Clean vehicles
Customers repeatedly describe the cars as clean, new or in very good condition, including a nearly new upgrade.
Thrifty Car Rental - Mall of the Emirates
Al Barsha
Thrifty Car Rental at Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha handles short- and long-term rentals, with cars ranging from mini to luxury categories. Reviews especially point to clean, well-kept vehicles, quick booking changes and staff who make pickup, returns and extensions straightforward.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
533 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Fast process
Pickup, returns, booking adjustments and daily-rate extensions are often handled quickly and without much fuss.
Easy extensions
Extending a rental can be simple: one customer received immediate help over the phone with a daily-rate extension.
Same-day changes
The branch has changed a customer's car to another model on the same day when needed.
Useful upgrades
Customers report receiving an upgrade and being advised to choose a larger car for a Hatta road trip.
Road-trip ready
One renter completed the Dubai-to-Oman drive without issues and had the paperwork completed upfront.
Helpful recovery
The team helped locate a forgotten bag and wallet left inside a rental car.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check deposits. Before paying, ask how much will be held, how long release takes and whether a debit card adds a 2% charge.
Confirm mileage. Ask whether your booking has a mileage limit and what extra mileage costs; one reviewer found the restriction unexpected.
Book online. One long-term customer recommends booking online beforehand for better rates, then buying full coverage directly at the branch.
Plan returns. For returns, look on parking level two between C7 and C8; the reviewer spent nearly an hour searching for the area.
Document accidents. If another driver damages the car and leaves, request clear instructions on insurance, excess, deposit and repair charges immediately.
Check features. Test features such as CarPlay at pickup so any problem can be fixed before you leave or extend the rental.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Ground Floor, Gate 2, Mall of the Emirates - Sheikh Zayed Rd
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
full coverage
One repeat customer says they buy full coverage directly from the rental company rather than online.
CarPlay
A customer reported a CarPlay problem that staff resolved during the rental process.
Common Concerns
Deposit holds
A customer said the security deposit was held for 30 working days, extending to 40, without clear handover information.
Accident guidance
After a hit-and-run, one renter found the insurance, excess, deposit and final-charge explanations unclear.
Damage breakdown
A renter said the Al Quoz damage estimate was presented as an internal figure without a clear breakdown.
Extra fees
Reviews mention a 2% deposit charge and a 10% management fee applied to fines.
Return signage
The return area on the second parking level was reportedly difficult to find because there was no large sign.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
2,000 dirhams
deposit using a debit card
“I did get charged 2,000 dirhams for the deposit because I used a debit card instead of a credit card”Google review · June 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Thrifty at Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha is a car-rental counter for short or longer hires, with vehicles ranging from economy to premium categories. The strongest pattern in the reviews is a smooth, quick handover: cars are commonly described as clean and well maintained, while booking changes, same-day model swaps and rental extensions have been handled efficiently. One customer also completed a Dubai-to-Oman trip with the paperwork arranged upfront.
There are useful extras, but they need checking at booking. Customers mention upgrades when the reserved car is not suitable, full coverage bought directly at the branch, and help resolving a CarPlay problem. For a Hatta road trip, one renter was advised to take a larger vehicle.
Those are practical touches if your plans change. The main caution is money held or added around the rental. Reviews cite deposits of 2,000 dirhams on a debit-card booking and 3,000 AED for a medium car, along with a 2% deposit charge, a 10% management fee on fines and mileage limits that may cost extra.
Another reviewer reported a deposit being held for up to 40 days. Ask for the deposit-release timing, mileage allowance, insurance and accident procedure in writing. Returning the car can also take patience: the parking area between C7 and C8 reportedly has limited signage.