In Dubai, where many families juggle demanding work schedules, long commutes, and the responsibilities of raising children, having reliable help at home isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. But what kind of help do you actually need? A maid? A nanny? Or both?

This guide breaks down the differences between maids and nannies, so you can choose what works best for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

1. What’s the Difference Between a Maid and a Nanny?

A maid typically focuses on household cleaning, laundry, ironing, and sometimes cooking. Their role revolves around keeping your home organized and hygienic.

A nanny specializes in childcare, from feeding and bathing young children to helping with homework, engaging in play, or even sleep routines. Some nannies may also handle light housekeeping related to the child (like laundry or tidying toys), but their primary focus is the child’s wellbeing.

2. How to Know What You Need:

Ask yourself:

• Do I need help with the kids or the house (or both)?

• Am I looking for full-time live-in support or part-time?

• Do I need someone with experience in baby care or someone who can keep the house in order while I work?

Example 1:

You’re a working parent with toddlers → you likely need a nanny, possibly with some light cleaning.

Example 2:

You’re at home with your child but overwhelmed by cleaning → a maid can lighten the load.

Example 3:

You work full-time and have multiple children + a large home → a live-in maid and nanny may both be essential.

3. Can One Person Do Both?

Some families find someone who can handle dual roles, but this depends on workload and clarity.

🔸 If the house is large and kids are young, combining roles may lead to burnout and poor performance.

🔸 If you have school-age kids and a smaller flat, one person may be able to manage both tasks.

⚠️ Be fair: If you’re expecting both childcare and cleaning, offer fair compensation, breaks, and realistic expectations.

📎 Related: Read how to create a fair job contract

4. What’s the Cost Difference?

On average in Dubai:

• Full-time live-in maid: Starting AED 1,500

• Full-time nanny: Starting AED 2,000 (more for trained caregivers or newborn specialists)

Remember, salary varies based on nationality, experience, duties, and whether the person lives in or out.

📎 See the Salary Ranges for nannies and maids in Dubai

5. Visa Sponsorship & Legalities

Whether you hire a maid or nanny, visa sponsorship is mandatory unless they’re already on a valid dependent or freelance visa.

You’ll need to provide:

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Medical insurance

• Annual leave

• Return ticket every 2 years

• Weekly day off

📎Check UAE visa sponsorship rules for domestic workers

📎Tadbeer center information and approved hiring process

6. Platforms vs Agencies

🧡 With agencies: You pay high fees (AED 15K–25K), get limited choices, and often can’t interview the candidate in advance.

🧡 With platforms like Peekaboo: You browse verified, reviewed profiles. You message directly and hire confidently — without breaking the bank.

7. What Most UAE Families Do

According to Time Out Dubai’s Parenting Survey, most dual-income households choose either:

• A full-time nanny with some light cleaning, or

• A nanny + part-time cleaner combo

🧼 Need deep cleaning support weekly? Consider apps like JustMop, Urban Company, or Helpling.

Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Every home is different. The best decision is the one that supports your lifestyle, your kids, and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re hiring a nanny, a maid, or both — the key is setting expectations, offering fairness, and finding the right fit.