A part-time maid in Dubai costs about AED 35 to 45 per hour through a licensed cleaning company, and most bookings start at 2 hours. A full-time live-in maid costs AED 1,500 to 3,500 a month in salary alone, before visa, insurance and other employer costs.
So which is better value for your home? It depends on how many hours of help you actually need each week. This guide breaks down the real maid cost in Dubai for 2026: hourly rates, what a visit costs by home size, the full cost of a live-in maid, and the hidden extras that change the final bill.
Maid Cost in Dubai at a Glance
| Options | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time maid, booked by the hour | AED 35–45 per hour, 2-hour minimum | Flexible, one-off or occasional help |
| Weekly cleaner, 4 hours a week | About AED 7,280–9,360 a year | Couples and small families |
| Twice a week, 8 hours in total | About AED 14,560–18,720 a year | Busy families, larger apartments |
| Full-time live-in maid | AED 1,500–3,500 a month in salary (AED 18,000–42,000 a year), plus visa and other costs |
Large villas, round-the-clock childcare |
Yearly part-time figures assume 52 weeks at AED 35 to 45 per hour.
Part-Time Maid Rates in Dubai
Licensed cleaning companies in Dubai charge by the hour, per cleaner. These are Maid World’s current rates, with 5% VAT already included:
| Visit time | Without equipment | Vacuum only | With equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day (9 AM to 6 PM) | AED 35 / hour | AED 40 / hour | AED 45 / hour |
| Evening (6 PM to 9 PM) | AED 40 / hour | AED 45 / hour | AED 45 / hour |
The minimum booking is 2 hours per cleaner. See the full list on our pricing page.
What changes the hourly price
- Time of day. Evening visits cost AED 5 more per hour, unless you book with equipment (AED 45 either way).
- Equipment. Bringing your own products and vacuum is the cheapest option.
- Number of cleaners. Two cleaners for 3 hours cost the same as one cleaner for 6, but finish twice as fast.
- Home size and condition. A lived-in villa needs more hours than an empty studio.
- Type of clean. Routine cleaning is billed by the hour; a deep cleaning service is usually quoted per home.
How Much a Cleaning Visit Costs by Home Size
Most people want to know what a single visit will cost. These estimates are for a routine daytime clean at Maid World:
| Home | Typical team and time | Without equipment | With equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1 cleaner, 2 hours | AED 70 | AED 90 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 1 cleaner, 3 hours | AED 105 | AED 135 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 1 cleaner, 4 hours | AED 140 | AED 180 |
| 3-bedroom apartment or townhouse | 2 cleaners, 3 hours | AED 210 | AED 270 |
| 4-bedroom villa | 2 cleaners, 4 hours | AED 280 | AED 360 |
| 5-bedroom villa | 3 cleaners, 4 hours | AED 420 | AED 540 |
You only pay for the hours you book. What a routine visit covers is set out on our general cleaning services page.
The Real Cost of a Full-Time Maid in Dubai
A full-time live-in maid in Dubai typically earns AED 1,500 to 3,500 a month, depending on nationality, experience and the agreed terms (dubizzle). Salary is only part of the cost. As the employer, you also pay for:
- Entry permit and residence visa
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID
- Mandatory health insurance
- Tadbeer centre or agency fees
- A return ticket home every two years
- Accommodation, food and utilities for a live-in maid
- 30 days of paid annual leave and one paid rest day a week
There is no single official price for these extras, so ask at least two licensed Tadbeer centres for an itemised written quote. You also take on legal duties as an employer under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on domestic workers, from the employment contract to wages paid on time.
Part-Time vs Full-Time: Which Costs Less?
Compare the hours you really need against a full-time salary:
| Help you need | Part-time cost per year | Full-time salary per year |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hours a week | AED 3,640–4,680 | AED 18,000–42,000 |
| 4 hours a week | AED 7,280–9,360 | AED 18,000–42,000 |
| 8 hours a week | AED 14,560–18,720 | AED 18,000–42,000 |
Up to about 8 hours a week, part-time help usually costs less than a full-time maid’s salary alone, before you add visa, insurance and accommodation. A full-time maid starts to make sense when you need help every day, live-in childcare, or someone to run a large villa.
Hidden Costs to Check Before You Book
- VAT. Is the quote VAT-inclusive or “+ 5% VAT”? Maid World’s cleaning rates include it.
- Evening and weekend surcharges. Check the rate for your preferred time.
- Equipment and supplies. Confirm what the cleaner brings and what you provide.
- Minimum hours. A 2-hour minimum means a 1-hour job still costs 2 hours.
- Cancellation terms. Ask how late you can change a booking without paying.
- Freelance risk. Cash-in-hand maids without a valid permit can expose you to fines; book through a licensed company instead.
For a full checklist, see our guide on how to compare cleaning agencies in Dubai.
How to Save on Maid Costs in Dubai
- Book daytime slots. Day visits cost AED 5 less per hour than evenings without equipment.
- Use your own equipment if you already have a good vacuum and products.
- Book one longer visit instead of two short ones, so you don’t pay the minimum twice.
- Set priorities. Tell your cleaner which rooms matter most so the hours go where you need them.
- Keep a regular slot. A weekly cleaner keeps your home in shape, so each visit takes less time.
FAQ
How much is a part-time maid per hour in Dubai?
Licensed companies charge about AED 35 to 45 per hour. At Maid World, a daytime cleaner costs AED 35 per hour without equipment and AED 45 per hour with equipment, with 5% VAT included and a 2-hour minimum.
How much is a full-time maid’s salary in Dubai?
A full-time maid typically earns AED 1,500 to 3,500 a month, depending on nationality, experience and the agreed terms. The employer also pays for the visa, insurance, medical test, Emirates ID and a return ticket every two years.
Is it cheaper to hire a part-time or full-time maid in Dubai?
For up to about 8 hours of help a week, a part-time maid usually costs less than a full-time maid’s salary alone. Full-time help is better value when you need daily cleaning or live-in childcare.
Do cleaning prices in Dubai include VAT?
It depends on the company. Maid World’s cleaning rates include 5% VAT, but some companies quote “+ VAT”, so always check before you book.
What is the minimum booking for a maid in Dubai?
Most cleaning companies, including Maid World, set a minimum of 2 hours per cleaner per visit.
Get Clear Prices for Your Home
Part-time help gives you a clean home without the cost and paperwork of a full-time maid. Tell us your home size and the hours you need, and we’ll confirm your price before the visit.
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