Budget-Rent-a-Car has announced that it will be expanding its presence in the UAE by opening an outlet at Skypark Plaza. The facility is a multi-story car-park just a short distance from Abu Dhabi Airport’s main terminal which will supply visitors with value added services including ATMs, pharmacies and shops, as well as vehicle rental opportunities.

Abu Dhabi Airport Company’s chief commercial officer, Huraiz Almur Bin Huraiz, said that by awarding the Skypark Plaza contract to Budget the facility would now be able to offer its patrons a wider range of choices which he hoped would enhance their travelling experience. He added that Budget was also chosen because it offered an excellent service at an extremely competitive price.

Liberty Investment Company, Budget-Rent-a-Car’s main franchisee in the UAE, said that the latest move was part of a wider plan to grow the company throughout the nation. Salim Damji, Budget’s senior general manager, UAE, said that Abu Dhabi was a centre for growth in the emirate and added that the region was growing rapidly as a major tourist destination.

According to the Abu Dhabi Airport Company, first quarter figures show that 2,578,920 passengers passed through the airport. This is an increase on a year earlier of 13.8 per cent.

Budget-Rent-a-Car is already one of the most successful car hire firms in the UAE. It first established itself in 1981, and has since grown to 14 offices across the region. Further expansion is planned for Dubai, with 2 new offices at Dubai Marina and Downtown Burj scheduled to open by the end of the year.