Dubai is a dream family destination with its incredible attractions, ultra-modern skyline, desert adventures, and spacious cityscape. Whether you’re visiting Dubai with your family or are an expat residing here, traveling with children, child seats, and luggage in tow isn’t always easy. The city’s developed public transport system can only go so far, which is why many families prefer to rent a family-friendly car in Dubai to explore freely.
When you’re planning to stay for a few weeks or a few months, your rental choice matters. A long term car rental in Dubai offers convenience, less stress, and value when you want to explore Dubai on your own terms.
But what makes a car family-friendly in Dubai? Comfortable space for passengers and luggage, the ability to carry car seats, rear-seat entertainment systems, and fuel efficiency are just some of the considerations to factor in. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best car types and models for families, and how to pick a car rental with kids in mind.
Why Families Need a Specific Type of Rental Car in Dubai
Your kids’ presence creates unique requirements when it comes to choosing a car. They need comfortable space, appropriate seating, and sometimes entertainment to keep them engaged during long drives. Whether you’re taking the kids to Dubai Parks and Resorts, weekend trips to the mountains, or everyday commutes to school or malls, the right car makes all the difference.
Key requirements for a family-friendly rental:
Space to fit car seats, strollers, luggage, and more
Rear-seat AC vents – for Dubai’s heat
Advanced safety features – airbags, lane assist, parking sensors, and child-locking systems
Fuel efficiency – particularly important for long-term use
Entertainment features – screens, USB ports, and Bluetooth for keeping kids engaged
A car that suits your family’s size, travel plans, and expectations makes driving around Dubai that much easier.
Best Car Types for Families
Not every family needs the same type of vehicle. A family of two with a toddler is different from a family of six. Here are the best car categories for families to rent, depending on the group’s size:
1. Mid-Size SUVs
Families with 1-2 kids
Mid-size SUVs strike the perfect balance of space and agility. They often offer five seats, generous trunks, and decent fuel efficiency. They’re great for city driving and short to medium-distance trips.
Pros:
Better view of the road
Easier to park than full-size SUVs
Space for car seats and storage in the backseat
Available with built-in navigation and media systems
Examples: Ford Edge, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe
2. Full-Size SUVs
Large families or those with lots of luggage space
If you’re traveling with multiple children or will be carrying a lot of gear (beach gear, toys, or groceries), a full-size SUV offers plenty of space. They often come with seven seats and a third row.
Pros:
Lots of cabin and trunk space
Safety ratings up to par
All-wheel drive for desert adventures
Rear-seat entertainment available
Examples: Toyota Land Cruiser, Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Patrol
3. Minivans/MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles)
Families with 3+ kids or multi-generational travel
Minivans are built for families. They come with features like sliding doors, multiple USB ports, foldable seats, and rear-seat screens. Minivans are ideal for long-distance drives or larger groups.
Pros:
Comfortable seats for 6-8 passengers
Ease of entry and exit for kids
Flat floors and built-in storage compartments
More economical than full-size SUVs
Examples: Kia Carnival, Toyota Previa, Honda Odyssey
4. Compact Crossovers
Small families or those on a budget
Compact crossovers are a smart choice for families with one child or toddler. They offer the handling of a sedan with some features of an SUV – higher ground clearance and decent storage space.
Pros:
Affordable to rent
Easy to drive and park
Great fuel efficiency
Suitable for quick city drives
Examples: Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, Mazda CX-3
5 .Sedans (Mid-Size)
Short-term stays or light travel
While sedans aren’t as spacious as SUVs or vans, they can still work for smaller families on short trips and minimal cargo needs. Some sedans also offer great safety tech and anchors for car seats.
Pros:
Affordable rental options
Excellent fuel efficiency
Smooth driving for city use
Suitable for picking up from the airport or quick getaways
Examples: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata
Other factors to look for when renting a family car
When you’re narrowing down a vehicle for your family, don’t just look at the car’s size or rental rate. Here are some other features to make your stay more comfortable, safer, and convenient:
Safety features:
ISOFIX mounts for car seats
Multiple airbags
Lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control
Blind spot monitoring
Rearview cameras and parking sensors
Interior comfort:
Rear-seat AC with adjustable vents
Legroom and headroom
Sunshades or tinted windows
Leather or stain-resistant fabric seats
Storage solutions:
Deep trunk space for strollers and luggage
Fold-down seats for bulky items
In-cabin cubbies and cupholders
Roof racks (for hiking or desert excursions)
Entertainment and connectivity:
Rear-seat entertainment systems
USB ports in front and back
Bluetooth audio and phone integration
Built-in navigation (helpful for newbies in the city)
Why Long Term Car Rentals Work for Families
When you’re staying in Dubai for a few weeks or a few months, a long term car rental is often a better value than daily rentals or cabs. Long-term deals come with discounted rates, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexibility.
Benefits of long-term rentals:
Lower monthly cost than short-term rates
No need to deal with vehicle maintenance or registration
Ability to switch out for a new car while in service
Often comes with unlimited mileage or high-mileage caps
A long-term rental is particularly advantageous for expat families moving to a new home or those waiting for their own cars to be imported or purchased.
Tips to make your trip more comfortable and safer for kids
Once you’ve chosen a family-friendly vehicle, here are some tips to ensure your rides are as comfortable as possible:
1 .Bring your own car seats
While some car seats are available for rent, bringing your own car seats is more familiar and hygienic. Make sure the car you choose has ISOFIX or LATCH systems.
2. Pack a road kit
Always carry snacks, water, extra clothes, wipes, and small toys in a tote bag for quick access. Having entertainment on hand will help avoid crankiness during long drives.
3. Add window shades
Dubai’s sun can be harsh, even in the winter. Installing window shades helps protect your child from direct sunlight and reduce cabin temperatures.
4. Explain the rules of the road
Teach your kids basic safety guidelines – no opening doors when the car is moving, no getting out of your seatbelt, and no playing with gadgets.
5. Use the built-in navigation
Many family-friendly rental cars have GPS. Use it to avoid traffic, find rest areas, kid-friendly attractions, and pit stops.
Top family-friendly places to visit in Dubai with a rental car
Once you have a vehicle of your choice, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of our favorite family destinations in Dubai:
Dubai Parks and Resorts – a collection of theme parks with Motiongate and Legoland
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – within Dubai Mall
Kite Beach – kids’ playground, food trucks, and soft sands
Al Qudra Lakes – ideal for weekend picnics and bird watching
Miracle Garden – an impressive display of flowers and gardens
The Green Planet – an indoor rainforest experience in City Walk
Having your car makes timing easier, avoids long lines, and makes it easier to carry the gear families need.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right car rental in Dubai can make or break your family trip. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a multi-generational family, your ride should be comfortable, safe, and roomy. SUVs, minivans, and mid-size crossovers offer families the space and features needed to explore Dubai confidently.
If you’re staying in Dubai for a few months, a long-term car rental in Dubai makes more sense than short-term rentals or cabs. Long-term deals come with better value, less hassle, and no logistics. With the right planning and the right vehicle, your family can enjoy Dubai’s best attractions – from iconic spots to off-the-radar destinations.
At the end of the day, your car should help your family feel free, comfortable, and adventurous. And when you make the right choice, every trip becomes a memorable one.
