Dubai Holding’s Tickit Expands Loyalty Ecosystem with Dollar and Thrifty Car Rentals Partnership
Dubai Holding’s loyalty program Tickit has entered a strategic partnership with Dollar and Thrifty Car Rentals, part of A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises’ (ARENCO Group) Car Rental Division, to enhance the loyalty landscape in the UAE. The collaboration, marked by a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will provide customers with enhanced earning and redemption opportunities across Tickit’s expansive network. Its focus on maximising customer value aims to provide a better scope and expansive redemption profile than standard market practices.
The partnership will enable Tickit users to earn and redeem loyalty points at Dollar and Thrifty outlets across the UAE. Points earned can be used for car rentals and a wide array of lifestyle benefits, including dining, retail, entertainment, and mobility services. The partnership promises enhanced value and extended benefits for points while honouring patronage and customer loyalty. As sophisticated loyalty programs across sectors continue to rise with about 75% of UAE residents being part of at least one loyalty program, the move aligns with the growing demand for flexible, value-driven loyalty solutions in the region.
The collaboration comes as the UAE loyalty program market continues to grow, with an industry report projecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% between 2024 and 2028. The market is expected to expand from US$1.42 billion in 2023 to US$2.23 billion in 2028, underscoring the potential of such partnerships to tap into this burgeoning sector.
Harshvardhan Singh, Head of Partnerships at AA Al Moosa Enterprises (Car Rental Division) expressed the significance of this collaboration stating; “Our alliance is driven predominantly by changing consumer preferences and we have aligned the program to enhance the value of the consumer lifecycle. With most available loyalty programs in the region having a closed loop, we focus on giving our valued customers the flexibility and variety for points redemption; creating a cut above the rest. This emphasizes our commitment toward consumer-friendly loyalty solutions catering to evolving preferences of shoppers across the UAE."
Highlighting the broader impact of the partnership Amir Atiatalla, Head of Loyalty at Dubai Holdings said; “We believe that the future of customer loyalty lies in innovation and adaptability and this partnership is a vital step toward that vision. The ultimate appeal is the sense of mutual value exchange where the focus is not just on transactions, but on fostering meaningful, long-lasting relationships. Despite a surge in personalized and tech-integrated loyalty programs; we know we are set for enhanced customer engagement with our innovative approach aligned well with market dynamics and regulatory requirements."
As brands increasingly focus on retaining loyal customers and nurturing brand advocates, this collaboration positions Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dubai Holdings at the forefront of innovation, offering flexible, personalised, and data-driven loyalty programs. With the ability to engage customers at multiple touchpoints network across the UAE, the combined points program offers unparalleled redemption options that foster deeper customer relationships and generate long-term value.