Renting a car in Dubai offers travelers the freedom to explore the city and beyond at their own pace. However, when booking a rental, customers often wonder if essential extras like GPS navigation devices and child safety seats come automatically included or if they cost extra. These add-ons can significantly affect the convenience and total cost of a rental. In this article, we examine whether GPS units and baby/child seats are typically included as standard in Dubai’s car rentals, or if renting these features is the norm. We’ll look at the general market practices, what major rental companies do, and how travelers can prepare for these add-ons.
Car Rental Add-Ons in Dubai: An Overview
Car rental agencies in Dubai, much like those worldwide, advertise a base price for the vehicle and then offer optional add-ons to enhance your rental experience. Common add-ons include GPS navigation devices, infant/child car seats, additional driver allowances, portable Wi-Fi, and insurance upgrades. The base rental price usually covers the car, basic insurance, and taxes, but it rarely includes secondary accessories or services. As Gulf News – a leading UAE daily newspaper – points out, the advertised rental rate “may not cover things like fuel, additional insurance, or extra services (e.g., GPS, child seats)” which are typically offered as optional add-ons for an extra charge. In other words, the norm in the market is that amenities like GPS units and baby seats are not automatically included in the standard rental package.
The practice of charging separately for extras is driven by both business and consumer considerations. Not every renter needs a GPS device or a child seat, so excluding these from the base price allows companies to keep advertised rates competitive. Customers can then choose (and pay for) only the add-ons they require. This à la carte approach is standard across international rental chains and local car hire companies in Dubai. It means that if you do need a navigation aid or a baby seat, you should expect to request it and likely pay an additional fee. The following sections delve into each of these two add-ons in detail to see how often they’re included by default versus provided at extra cost.
GPS Navigation Devices: Standard Feature or Extra Cost?
GPS navigation systems are incredibly handy for travelers driving in a new city. In Dubai – a city with an extensive road network and many new developments – a reliable GPS or map app can be a lifesaver for navigation. Yet, despite the utility, GPS units are generally treated as an optional extra by Dubai car rental companies. It is not the norm for a portable GPS device to be automatically included with a rental car in Dubai, especially for economy and mid-range vehicle categories. If you simply reserve a car without specifically requesting GPS, you will most likely not find a navigation device in the car at pick-up (unless the car happens to have a built-in navigation system, which some higher-end models do).
Nearly all major rental providers (Avis, Hertz, Budget, etc.) and many local firms offer GPS units for rent. Typically, you must request the GPS unit during booking or at the rental counter, and a daily fee will apply. For example, one major international agency in Dubai (Avis) lists its portable GPS navigation for about AED 50 per day (with weekly or monthly capped rates available). Other companies may charge in the range of roughly AED 20–40 per day for a GPS device, with some offering discounted weekly rates or a maximum charge per rental. These fees can add up on longer trips, so travelers on a budget sometimes choose to rely on smartphone navigation apps instead. Indeed, many visitors now use map applications on their phone (often buying a local SIM card or using offline maps) as an alternative to paying for the rental GPS unit. Rental companies recognize this trend – it’s one reason GPS devices remain an optional add-on rather than a default inclusion.
Are there cases where GPS is included as a free perk? Occasionally, yes. A few local car rental agencies advertise free GPS units with their cars as a selling point to attract customers. For instance, some Dubai-based rental services boast “GPS on every vehicle” or include it at no charge for long-term rentals. These, however, are exceptions rather than the rule. Generally, unless a special promotion or package explicitly says so, you should assume a standalone GPS will cost extra. Always inquire during booking if navigation is important to you – if a company happens to include GPS by default, that will be made clear; otherwise, be prepared to pay the add-on fee or plan your own navigation solution.
Child/Baby Seats: Included or Optional Add-On?
Traveling families will be keenly interested in child safety seats (baby or booster seats) when renting a car. In the UAE, it is legally mandatory for children under a certain age/size to be secured in an appropriate car seat. Dubai’s traffic law requires that children under 4 years old ride in a child safety seat, and failure to comply can result in fines. Despite the importance of this safety measure, baby and child seats are usually not included by default with a car rental – you must request them as an add-on. Virtually all car rental companies in Dubai can provide infant seats, child car seats, or booster seats upon request, but they will typically charge a fee for this service.
The additional charge for a child seat in Dubai rentals often runs roughly AED 30–40 per day (approximately $8–$11), sometimes with a weekly or monthly maximum cap. For example, the Avis UAE website notes a cost of AED 39.00 per day for child/baby/booster seats, capped at AED 500 for a month-long rental. Similarly, other major rental brands have per-day fees in the same ballpark (some like Dollar UAE list about AED 37 per day for a car seat, as per their terms). These charges cover the use of the seat and the cleaning/maintenance of the equipment by the company. Some companies might offer a discounted flat rate for longer rentals (e.g. a monthly rental might have a single fixed charge rather than per-day beyond a certain point), but the key point is that child seats are not ordinarily free-of-charge with your car rental.
It’s worth noting that a few rental providers do show flexibility or promotional offers regarding child seats. There are cases where rental agencies include a baby seat at no extra cost, especially if you book a specific family-oriented package or during a special deal. Certain local agencies, keen on being “family-friendly,” may throw in child seats free as part of their service (or, for instance, a company might include one free child seat and charge for additional ones). However, these instances are not the standard across the market. Given the legal requirement, some customers might assume every rental car in Dubai will automatically have a baby seat if needed – but in practice you must request it. Always reserve child seats in advance, since availability can be limited. Reputable companies encourage parents to book the child seat ahead of time to ensure one is ready on the pick-up day. If you have your own car seat and it’s practical to bring it along on your trip, that’s another option to avoid daily fees, but not all travelers can easily carry bulky child seats on flights.
To recap the typical situation for these two add-ons, the comparison table below summarizes the common practice in Dubai’s car rental market regarding GPS navigation devices and baby/child seats:
| Add-On | Included by Default? | Typical Extra Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Navigation Unit | No – generally optional add-on | ~AED 20–50 per day (often capped around AED 450 per month) | Few companies include GPS for free. Many renters use smartphone navigation as an alternative. |
| Child/Baby Seat | No – must request if needed | ~AED 30–40 per day (caps ~AED 300–500 per rental period) | Legally required for young children; some agencies may waive the fee as a special courtesy, but usually charged separately. |
What’s the Norm in Dubai?
In conclusion, GPS devices and baby seats are not typically included as standard in Dubai car rentals – the norm is that these are extras you need to specifically add on. The car rental market in Dubai (both international firms and local providers) generally treats navigation units and child seats as optional services, much like in other countries. While the odd promotion or customer-centric company might bundle a GPS or a child seat at no additional cost, you should plan and budget assuming an extra fee if you require either of these items. Always double-check with your rental provider: ask about the cost of a GPS or child seat during the booking process and reserve them in advance to guarantee availability. By being aware of the add-on policy, you can avoid surprises at the rental counter and ensure you have the necessary equipment – whether it’s finding your way around Dubai’s highways or securing your little one safely – for a smooth and enjoyable driving experience in the UAE.