For children battling critical illnesses across the United Arab Emirates, the fulfilment of a heartfelt wish can provide a moment of joy amidst challenging medical journeys. Now, the organisation dedicated to making those wishes reality has gained crucial operational support through a new alliance with one of the region’s established mobility providers.
Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE announced on 16th January 2026 that it has entered into a partnership with Thrifty Car Rental, securing access to vehicles that will enhance the foundation’s ability to coordinate its wish-granting activities throughout the Emirates. The collaboration addresses a fundamental challenge faced by charitable organisations: ensuring reliable transportation for staff, volunteers, and essential resources as they work to reach families across diverse locations.
The arrangement will see Thrifty supply vehicles to support the foundation’s day-to-day operations, removing a significant logistical hurdle that can impact service delivery for non-profit organisations operating across multiple emirates.
Hani Al Zubaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, emphasised the practical benefits of the arrangement. “This partnership with Thrifty Car Rental represents a significant operational support for our foundation. Access to reliable transportation enhances our teams’ efficiency and allows us to dedicate greater focus to granting wishes and supporting children and their families,” he said.
The foundation, which operates under a licence from the Ministry of Community Development and maintains its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, has an impressive track record of service. Since its establishment, Make-A-Wish UAE has granted more than 8,000 wishes for children facing serious illnesses, both within the country and internationally. The organisation’s humanitarian mission extends to all children regardless of gender, language, religion, or belief.
For Thrifty Car Rental, the partnership represents an opportunity to apply its core business capabilities towards community benefit. Khaiser Pasha, General Manager at Thrifty Car Rental, positioned the initiative within the company’s broader values framework.
“Partnering with Make-A-Wish Foundation aligns perfectly with our values as an organization committed to community support,” said Khaiser Pasha, General Manager at Thrifty Car Rental. “Mobility is at the heart of our business, and we are proud to contribute in a way that supports meaningful work and creates tangible impact.”
The collaboration reflects a growing trend of strategic alliances between private sector entities and non-profit organisations in the UAE, where corporate resources can directly strengthen charitable operations and extend their reach.
Thrifty Car Rental has operated in the region for more than four decades, having been established in 1989 as part of A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises. The diversified group, led by Chairman Abdullah Ahmed Al Moosa, maintains interests spanning architecture, design, hospitality, real estate, and manufacturing sectors. Within the competitive car rental market, Thrifty has built its reputation on providing affordable options for both business and leisure travellers, with particular emphasis on short-term and long-term rental solutions.
As one of the world’s most recognised car rental brands, Thrifty’s presence in the UAE market has been characterised by its focus on cost-conscious customers seeking reliable monthly rental and leasing arrangements.
The partnership comes at a time when non-profit organisations increasingly recognise that operational efficiency directly impacts their ability to fulfil their missions. For Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, improved mobility means staff and volunteers can spend less time coordinating transportation logistics and more time on the complex, emotionally sensitive work of connecting with families and orchestrating wish experiences.
Transportation challenges can create unexpected barriers for charitable organisations, particularly those serving geographically dispersed populations across the seven emirates. By securing reliable vehicle access, Make-A-Wish UAE can better manage the coordination required to deliver its programmes effectively.
The initiative also underscores how corporate social responsibility programmes can create meaningful impact when aligned with specific operational needs rather than simply providing financial donations. In this case, Thrifty’s contribution directly addresses a tangible requirement that affects the foundation’s daily functioning.
Both organisations have framed the partnership as a long-term commitment to strengthening community support infrastructure across the UAE, with the potential to serve as a model for similar collaborations between private sector companies and charitable foundations.
For more information about Thrifty Car Rental UAE, visit https://www.thriftyuae.com
