Guide

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Dubai Named As the Cleanest City in the World Once More

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

Flying Drones in the UAE: Updated Guidelines For Personal Use

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

MOTN Festival Returns For 2024: What's In Store & Where to Get Tickets

Top Tree Lighting Ceremonies to See for Christmas 2024 in Dubai

UAE National Day 2024 Fireworks in Dubai: Locations & Timings

Education

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

How to Get Your University and College Degrees Attested in the UAE

Money

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Minimum AED 5,000 Fine for Smoking Near Children in the UAE

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

How much do you pay your maid from the Philippines?

11

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 15:11

Ours has been with us for two years and it is time to renegotiate a salary. We've bumped it up annually so far, but she is now asking for quite a bit more. She is amazing really...but just wondering what the average is? Is 2000dhm outrageous?

Log in to post new content in the forum.

645

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 09:48

Mine is on Dh 1300 pm. She started nearly 7 years ago on Dh 700 pm. BUT, she does not have to spend 1 Dirham here in Dubai. I buy whatever she needs from the grocery store, I top up her phone for her, pay her Filipina satellite, and pay for any clothes she needs/wants. She has also had the luxury of overseas holidays many times. Once a year she sends a shipment home, most of it is our cast offs, plus I always buy her some electrical appliances for the box. She is on a good deal and happy, but if she were to ever push it, she knows I will not hesitate.

2192

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 09:02

Please bear in mind that 2,000 is not the market rate. Not even 1,500.... The real market rate is much less. These are the salaries paid mostly by the Western expats only. And the majority of UAE population are not Western expats. Correct it isnt and I know lots of families that pay a lot less then the 2K and they have had the same maid for 3 years plus ! I posted below that I know a housemaid that is paid 700 per month and she is very happy indeed !

2

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 03:15

I am also a Filipino, so does my maid. I'm paying her AED1400 to take care of my toddler and my newborn. I'm not working as of the moment, but I am busy looking for a job. Most of the time, I see that she cannot handle my 2 kids when I am busy and always come to rescue her. not to mention that she always manage to break something, the stove, a cabinet door handle, etc, and the most recent, the washing machine. If I start work again, and If it is not to expensive for me to provide visa, I wish I'd rather hire 2 nannies, each with 700aed salary :) My previous maid is also a filipino, whom we pay 900aed. She left because she found a british employer that gives her 1300aed.

pink-bunny48438

10

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 22:12

Please bear in mind that 2,000 is not the market rate. Not even 1,500.... The real market rate is much less. These are the salaries paid mostly by the Western expats only. And the majority of UAE population are not Western expats.

1247

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 13:04

Just a few thoughts here. High salary does not always equate to better performance. I have learned the hard way with this one. I believe it's better to pay a housemaid at a fair/reasonable monthly salary ie 1500-1800 aed a month (based on experience - onbiously more if they have worked for you longer, many children, larger houses, if they drive, etc). IF they work hard, extra hours, evening babysitting, guests in town at your home, etc THEN pay then a little bonus each month. I do this with my maid and she is so thrilled bc I reward her hard work when I can. In other words, compensate extra based on their efforts and initiative in that month. This prevents them from getting too comfortable in a base salary and gives them a reason to work hard. I totally agree with this. Our last maid asked for 2k a month which I refused, we settled on 1600 plus extra for food with the promise of a payrise in 6 months if she preformed well. Well, she was awful, didnt deserve the 1600 let alone 2k. We did not renew with her offcourse.

275

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 10:37

We pays our maid 1900dhs per month, no children yet (i'm pregnant) just 2 of us and a dog. this is what she was on with her previous family also.

656

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 01:06

For the ladies that pay 2000 and up, do you work? Does the maid/nanny take care of the kids full time? I pay my nanny 2000AED. DH and I both work full time. DD is at school til 12:30pm and the nanny gets a taxi to school picks her up, takes her to play dates and etc.

45

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 20:10

Just a few thoughts here. High salary does not always equate to better performance. I have learned the hard way with this one. I believe it's better to pay a housemaid at a fair/reasonable monthly salary ie 1500-1800 aed a month (based on experience - onbiously more if they have worked for you longer, many children, larger houses, if they drive, etc). IF they work hard, extra hours, evening babysitting, guests in town at your home, etc THEN pay then a little bonus each month. I do this with my maid and she is so thrilled bc I reward her hard work when I can. In other words, compensate extra based on their efforts and initiative in that month. This prevents them from getting too comfortable in a base salary and gives them a reason to work hard.

25

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 22:34

Wow 2400', 3000, 4000....I think if it ll go this way we ll stay maidless

sandyasingh49606

12

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 10:24

@SarahKay this is an excerpt from the Dubai Government Portal and the reason for the Nationality distinction: Country specific requirements for minimum wages Do keep in mind that each country has its own regulations regarding minimum salary, age etc and you will have to check with the respective consulate embassy for these details. A maid from India or Philippines must be older than 30, but not over 60. Even recommended minimum salaries differ, with Indian maids to be paid from AED 1,100 onwards (see update), as advised by the Indian Embassy, while new regulations from the Philippines say the minimum salary should be AED 1,400. See update . As per the Sri Lankan embassy, the minimum salary for Sri Lankan maids is AED 825. See update. The minimum salary for Indonesian maids is AED 800 and from Bangladesh, it is AED 750. See update Please note that these are minimum recommendations from governments, but there's nothing stopping you from paying more than the minimum wage.

2192

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 13:03

I know a family who pay a housemaid from the Philippines 700 aed per month . This is now year 3 with them. She is very happy .. they are happy with her too !

214

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 09:48

Having help for me is a luxury and if it becomes an "unaffordable" luxury, it will be one I choose to make due without. If my help approached me with some of the demands I have read here, I would tell her goodbye and save my money. Perhaps, at the loss of some of my sanity on the days when time is short. But, help is a luxury in our home, not a necessity and that is how I plan to keep managing my home and help.

829

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 08:48

I have started with a salary of 2400 and i regret it. I thought that she was going to be satisfyed and it not the case. She told me two days ago that one of her friend, through expatwomen had a job interview and was offered 3000..that most of them have 2 days off and philippino chanels are paid by the "madame" etc... Expat woman seems to help to increase the salary... Draw up a letter of recommendation for her and present her with it. You can sweetly explain that you're not able to afford to pay her any more than you already are and that she has your full blessing to take up alternative employment with one of these other employers on the understanding of course that she attends any interviews in her own time. I think that you'll find that she quickly stops talking about her friends packages......

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 20:57

Shouldnt this thread be called How much do you pay your maid? Well I guess the OP is asking because there is legislation about salaries regarding maids from the Philippines and her maid is from there.

sarahkay68627444

306

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 20:55

Shouldnt this thread be called How much do you pay your maid?

504

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 20:29

I pay significantly more than 2,000. I am a single parent, I work - and occasionally have to travel for work - and my maid (housekeeper, really) is a lifesaver - she is very able to deal with household things (in my previous house, when we had to arrange most of our own maintenance, she was a far better bargainer/taskmaster than I was)! The kids are at school but she is then responsible for them until I get home. She is older (50s), experienced, speaks reasonably good English, adores the kids (and they her) - I have been very very lucky, I know that, and I pay accordingly. However, at one contract renewal time when she started telling me about her friends who earn 4K or some such, I made it very clear that I was not interested in what her friends earned; I did not think it anyone else's business what she earned, that was between her and me, and I didn't think she should be going round discussing it. She knew and I knew that she was earning well over market rate; if she wasn't satisfied and wanted to look for other work I would be disappointed but would support her..... the issue has never been raised again. I think in many cases, life has been a bit of a struggle - and it is culturally normal to 'try things on' more than some of us would - so the attempts are understandable, you just have to decide to what extent you are going to enter into the debate.

1097

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 19:54

LOL, sorry it does read like I give her a 1 year bonus, **** no !!! What I meant to say is that I will give her a bonus when she has worked for me for 1 year and probably an annual bonus after that.

108

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 19:32

I have started with a salary of 2400 and i regret it. I thought that she was going to be satisfyed and it not the case. She told me two days ago that one of her friend, through expatwomen had a job interview and was offered 3000..that most of them have 2 days off and philippino chanels are paid by the "madame" etc... Expat woman seems to help to increase the salary...

everythingnice45485

568

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 19:23

@boompow: Good to hear that. Considering the fact that it's really really really not easy to find a maid you can trust and who is hardworking and good at what she does, it's definitely worth the increase if you have the budget. My sister pays her maid 2500 and gives out 500 dhs twice a year (apart from the bonus) for the maids' kids during enrolment time in her home country. But the maid has been with her for 2 years.. we all love her, and trust her and she's amazing with kids and works very quickly and efficiently. She even gives me home remedies and tips in household chores!

146

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 17:48

Mum2girls, ur giving ur maid 24k at the end of the year!? I might misunderstood her but she did say she pays her maid 2000 per month and give a 1 year bonus. edited by blimey on 25/10/2011 Ah yes that makes far more sense!!! @spongemonkey I do agree that upping pay because you feel sorry or obliged is pointless, but I do feel if you are happy with the work done and the person who's doing it then there's no harm in going above the 2000 if you feel it would be appropriate.

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:47

Some of you are making rods for your own back with regular increments.. 2000 is the top end of the maid market except for a few exceptions...

394

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:43

Think you have definately picked that up worng! ha ha 24k bonus hahahaha.

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:27

Or a bonus "each year"?

2958

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:26

Surely mum2grls means a month bonus and not a year bonus - that would make her maid the highest paid maid in Dubai i would think!

482

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:25

Mum2girls, ur giving ur maid 24k at the end of the year!? I might misunderstood her but she did say she pays her maid 2000 per month and give a 1 year bonus. <em>edited by blimey on 25/10/2011</em>

146

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:21

Mum2girls, ur giving ur maid 24k at the end of the year!?

482

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:17

I will not be giving her a salary increase, I will give her a one year bonus (which she already owes back to me!). PS Blimey, most organisations do align their salaries to the market. edited by mum2girls on 25/10/2011 Sure but market rate usually has a range. Anyway, my point is that the minimum salary of Filipina maids stipulated by their government is AED1500. If the maid has been working with the same employer for a few years and doing a good job, I would not expect her salary to stay at AED1500. So, if I am hiring a Filipina maid who has been in Dubai/UAE for a few years, it would make sense that her current salary could be higher than AED1500. As the way I see it, unless we are made redundant or got terminated from our current job, surely we won't move to a new job unless it offers a better remuneration package? You have a different strategy by giving your maid 1 year bonus. Your maid is very lucky to get AED24K on top on her salary. Not many employer could or would give 1 year bonus.....a few months would be highly appreciated but most staff do expect or hope for annual increment. We give our maid Christmas "angpow" and annual increment.

1097

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 15:49

I pay 2000 and I know most of my friends who arrived here same time as me (Sept2010) also pay 2000. The people I know who have been here longer pay no more than 1700, with one of them paying 1500. So I think when you are new they definitely rack it up a bit. I will not be giving her a salary increase, I will give her a one year bonus (which she already owes back to me!). PS Blimey, most organisations do align their salaries to the market. In all the companies I have worked for HR will benchmark all the jobs/positions to the market rate, even the most generous International organisations have their salaries benchmarked. The company will then decide where they want to anchor their salary scale against that benchmark. (i.e. be in line with the highest payers, or be at 70% of the market rate etc) <em>edited by mum2girls on 25/10/2011</em>

482

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 15:32

We give our maid AED200 increment every year as she is a gem. I personally do not think 2000 is outrageous as long as you are happy with her and want her to continue working for your family. Imagine our employer refuse to increase our salary just because he/she think it would be too high for market rate even though we totally deserve it ;-)

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 15:31

No 2000dhs is not out of line

1
2
next
last

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

Dubai public parking fees to change from April 2025

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge 2025 news

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

UAE food delivery scam news

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

How to get a car loan in Dubai and UAE

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai pilot launches 4-day work week for government employees

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

Health insurance will be included in UAE tourist visa

Visitors Will Soon Get Health Insurance With Their UAE Tourist Visas