A Complete Guide to Nanny Salaries in Dubai

Hiring a nanny is a big step for any family. If you’re living in the UAE—whether you’re an expat family looking for a live-out nanny in Dubai or considering a part-time nanny in Abu Dhabi—it’s important to understand the nanny’s salary in the UAE. There are many things to consider when figuring out how much to pay your nanny. Factors like experience, qualifications, nationality, and the specific duties they’ll perform all play a role in determining a fair salary.

While salary is a major part of the equation, it’s worth noting that it’s just one of the factors that need to be accounted for when hiring a nanny. However, in this article, we’ll focus specifically on the salary aspect to help you navigate what you might expect to pay. Let’s walk through the various elements that influence a nanny’s salary, so you can find the perfect fit for your family’s needs.

Understanding Nanny Salaries in the UAE

Nanny salaries in the UAE can vary quite a bit, depending on things like nationality, age, experience, and what duties they’ll be handling. Here’s a general idea:

•Live-in nannies usually earn between AED 2,000 to AED 3,500 per month.

•Live-out nannies tend to make more, typically between AED 3,500 to AED 6,000 per month, since they have their own living expenses.

• Base Salary: AED 1,800 to AED 4,000 per month
• Housing Allowance: + AED 800 per month
• Transportation Allowance: Variable, depending on your location

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), the average salary for a maid in Dubai is around AED 2,156 per month. 

For more details on the total cost of hiring a nanny in the UAE, you might find our article helpful: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Nanny in UAE?

Factors That Influence Nanny Salaries in Dubai

1. Experience and Qualifications: Nannies with lots of experience, childcare certifications, or special training can ask for higher salaries. Sometimes, older nannies might have more experience, which can be a plus.

2. Nationality: A nanny’s country of origin can affect salary expectations, especially if language skills or cultural familiarity are important to you. In general, Filipina nannies often command the highest salaries whilst Ugandans are seen as a more budget-friendly option.

3. Specific Duties: If you need your nanny to do extra things—like driving the kids to school, taking care of a newborn, or cooking—it might increase the pay.

4. Employment Type: Choosing a part-time nanny in Dubai can be more budget-friendly than hiring someone full-time, whether they’re live-in or live-out.

5. Live-Out Dubai Costs: If you’re thinking about a live-out nanny in Dubai, remember that there might be extra costs like housing allowances and transportation, which can bump up the overall salary.

Not sure whether to go for full-time or part-time help? Check out our guide: Full-Time vs. Part-Time Maids: What’s Right for Your Family?

Live-Out Nanny in Dubai: Costs and Things to Consider

Opting for a live-out nanny can give your family more privacy, but there are some additional costs to keep in mind:

•Housing Allowance: Since the nanny won’t be living with you, you might need to help with their housing costs or at the very least, offset this cost with an increased monthly salary.

•Transportation: There could be extra expenses for your nanny to get to and from your home. Monthly passes for the Dubai Metro range from 140-350aed depending on how many zones are needed.

•Higher Salary: Live-out nannies usually earn more to cover their own living expenses, which affects the overall live-out Dubai cost.

Legal Obligations and Benefits

When you’re hiring a nanny in Dubai, it’s important to know what you’re required to provide:

•Visa Sponsorship: You’ll need to sponsor your nanny’s visa, which can cost around AED 8,200 for a two-year visa through a reputable Tadbeer agency.

•Health Insurance: Providing health insurance is a must. Obtaining a nanny visa through a licensed Tadbeer agency often has this incorporated into the overall price.

•Paid Leave and Weekly Day Off: Nannies are entitled to paid annual leave and at least one day off each week.

•Round-Trip Ticket Home: Every two years, you should provide a round-trip ticket to your nanny’s home country.

•Timely Salary Payment: You need to pay your nanny’s salary in UAE Dirhams at the end of each month, or within ten days after it’s due.

•Leave Allowance: If your nanny works during her annual vacation and doesn’t carry the leave over, she’s entitled to extra pay equal to her basic salary for that time.

•End-of-Service Gratuity: When the employment contract ends, your nanny is entitled to an end-of-service gratuity payment based on her length of service. This gratuity is calculated to ensure fair compensation for domestic workers at the end of their service. For an easy-to-use gratuity calculator and more details, check out our guide to gratuity for domestic workers in the UAE.

It’s also common for nannies in Dubai to get yearly raises or bonuses based on how they’re doing. Being open about your budget and what you expect from the start helps in agreeing on a fair salary that matches your nanny’s qualifications and experience.

For information on the legal side of things, take a look at our article: Navigating Domestic Helper Labor Laws in UAE

Part-Time Nanny Services in Dubai

If you only need help during certain hours, a part-time nanny in Dubai might be just what you’re looking for:

•Hourly Rates: Usually range from AED 30 to AED 60, depending on age, nationality, and experience.

•Flexibility: You can schedule help when you need it most.

•Cost-Effective: You only pay for the hours worked, which can be easier on your budget.

Tips for Hiring the Right Nanny

•Figure Out What You Need: Decide if you want a live-in, live-out, full-time, or part-time nanny.

•Set Your Budget: Think about all the costs, including any extra expenses if you’re considering a live-out nanny.

•Interview Thoroughly: Talk to potential nannies about their experience, qualifications, and how they’d fit with your family.

•Check References: It’s a good idea to verify previous employment to make sure they’re reliable. Always remember that even though at Yaya we verify all the domestic helpers on our platform, they are not employed by us. Families should always conduct their own thorough due diligence before hiring a nanny through any portal or agency.

•Know the Legal Requirements: Get familiar with the UAE’s labor laws so you stay compliant.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, understanding nanny salaries in the UAE is really key to making the right choice for your family. You know the saying, “you get what you pay for”? Well, it definitely applies here. A well-compensated nanny is a happy nanny, and a happy nanny means better care for your kids. Let’s not forget, their job is super demanding—they’re looking after our most precious things, our children. For more insights on this, check out our new article on why nannies quit and how to build a stronger bond.

By appreciating their hard work and paying them fairly, you’re not just hiring help; you’re building a positive and nurturing environment for everyone involved. Whether you’re considering a live-out nanny in Dubai or exploring part-time nanny options, thinking about all the costs and legal bits will help everything run smoothly. Agreeing on a fair salary that reflects your nanny’s skills and experience sets the stage for a great relationship. It benefits your family and keeps your nanny feeling valued and committed.

Ready to find the perfect nanny for your family? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you every step of the way.