The YORK story begins.
Michael Fathi and his father establish the rental business that develops into YORK’s international brand.
The story behind YORK PRIME
Toronto roots.
A global YORK story.
From a family business with Toronto roots to an international car rental network, YORK’s journey has been shaped by operations, relationships and the ambition to keep improving how people move.
Explore the YORK Story Discover UAE LeasingYORK Car Rental heritage · YORK PRIME UAE corporate operation · Rental, monthly mobility and leasing
2008
Our story began with rental.
Toronto rootsGlobal reachDubai
2008YORK Car Rental’s beginnings
100+Locations across the wider YORK network*
4Regions of international presence*
UAEA new corporate rental and leasing chapter
*Network scope reported by YORK in October 2026: North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This is the global brand network, including independently operated locations—not the size of the UAE fleet.
Our beginnings
A family foundation.
An international outlook.
YORK Car Rental began in 2008 with Michael Fathi and his father. The business developed with Toronto roots and a practical understanding of rental operations: looking after vehicles, coordinating arrivals and helping customers get on their way.
That foundation became a platform for international expansion. YORK’s network model connects local rental operators with a shared brand, booking technology, distribution relationships and support. The aim is to bring local operating knowledge closer to customers booking from around the world.
Today, the wider YORK network spans North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. YORK PRIME carries that experience into a UAE corporate operation with a focused local agenda: short-term rentals for visitors, monthly cars for everyday needs and longer-term vehicle proposals for residents and businesses.
The journey so far
Growth you can
put in context.
The milestones show the development of the YORK brand. Planned markets and local opening arrangements remain separate from live operations.
A growing international operation.
Auto Rental News reports YORK operating across 24 locations in nine countries, with a family-oriented business and an expanding network programme.
More than 100 locations across the network.
YORK reports international reach across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Technology and distribution remain part of the expansion strategy.
YORK PRIME: rental and leasing.
The UAE corporate strategy starts with Dubai, serving the different needs of visitors, residents and business customers. Wider expansion depends on operational readiness and the relevant approvals.
Historical reporting: Auto Rental News, February 2023. The 2026 network scope is company-reported.
International reach
Local knowledge.
A wider connection.
The four regions describe the wider YORK network, not a promise of identical products or terms in every country.
01
North America
The rental experience behind our international development.
02
Europe
A growing network of local operating relationships.
03
Middle East
Regional growth and the UAE corporate chapter.
04
Africa
International reach through local market expertise.
Leadership
The people guiding the next chapter.
Michael Fathi
Founder & CEO · YORK Car Rental
Michael leads the brand’s international expansion, franchise development, strategic partnerships and technology direction. His UAE focus brings together practical rental operations and a longer-term vision for resident and corporate mobility.
View Michael’s LinkedIn ↗Ahmad Fathi
President · YORK Car Rental
Ahmad is part of the family foundation behind YORK’s development. The business continues to connect that foundation with a growing international network and the next stage of its regional operations.
What we want customers to experience
Clarity at every stage.
Understand before you agree
See the cost, mileage, deposit and main conditions before committing to a vehicle.
Know who to contact
Have a clear route for booking questions, collection coordination and contract enquiries.
Choose for your actual needs
Match the vehicle and term to the journey, rather than choosing by a headline rate alone.
Build durable relationships
Treat customers, business partners and local operators as long-term relationships.
Useful answers
Get to know
YORK PRIME.
An international brand story with a clearly defined UAE operation.
When did YORK Car Rental start?
YORK Car Rental dates to 2008. Industry reporting describes a Toronto-based, family-oriented business started by Michael Fathi and his father.
Who leads YORK Car Rental?
Michael Fathi is Founder & CEO. Ahmad Fathi serves as President. The brand’s development combines rental operations, international network growth, distribution and booking technology.
How is YORK PRIME connected to YORK Car Rental?
YORK PRIME is the UAE corporate rental and leasing operation within the YORK brand story. The wider international network includes independently operated franchise locations; their fleet and branch count should not be confused with YORK PRIME’s local UAE fleet.
Does YORK PRIME already have airport counters across the UAE?
Airport access, collection locations and opening arrangements are confirmed separately. The UAE plan starts in Dubai and envisages wider expansion. Customers should rely on their written collection instructions, not assume an in-terminal counter.
Why expand into leasing?
Short visits, resident commuting and corporate fleet requirements call for different vehicle plans. The UAE strategy brings short-term rental, monthly rental and longer-term leasing enquiries into a more complete local offering.
Be part of the next chapter