Child care in Dubai

[ljhall83]

I am moving to Dubai in a month with my 4 month old baby boy I am hoping to go back to work in a couple of months. What child care options are there in Dubai that doesn't involve having a live in nanny and how much do they cost. Also any advice on areas to move with a young baby

Can't answer you in terms of where to live, as I know Abu Dhabi better.

You won't find child minders in the UAE, they just don't exist. Your choice is either a nursery or nanny. It is difficult to find western Nancy's due to the high salaries, so you need to be prepared for a bit of cultural differences with Filipino nanny's. You can either pay a fee to an agency or you will have to sponsor and sort out a visa yourself. You need to be aware that you are responsible for that person, which means their behaviour (in the eyes of the law).

I would get yourself settled first and find out about the local Mums groups and network and make contacts. You will get all the local advice about nanny's, maids and nursery's and they you can make an informed choice.

Please do not fall into the trap that a lot of the (up your arse) expats do and treat a nanny or a maid like a servant from the 19th century. You hear some appalling stories about the way some expat families treat their maids/nanny's.

Good luck - it's can be a great life style in the UAE.