claims or travel records.

Fuel And Tolls

• Fuel policy: It depends on the vehicle. Some cars include fuel via a card or reimbursement process; others require returning the car at the same fuel level. The app description for each car clarifies the rule.
• Refuelling: If a fuel card is provided, follow the in‑app instructions and keep the receipt. Returning a car significantly under the starting level may attract a fee.
• Tolls: Major city routes in Riyadh and Jeddah are typically toll‑free, but this can change. If you pass a tolled facility, charges are usually passed through to your account.

Parking, Fines, And Penalties

• Legal parking only: End trips in legal, public spaces within the home zone. Loading bays, disabled spots, private car parks without permission, and hotel lots often aren’t allowed.
• Makkah restrictions: Central areas around Masjid al‑Haram have strict access controls. Expect larger no‑parking zones in the app; fines/towing risks are higher.
• Cleanliness and smoking: Smoking or leaving the vehicle dirty can incur cleaning fees.
• Damage policy: Always photograph pre‑existing damage and report it in‑app before driving to avoid liability disputes.

Where To Pick Up And Park: Riyadh, Jeddah, And Makkah

Airport Pickup Zones

Both ekar and Udrive commonly mark dedicated airport zones in the app. At Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED), cars are typically parked in public short‑term car parks or designated mobility bays. The app pin will indicate the exact row or area.

• Follow the app pin: Expect a 3–7 minute walk (200–500 m) from the terminal depending on the car park.
• Check drop‑off rules: Some airports permit ending trips only in specific sections. If returning late at night, confirm the car park gate hours.
• SIM/data: Ensure your phone has roaming or a local eSIM so you can unlock the car and end the trip without signal issues.

City Hotspots

• Riyadh: High availability near Olaya, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and shopping corridors such as Tahlia Street.
• Jeddah: Look along the Corniche, in business districts and malls. Al Balad has tighter street parking; check signage and the app’s no‑parking overlays.

Makkah Parking Rules For Pilgrims

Private cars face restrictions close to Masjid al‑Haram, especially during peak Umrah seasons and Friday prayers. Car‑sharing apps usually expand no‑parking zones around central Makkah to prevent misuse.

• Use park‑and‑ride: Consider large car parks like Kudai or Al Shasha and then shuttle/walk. Confirm the end‑trip zone in the app before you drive.
• Hotel coordination: Some hotels outside the most congested zones allow guest parking. Ask the hotel and verify if the car‑sharing operator permits ending trips there.
• Peak periods: During Ramadan or school holidays, plan extra time for traffic controls and road closures.

Driving Etiquette And Safety For Singaporeans

• Speed limits: Highways post limits up to 120–140 km/h; urban roads vary. Watch for speed cameras and variable limits.
• Lane discipline: Keep right except when overtaking; maintain safe following distances.
• Seatbelts and child seats: Required for all occupants. If travelling with children, arrange appropriate seats before driving.
• Navigation: Use apps with live traffic. A phone mount helps keep both hands on the wheel.
• Weather: Sudden downpours can reduce visibility; slow down and increase braking distance.

English Customer Support And App Help

Both ekar and Udrive generally provide English interfaces and support channels in major cities. If you need assistance:

• In‑app chat: The fastest way to resolve lock/unlock issues, billing questions, or report damage.
• Help centre: Browse FAQs inside the app for verification, fuel, and parking policies.
• Escalation: If you’re stuck at the car, share the vehicle plate, exact location pin, and screenshots to speed up troubleshooting.

Suggested Short Drives Using ekar/Udrive

Here are simple, low‑stress itineraries for first‑time users that fit the hourly car hire model:

• Jeddah Corniche Loop (18–25 km): Pick up at JED or central Jeddah, cruise the Corniche for sunset, stop for dinner, and return within the home zone.
• Riyadh Museum & Café Hop (15–22 km): Visit the National Museum area, then cafés in Olaya/KAFD. Use park mode during short stops if available.
• Airport Errands: Collect a SIM/eSIM, stock up on water and snacks, and head to your hotel. Return the car near your accommodation to avoid overnight parking fees.

Pre‑Trip Checklist For Singapore Travelers

• Verify your licence and consider carrying an IDP.
• Enable overseas payments on your Singapore bank card.
• Install both apps and complete verification before departure.
• Arrange mobile data (roaming or eSIM) for reliable app access.
• Review airport pickup zones and hotel parking options in the app.
• Learn the home zone boundaries and restricted areas (especially in Makkah).

Frequently Asked Questions