Enterprise Holdings has announced its expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabian Peninsula through a partnership with the Al Jomaih Group, one of country’s largest industrial and consumer businesses.

The newly created vehicle rental business, Al Jomaih Auto Rental, will open a network of branches at major airport, city and community locations in Saudi Arabia throughout 2015.

The company, which will operate the Enterprise-Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, Alamo Rent A Car and Ajar brands, also intends to sub franchise across the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Levant region.

The investment will create new employment opportunities throughout the region.

The Al Jomaih Group, which was founded in 1936 and has more than 7,000 employees, is a highly diversified business that is recognised as a leader in many consumer, commercial and industrial sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Through carefully selected partnerships with world renowned brands, such as General Motors, Shell, Pepsi, and Yokohama, the Al Jomaih Group has developed significant interests in a number of business sectors including automotive, beverages, lubricants, heavy equipment, real estate, power generation, communications, oil & gas, and investment.

Its subsidiary, Al Jomaih Automotive, is the largest General Motors dealer in the Middle East.

Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al Jomaih, chief executive of the Al Jomaih Group, said: “There is tremendous potential in bringing together the strengths and commitment of the world’s largest car hire company, Enterprise, with one of the largest and most successful businesses in Saudi Arabia.

“The Al Jomaih Group has grown through partnership with global brands that are renowned for innovation, quality and customer care.

“Our vision is to create an outstanding car hire business in Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf and Levant by applying the same commitment to service and detailed knowledge of our local market that has enabled us to flourish in other areas.”

Globally, Enterprise Holdings is operational in more than 70 countries and territories.

Peter Smith, vice president of global franchising at Enterprise Holdings, said: “The Al Jomaih Group is one of our largest and most diversified franchise partners, with an unparalleled breadth and depth of experience in Saudi Arabia and across the Arabian Peninsula.

“Like Enterprise, it is a family-owned business with a passion for service and quality and we are very pleased to welcome them as a partner to our global business.”