Hiring a nanny in the UAE is about more than just salary—working hours are a critical aspect of ensuring fair treatment and long-term satisfaction for both families and caregivers. This guide outlines what's typical, what's legal, and how to build a mutually respectful arrangement.
Standard Working Hours
Most live-in nannies in the UAE are expected to work between 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week. However, expectations vary widely between households.
For live-out nannies, working hours typically align more closely with standard employment contracts, usually 8 to 10 hours per day, with weekends off.
Legal Framework
UAE law, particularly under the Domestic Workers Law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2017), mandates:
- One day off per week
- 12 hours of daily rest, including 8 hours of consecutive rest
- 30 days of paid annual leave
- Medical insurance and a return ticket every two years
- Maximum of 8 working hours per day, unless mutually agreed otherwise in writing
While enforcement can be inconsistent, these legal guidelines form the basis for fair treatment.
Common Practices (But Not Always Fair)
Unfortunately, many nannies work more than 12 hours a day without overtime or proper rest. This may be due to informal expectations or a lack of awareness on the employer's part.
Best practice: Treat your nanny's time with the same respect you'd expect for your own job.
Balancing Flexibility and Fairness
If flexibility is needed—e.g., for late nights or travel—discuss it in advance and offer compensatory time off or additional pay. Transparent communication helps prevent burnout and builds trust.