UAE traffic rules 2027: When can children sit in the front seat of a car?

Children in the United Arab Emirates will be permitted to sit in the front passenger seat of a car if they are over 10 years old or at least 145 centimeters tall, starting from January 1, 2027, as per new federal traffic regulations. These rules, outlined in Article 11 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, regulate traffic in the UAE.

Drivers can allow a child to sit in the front seat if the child meets either the age or height criterion. A child who is not older than 10 may still be allowed to sit in the front if they are tall enough. Child safety seats are mandatory for children aged four and under, and they must be installed in the rear of the vehicle, fitting the child's weight and height, and complying with UAE safety standards.

There are exceptions to this rule for children with medical conditions preventing them from using a child safety seat - they must have a medical certificate approved by the relevant medical authority and be accompanied by another person in the rear. Another exception applies to vehicles without rear seats, where a rear-facing child safety seat can be installed in the front if it is rear-facing and the airbag is deactivated.

These regulations are part of the implementing rules for federal law governing road traffic in the UAE, effective from January 1, 2027.