Dubai is a popular destination for family travel, and many visitors choose spacious 7-seater vehicles to accommodate their whole crew. These larger SUVs and vans offer ample room for kids and luggage. Crucially, the generous cabin space allows multiple child seats to be fixed in the back rows — a legal requirement for young children in the UAE. Given the strict child safety laws and the needs of traveling families, a common question arises: do Dubai’s car rental agencies provide child seats with 7-seater rentals, and under what conditions? This article explores key answers to this question, covering availability, costs, booking procedures, legal factors, and special family-friendly policies.
Child Seats by Request, Not Standard
Renting a 7-seater in Dubai does not automatically mean a child seat will be in the car. In practice, car rental companies treat child seats as optional extras rather than standard equipment. You must request a child seat in advance if you need one. Rental providers confirm that child seats are available on demand as an additional service, but only if the customer asks for it. In other words, a family-friendly SUV might have space and attachments for a child seat, but the seat itself won’t be pre-installed unless you explicitly arrange for it.
This policy is understandable because not every renter has young children, and child seats come in different sizes. Rental agencies keep a limited inventory of baby and booster seats, deploying them when requested. So, if you show up to pick up a 7-seater without having booked a child seat, you will likely find the vehicle without one. The onus is on the renter to inform the company ahead of time about any children’s seating needs. By handling child seats as an add-on, companies ensure each family gets the appropriate type of seat rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Extra Charges for Child Seats
Importantly, most Dubai car rentals charge a fee for providing a child seat with your 7-seater. The child seat is not usually included for free in the base rental price. Instead, expect a daily rental charge for the seat. For example, one local rental service lists a baby or toddler seat at about AED 21 per day. Major international agencies often have higher rates — around AED 39 per day, with weekly or monthly caps (e.g. up to AED 500 per month maximum) to prevent excessive costs for long rentals. These fees cover the use of the seat for the duration of your hire and may be subject to taxes. If you have more than one child, each additional seat typically incurs another fee.
Rental companies treat child seats as additional equipment, similar to GPS units or Wi-Fi hotspots, and price them accordingly. While these charges mean extra expense, they are a small price for your child’s safety and compliance with the law. It’s worth noting that the seat remains the rental company’s property and must be returned in good condition. If a rented child seat is lost or returned damaged, agencies will impose a hefty penalty — often around AED 550–560 as a fine. This policy encourages renters to take good care of the equipment. In summary, families should budget for a child seat rental fee and be mindful of the company’s terms (such as cleaning or damage charges) when using it.
Advance Reservation of Child Seats
Because child seats are limited and in high demand, it’s essential to reserve them in advance. Do not assume that you can get a child seat at the last minute when picking up your 7-seater. Many rental providers in Dubai require advance notice to arrange a car seat. One international agency, for instance, mandates a 72-hour advance notification to book a child seat. Another local company can prepare a seat with at least 24 hours’ notice before pickup. The lead time allows the rental staff to ensure availability and have the correct type of seat cleaned and ready. Failing to request early could mean no seat is available when you arrive.
When booking your family vehicle, make sure to tick the option for a child seat or inform the rental agent directly. Booking systems usually have an “extras” section where child seats can be added. It’s also advisable to provide the age (or approximate weight) of your child during the reservation. Rental companies will ask for this information so they can supply an appropriately sized seat for your child’s needs. The request for age/weight is important because infant carriers, toddler seats, and boosters all differ — the staff needs these details to give you the right kind of seat. Finally, always get confirmation that the child seat has been reserved. Even with a booking, child seat provision is subject to availability, so having it confirmed in writing or on your rental agreement will give peace of mind that one will be there for you at pickup.
Legal Requirements for Child Seats in Dubai
Underlying the need for child seats is the UAE’s strict road safety law. By law, children up to four years old must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle. This nationwide regulation means that if you have a toddler or baby in your 7-seater, using a proper car seat isn’t just a recommendation — it’s mandatory. The penalty for violating the child seat law is a AED 400 fine and four black points on the driver’s license. Additionally, children under 10 years (or below 145 cm in height) are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a car. These rules reflect Dubai’s broader commitment to road safety for minors.
Because of the legal requirements, car rental companies in Dubai are very familiar with accommodating child seats. They know that visiting families need these safety devices and that it’s part of responsible service to provide them. Rental staff may even remind customers of the law if they see you traveling with young kids. The good news is that 7-seater vehicles are ideal for compliance: their designs cater to families, often coming with ISOFIX anchor points or ample seatbelt configurations to secure child seats properly. In fact, manufacturers of 7-seater SUVs emphasize family-friendly features, knowing parents will be installing child seats in the back. For renters, the takeaway is clear — always use a child seat for your little ones. It’s the law, and it greatly improves safety, reducing the risk of serious injury by up to 80% for properly buckled children in a crash.
Complimentary Child Seats and Family-Friendly Policies
While extra charges are the norm, there are exceptions where child seats are provided free of cost. Some rental agencies in Dubai, especially those targeting family clientele or luxury markets, offer complimentary child seats as a perk. For example, one Dubai car rental service prioritizes passenger safety to the extent that upon request, you can get a child seat free of charge with any car rental. In such cases, you simply need to inform the company during booking, and they will include an infant or booster seat at no added fee. These family-friendly policies are used as selling points by the companies — a way to attract and retain customers who might otherwise bring their own car seat or shop around for a better deal.
It’s important to note that free child seat offerings are relatively rare and often subject to specific conditions. A complimentary seat might be included only with certain rental packages, for members of a loyalty program, or during special promotions. Always read the fine print: a company advertising “free baby’s car seat” may still require you to reserve it in advance, and availability could be limited. Moreover, just because one provider includes a seat at no cost doesn’t mean others will do the same. Most agencies in Dubai will charge a fee unless explicitly stated otherwise. Therefore, if a free child seat is a deciding factor for you, compare rental offers or inquire directly. And even when it’s free, remember that the seat still has to meet safety standards and be appropriate for your child’s age.
Comparison of Child Seat Types Available
Families renting in Dubai can obtain various types of child seats based on their child’s age and size. Rental companies typically stock three main categories of seats to ensure proper fit and safety for each age group. The table below compares these child seat types and the approximate ages they cover, helping you understand which one you might need to request with your 7-seater rental.
| Child Seat Type | Approximate Age Range | Description & Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Car Seat (Baby Seat) | Birth to ~12 months (up to ~13 kg) | Rear-facing seat for infants, supporting the baby’s head and neck. Installed facing backward for maximum safety in case of sudden stops or collisions. |
| Child Car Seat (Toddler Seat) | ~1 to 4 years (≈9–18 kg) | Forward-facing seat with an internal harness. Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, it secures the child firmly and offers side-impact protection as they grow out of infant carriers. |
| Booster Seat (High-Back or Cushion) | ~4 to 10 years (≈18–36 kg) | Booster that raises the child’s seating position so the vehicle’s seatbelt fits correctly. Used for older children until they are tall enough (around 135–145 cm) to use the car’s seatbelt alone safely. |
As shown above, each type of child seat is suited to a specific age and weight range. Having the right seat type is crucial — an infant must ride in a rear-facing carrier, whereas a five-year-old will need a forward-facing or booster solution. Dubai rental agencies strive to provide the appropriate seat when you request one, so be sure to specify your child’s age (or weight) when booking. This ensures the rental company reserves the correct category of seat for your 7-seater vehicle.
Plan Ahead for a Safe Family Trip
In conclusion, child seats are available with 7-seater car rentals in Dubai, but they are not included by default — you have to plan ahead. Most car rental companies offer baby and booster seats as add-ons that you can request for an extra fee. The process requires a bit of coordination: you should reserve the seat in advance and inform the provider of your child’s age so they supply the right kind. Given the UAE’s legal requirement for child restraints up to age four, arranging a suitable car seat is not just a convenience but an absolute necessity. By securing the proper child seats through your rental company and installing them correctly, you’ll ensure your family travels are safe, compliant with the law, and comfortable. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the freedom of a roomy 7-seater in Dubai while keeping your young passengers protected throughout the journey.