A great family question we frequently receive is whether to bring your baby stroller on a Dubai vacation.
Strollers are a personal preference for many families; whilst many are happy to use a baby carrier or sling for their little one whilst travelling, there are many occasions a baby stroller may be preferred – and in a hot climate like Dubai you’ll soon see why.
Having raised our own three children in the UAE and having transited through DXB Airport on innumerable occasions – we’re here to share with you everything you need to know about strollers in Dubai.
Should I bring my own stroller to Dubai or can I rent one?
There’s a good argument to bring your own stroller to Dubai. Not only is it more convenient but there’s more surety on the quality and condition of your stroller, and you know your baby or toddler is happier in a familiar environment.
Stroller Rental in Dubai
If you want to travel light and don’t want to bring bulky baby gear with you, there are baby rental options in Dubai. Not only strollers but you can rent car seats (essential in Dubai traffic), high chairs and baby cots.
A lot of these items can be provided by hotels and serviced apartments so do check in advance before booking with a third party rental company.
We have not personally tested all of these services but can recommend you try these stroller rental options in Dubai:
- The Stroller Spa – rentals delivered to your door between 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM – open 7 days.
- Babeazy – hotel/Airbnb drop-offs can be arranged or pick up/drop off Five Palm Jumeirah
- Skytots [temporarily ceased trading due to COVID-19]
- Rentin.ae – rental market from private individuals
The larger shopping malls in Dubai also offer complementary stroller rentals, subject to availability.
Stroller purchase in Dubai
There are many reputable baby supply stores you can purchase a stroller from in Dubai. You could pre-order a new stroller to be delivered to your hotel or accommodation, or you will find these brands at all major malls in the UAE.
- Mumzworld
- FirstCry
- Stroller Park (by Just Kidding)
- Mothercare
- BabyShop (Centrepoint)
- Mamas & Papas
Baby supplies are no cheaper in Dubai than elsewhere in the world (unless you happen to pick up a bargain during the shopping sales), but you’ll certainly find a wide range of internationally reputable brands. Dubai Mall has one of the most extensive selection of baby goods stores in one spot.
Best types of baby stroller for Dubai
If you will be transiting through airports, jumping in taxi’s or using public transport in Dubai, you will see how vital it is to have an easy to fold and construct stroller.
A two-piece car seat and base system may work best if you are planning on using cars a lot to get around in Dubai (the Doona infant car seat a top choice).
If you’re just looking for something to get you too and from the airport and the occasion walk, lightweight and foldable strollers are the way to go – brands such as the Babyzen Yoyo or Mountain Buggy Nano always a winner.
A quick note on car seats in Dubai
- Taxis picking up from Dubai airport can borrow a car seat at DXB and return them later. No relying on the condition of this seat but if it’s the only leg of your trip you might need a car seat for it’s worth looking into.
- The other option is to use a pre-booked car service such as Careem Kids, which come equipped with Cybex Sirona car seats (but only one per car).
- The Stroller Spa also offers driver services with up to 4 fitted car seats to help with airport pick-ups and even day tours with clean and safe car seats ready fitted.
- If you are renting a car, all major car rental companies operating from DXB will have car seats available to add on to your hire at an additional charge. Compare car hire costs in Dubai here.
More frequently asked questions about strollers in Dubai
We know what a big decision it can be deciding whether to bring bulky gear with you such as baby strollers so we hope these FAQs will help answer your queries:
Yes, DXB airport is supplied with a fleet of Maclaren strollers ready for use by customers transiting through. It’s a first come, first served basis and although there are racks at the end of every gate, there’s no guarantee you will get one straight away. They cannot be reserved in any way so you may need to keep walking until you find a well-stocked rack.
If you are undertaking a desert tour you will not need a baby stroller. You are best taking your baby in a sling or carrier – noting that some desert safari’s are not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
This will depend how small your child is and whether they need their stroller to nap when out and about. A lot of beach resorts in Dubai are large, so you may have a preference to use a stroller to get around, especially if your baby is happy to nap by the pool/beach.
If you are visiting any of Dubai’s public beaches, you will find there are good boardwalks and pathways for strolling, but once you hit the sand you’ll need to carry your stroller.
A few years ago we may have said no, but facilities for strollers and the disabled have vastly improved with sloped curbs and wider footpaths.
There are still many parts of Dubai where curbs are high and footpaths disrupted with signs and poles making pushing a stroller challenging, but for the most part, where tourists will venture in Dubai you’ll find smooth and safe surfaces for a stroller.
Entry to all Metro stations in Dubai is step free. It may be difficult to fit your stroller on the Metro at peak times so an easy fold travel stroller is recommended and avoid morning and evening rush hours.
The second to front carriage on Dubai Metro trains is dedicated to women & children, this is the best spot you should look to board with a baby.
Absolutely. Almost anywhere you’d want to take a stroller is wide enough to handle a double stroller too. The only exception we might make is tackling some older areas around Deira and Bur Dubai. Modern shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment areas would be well-equipped for a double. For years our top choice was a City Mini Double by Baby Jogger.
A popular short stopover point is Dubai Mall, who offer a complimentary baby stroller service. Please see guest services, this is subject to availability and cannot be pre-booked.
If you’re unsure still, do drop us a message in the comments and we’ll do our best to help with your Dubai stroller questions.
More for families in Dubai
You may also enjoy reading these family-friendly Dubai guides:
- 80+ Exciting Family Things to Do in Dubai – an absolute bumper resource we’ve put together from 10 years taking our kids out and about in Dubai!
- Breastfeeding in Dubai – a mothers guide to Dubai with a baby
- Dubai’s best parks and outdoor spaces – you’ll be amazed just how many beautiful parks and play spaces you’ll find fotted all over Dubai
- Dubai’s best family-friendly hotels – the city is packed full of family-friendly hotels and resorts but these are the ones we think suit families with young children best
- Best Private Villas to rent in Dubai for families – a villa can be ideal or a large family group visiting Dubai; here’s our selection of the best offering private pools
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
