Car seat law in UAE is getting fresh attention. A top pediatrician in Abu Dhabi is stepping up to protect the nation’s youngest passengers. Dr. Taisser Atrak is teaming up with authorities to push for stronger regulations. He aims to make the rules clearer and enforcement stricter. The goal is to ensure children stay safer during every car ride.
As a Chairman of Pediatrics at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Dr. Atrak has seen far too many injuries that could have been prevented by using the right car seat. “We see cases every week,” he says. “Many of these children wouldn’t be in the hospital if they had been properly restrained.”
Currently, UAE law requires children under four to be seated in approved car seats, and restricts those under ten or shorter than 145 cm from sitting in the front seat. Offenders face a fine of AED 400 and four black points. But despite the law, many parents still don’t always follow it. Surveys suggest nearly a third of families skip the car seat altogether for short rides.
That’s exactly where Dr. Atrak hopes to make a real difference. In recent years, he’s led countless sessions for parents, nannies, and drivers—showing them how to install car seats the right way and explaining why it’s so important. “When used properly, a car seat can cut the risk of serious injury by 80%,” he says. “It’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect a child’s life.”
Turning Awareness Into Action: A Doctor’s Mission
The movement to strengthen the car seat law in UAE is picking up real momentum. In Abu Dhabi, campaigns like My Child’s Seat have gained traction in recent years, thanks to strong support from health officials and police. These initiatives are all about helping families understand the importance of proper car seat use and making sure kids are buckled into certified seats that meet global safety standards like ECE R44 and i-Size.
Dr. Atrak, who leads child safety initiatives at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, hopes the revised car seat law in UAE will do more than just hold people accountable. He’s advocating for clear labels that specify which car seat is right for each child’s weight and height. He’s also encouraging awareness campaigns in community centers, schools, and hospitals to help families make smart, informed decisions from the very beginning.
The proposal is now under review, supported by the Ministry of Interior.
If it gets approved, the updated rules could take effect across the UAE by the end of 2025. For Dr. Atrak, it’s about more than just changing the law. It’s about shifting mindsets and making child safety a priority for everyone.
At Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Dr. Atrak and his team see the consequences of skipped safety measures far too often. For them, this mission is deeply personal. “We’re not here to punish parents,” he says. “We’re here to support them. This law is about helping families do what they already want to do- keep their children safe.”
