Nuances of car hire in Dubai: child seats and other aspects

Why is a child car seat mandatory when renting a car in Dubai?

In the UAE, there is a strong emphasis on using child car seats, driven by the desire to ensure maximum safety for kids. This requirement is part of a general effort to minimize the consequences of road accidents. Children under 10 years or 145 cm in height must only be transported in the back seats in special car seats. Transporting kids in the front seat is prohibited and punishable by a fine of 400 dirhams.

These strict measures are aimed at raising awareness among parents and drawing public attention to the injuries children can sustain due to rule violations. After all, child car seats are specially designed to protect kids in the event of an accident. They support vital body parts like the head, neck, and spine. This is critically important because children's bodies are much more vulnerable. Standard seat belts for adults are unsuitable for kids as they do not provide adequate protection and may even harm them.

What else should tourists consider when hiring a vehicle in Dubai?

The UAE is a popular tourist destination that attracts families for vacations. And car rental in Dubai is an excellent opportunity to get around comfortably. However, visitors from other countries must consider several requirements for a smooth rental process.

In addition to the mandatory use of child seats, these include:

• Age restrictions. Most companies that offer car rental in Dubai require drivers to be at least 25 years old. This is especially true if the client wants to rent a sports or premium car.
• Driver's license. Foreign citizens, including those with Russian driver's licenses, must also have international driver's licenses. An exception is made for residents of countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, who can use their national permits.
• Security deposit. This is standard practice for most rental companies. When hiring a vehicle, a deposit is usually required. It is blocked on the credit card and returned at the end of the rental if the car is not damaged.

While there are universal requirements, such as age or the use of international licenses, conditions and prices for car rentals in Dubai can vary widely. Some companies do not require a deposit – for example, you can rent vehicles under the TOP or VIP tariff at Di Marca without it.

This company also prioritizes passenger safety. Upon request, you can get a free child seat when hiring any car under any tariff. Simply inform the manager that you need one when booking your vehicle.