In GCC-spec pickup trucks, the rear bench often has only two visible three-point seat belts for the two outer seating positions, with the middle position either having a separate, stowable two-point lap belt or designated as a child seat anchor point without an adult belt. This configuration is legal in the UAE under the national standard adopted from the GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization), which based on UN regulations, permits such arrangements for vehicles classified as N1 (goods vehicles). While the RTA Dubai and MOI UAE require functional seat belts for all designated forward-facing seats, the design prioritizes cargo utility and cost for base models. For example, comparing the 2024 Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, the base double-cab variants often come with this 2+1 belt setup, whereas higher trims or models like the Volkswagen Amarok may include three three-point belts. The choice impacts Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and safety. Initial cost can be lower, but the middle lap belt offers less upper-body restraint in a collision, a crucial consideration for family use or fleet safety policies. For a fleet manager covering 40,000 km annually on Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway routes, ensuring all three passengers are properly restrained is a primary duty-of-care issue, even if the vehicle is legally compliant. Annual depreciation is also marginally affected, as models with full three-point belts generally have better resale value on platforms like Dubizzle among UAE families.
