Babysitter and Nanny Jobs in the Gulf

Written by Zahid Khan | Freelance Recruiter and Career Consultant | Updated May 2025

Babysitter and Nanny Jobs in the Gulf: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Apply

If you’ve ever thought about working abroad, chances are that you’ve heard about babysitter and nanny jobs (shaggala or ‘ammala, as the Arabs call them). Maybe your friend went to Dubai, or a distant relative works in a big house in Doha. Perhaps you are thinking of something better. A fresh start. Or you want to support your family back home.

Whatever brought you here, know this — you are not alone: Thousands of women from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, India and many other Asian and African countries come to the Gulf to work in houses as maids or nannies. I’ve seen this path change lives with my own eyes: the maids in the houses of my many Arab friends. And you could be next.

Therefore, in this article, I am going to share with you my experience of what the job is like, what to expect, and how to apply safely and legally. Without further ado, let’s dive into it.

Where are These Jobs Available?

Before anything else, let’s talk about the specific locations that are popular among babysitter and nanny jobseekers, where you can find many of these opportunities.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Saudi Arabia – a large country with a high demand for babysitters and nannies.
• Qatar and Kuwait – smaller countries but still plenty of job demand.
• Bahrain and Oman as well, although they are not as popular as the ones mentioned above.

Why are Babysitter and Nanny jobs in High Demand in the Gulf

• In the high-paced environment of these Gulf countries, many families hire nannies to take care of their children and help around the house. Most of the time, both parents are working in the corporate world, so they need a reliable person at home
  
• Most daycare and nursery centers actively hire babysitters. These are formal childcare facilities and are especially common in urban areas
  
• Schools that offer nursery and kindergarten programs require staff to look after very young children. These roles are often filled by trained babysitters or nannies with childcare experience
  
• Hospitals with pediatric or maternity units may employ nannies or caregivers to help support mothers, especially new or recovering ones
  
• High-end hotels and resorts often offer babysitting services to guests, especially tourists with children

So, yes, babysitting and nanny jobs are not limited to homes and families, but are quite diverse. However, the main employers are families; they hire the largest share of all babysitters and nannies.

Typical Responsibilities and Work Conditions

The work depend on the family and how many children they have. But usually, your responsibilities will include:

• Helping kids get dressed and bathe
• Preparing meals for them
• Preparing school lunches
• Walking them to, and receiving them from, the school bus
• Helping with homework
• Playing with them and keeping them safe
• Occasionally, taking them to the park
• Keeping their rooms clean
• Sometimes doing basic household chores if there’s no separate housemaid

Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll be doing all of these things ever day. It depends on the family. Some have maids, others don’t. Some expect you to do more. That’s why reading your contract carefully is very, very important. If there is something you are not comfortable with, speak up before agreeing.

The job sounds simple, but I won’t lie to you — kids can be unpredictable. Some are sweet and quiet, while others are very active. You need to be alert, calm and always ready to handle a crying baby or a stubborn toddler. If you are good with children, you’ll enjoy it. If not, the job may feel harder than expected.


As far as the working conditions are concerned, each household is different. Some are very private, others more relaxed. You might be treated like a staff member or like an extended family member. I’ve seen both situations. Some employers give you your own separate room and bathroom inside the house, while others provide quarters nearby. It all depends on where you end up.

Basic Requirements

• The age range most employer prefer is 23 to 45 years old
• A clean medical record
• Police clearance certificate from home country
• Experience with children
• You need to cooperative, honest, and polite
• Knowing a little English or Arabic is helpful, but not always required

You don’t need a degree for this kind of job. What you need is patience, a good attitude, and a real love for the children. If you already take care of your younger siblings, nieces, or nephews at home, then you already have the experience many families are looking for.

Benefits and Salary

Let’s talk numbers now. That’s the reason you’re going abroad in the first place. Most nanny jobs in the Golf come with:

Monthly salary ranging from USD 300 (AED 1,100) to USD 1,900 ( AED 7,000), depending on your location and experience. The good news is, most families provide free accommodation, free meals, and free medical care. Other benefits many employers offer include:

• One day off per week
• Paid annual leave
• Free return flight
• Gifts and bonuses during holidays, festivals, and special occasions like Ramadan, Eid and birthdays

How to Apply?

1.Through Recruitment Agencies

This part is really important, so pay attention. Please do not trust just anyone who promises you a job. I want you to be very careful. The best way to apply for babysitter or nanny job abroad is through a legal and registered recruitment agency in your country. They will guide you through the paperwork, the interviews, and help you get a valid work visa.

2.Through Online Job Portals

Online job portals are a convenient and accessible way to search for babysitter or nanny jobs in the Gulf. Apply throug online job portals such as indeed.com, LinkedIn, Naukrigulf.com and many more. Sign up on these websites and create a professional profile. Apply promptly as soon as you find a suitable job.

3. Referrals or Words-of-Mouth

Referrals and recommendations are one of the most effective and safest ways to secure a babysitter or nanny job. Reach out to friends and family members who are already working in the Gulf, and let them know you are actively looking for a babysitting job and ask if they know any families currently hiring.

4. Join Online Communities
Join Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, or forums for expats in Gulf countries. Some job leads are often posted on these platforms. Furthermore, you can seek recommendations and guidance from experienced expats.


Important Note: Never agree to leave your country on a tourist visa for work. I cannot stress this enough. It is illegal, risky and can lead to very serious problems later. It is important to note that legitimate employers will never ask you for money. Beware of scammers and illegal visa agents.
Always take precaution when applying for a job abroad.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Secure a job offer through a licensed agency or the above-mentioned job portals
• Carefully review and then sign the employment contract or the job offer
• Provide all necessary documents to the agency or employer
• The employer or agency will apply for a visa on your behalf. You won’t have to worry about it, as it will be handled by the recruitment agency or the employer
• Receive entry permit and travel to your destination country
• Once you have arrived, the employer will complete your residency process which typically includes: medical testing, biometrics, insurance and issuance of a residence ID card
• Start working as a babysitter or nanny once all procedures are completed
  
  The entire process typically takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the country in question.

Necessary Documents

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved clinic
• Clean criminal record certificate
• Signed job offer letter or employment contract
• Passport-sized photos

Will I Be Treated Well? Will I Be Safe?

This is a question I hear all the time. The truth is, most employers treat their nannies with basic respect and kindness. But like any industry, there are bad apples too.

And that is why it’s important to know your rights. If something doesn’t feel right — like if you are not getting paid, or your rest days are denied, or you feel unsafe — you should contact your embassy or your agency immediately.

The following are some tips to help you stay prepared for any situation that you might face.

• Keep a copy of your passport and documents with you
• Stay in touch with your family regularly
• Save your embassy’s phone number in your phone
• Stay informed about labor rights and report any abuse to local labor authorities

There are also online communities and support groups where you can find advice and talk to other nannies. You are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Conclusion

Working as nanny or babysitter in the Gulf isn’t easy, but it can open doors for you. I’ve met people who started in a small home and eventually moved on to better-paying jobs, started their own business, or helped their children get a good education. You could be next.

If you are serious about finding a job in this field, start preparing your documents now. Learn a few simple Arabic or English phrase, build your confidence, and be ready for a journey that could change your life.

And hey—if you ever have questions or need help or need help figuring things out, drop a comment or get in touch with us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How can I avoid illegal recruiters and scammers while applying for a babysitter job in the Gulf?
Always apply through registered and licensed agencies. Check agency license on your government website.
Do not trust anyone who promises you a job.
Avoid recruiters who ask for high fees.
Do not hand over original documents without a receipt
Never agree to leave your country on a tourist visa for work.

Q2: Which country in the Gulf is the best in terms of safety and protection?
UAE is the safest country in the Gulf. It has an efficient labor protection system.

Q3: Do I need prior experience to apply?
Yes, most employers and agencies prefer candidates with previous experience in babysitting, nanny or general childcare roles.

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About the Author

Zahid Khan is a freelance recruitment consultant specializing in human resources management, labor supply and skilled worker recruitment in the Gulf region. He is currently running a recruitment agency in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.