Childcare in the UAE
Finding childcare services in the United Arab Emirates is possible for expats living mostly in the popular cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These childcare facilities aim to offer a foundational education to prepare a child for school. They provide high-quality service and a high level of education.
These childcare facilities can be costly, even more than what you would pay in your home country, so be prepared when considering your budget. Take time to look around and get information from schools and kindergartens well in advance. It is also worth checking with your employer if schooling is covered under your work contract, as some companies provide this.
Some families prefer to make use of nannies who also do the cleaning and other household chores. It is common for parents in the United Arab Emirates to entrust their children into the care of nannies until the children reach the age to attend primary school.
Childcare facilities in the UAE
You can find childcare facilities in the UAE through a simple Internet search. You can then contact the ones you find interesting to inquire about pricing and the curriculum if applicable. Note that some childcare facilities will not accept a child younger than 18 months old. Each childcare facility has its own way of doing things as well, so make sure that you are satisfied with the type of education your child will get. Not all kindergartens offer lunchtime or naps, so you may be required to pick up your child during that time. If you're working, make sure that this arrangement suits your lifestyle.
To apply, you might need documents such as a registration or application form to join a facility. There can be long waiting lists, so it is best to start well in advance. You might also need to submit copies of your passport and visa, as well as your spouse's and your child's passport, birth certificate, and medical certificate.
According to the official government of the UAE, there are more than 120 early childhood education centers registered in Dubai alone.
For a more comprehensive list, please refer to the links below:
Nurseries – Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi
Early Childhood Centres - KHDA
Nurseries - Sharjah Private Education Authority
Nurseries - UAE Government of Fujairah
Note that most daycare centers and pre-primary schools have adopted English as the medium of instruction. There are also international schools where your child can benefit from international educational standards.
Hiring a nanny in the UAE
If you would prefer not to go the pre-school route and want to have your child stay home with you or a nanny, there are factors you need to be aware of. When employing a nanny, it also means you could be responsible for sponsoring their visa, as most nannies in the UAE come from abroad. This implies fees for the visa, in addition to the monthly remuneration. In other cases, you might need to provide accommodation, transport, and a flight ticket back to their home country for their annual leave. There are regulations in place to avoid the exploitation of nannies and domestic help.
You can read more about these laws through the UAE government's website.
The best way to hire a nanny would be through licensed recruitment agencies who will advise you. Another good way to find a nanny would be to ask around amongst people who already have help, as they would likely be able to recommend someone looking for a job.
If you have the space for an extra person in your household, you can opt for a live-in nanny (which is quite popular in the UAE). Otherwise, there are plenty of options for live-out nannies who would come to your home during specified hours.
Babysitting services in the UAE
If you're not looking for a full-time nanny, you could always opt to hire a babysitter when needed. A quick Google search will return a host of different babysitting providers. It's recommended to find part-time help through one of these companies as you'll ensure that the babysitter is safe, and knows CPR and first aid.
The cost of hiring a babysitter will vary between one company and the other, but the general rates are around AED 35 to 45 per hour. You may sometimes find babysitters who are registered nurses, who will charge significantly more per hour.
Good to know:
Public kindergartens and free childcare facilities in the UAE are only for Emiratis. For expats, there are several private options, but those are mainly located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Education in the UAE is free for Emiratis only.
You can get fined or go to jail if you hire a nanny without a proper visa.
Useful links:
Nurseries – Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi
Early Childhood Centres - KHDA
