Summer holidays in Dubai often mean packing up, flying out, and spending time with loved ones abroad. But while you're planning your travel itinerary, there's one important question many families quietly ask themselves: what happens to our nanny while we're gone?
As a fellow mom who has gone through this a few times, I’ve learned that planning ahead makes a big difference. Whether you have a live-in or live-out nanny, whether you're going away for a few days or a few weeks, there are thoughtful, respectful ways to approach this situation.
Let’s walk through your options, and how to make sure your nanny feels informed, supported, and appreciated.
Talk First, Plan Second
Before you make any decisions, have an open conversation with your nanny. Let her know how long you'll be away, whether you'll need her during that time, and ask about her own plans. She might want to visit family, take a break, or stay back and help with the house.
The key is to be clear and respectful. Give her time to prepare and be honest about your expectations. This avoids confusion or stress on both sides.
Option 1: Offer Annual Leave
If your nanny has not taken her annual leave yet, this can be a great time to align her break with your family’s travel. Many Dubai families do this during summer or December holidays.
Keep in mind:
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Under UAE labour law, your nanny is entitled to paid annual leave
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Book her flights early and check visa requirements for her destination
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Confirm her return date and add it to your family calendar
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Put everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings
If you're sponsoring your nanny and need help navigating annual leave, Find My Nanny offers visa services in the UAE to support families with documentation and logistics.
Option 2: Ask Her to Stay and Look After the Home
If your nanny is comfortable staying behind, she can be a great support for keeping things running smoothly. Some families ask their nanny to stay and take care of the house or pets while they're away.
Typical responsibilities might include:
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Feeding pets or taking them for walks
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Watering plants and keeping the garden tidy
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General cleaning and laundry
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Accepting deliveries or coordinating with maintenance workers
If you choose this option, agree in advance on her duties, working hours, and whether she’s staying at your home or commuting in. If she's taking on more than her usual tasks, consider offering a bonus or small thank-you gift.
Option 3: Keep Her on Salary Without Assigning Duties
If your nanny doesn’t have specific tasks while you’re away, and it’s a short trip, you can simply pay her usual salary and give her the time off. This is especially common for live-out nannies or when there's no need for home care.
This is a simple and respectful option. Just let her know when you’ll be back, remind her of any changes to her schedule, and let her enjoy a quiet break.
Option 4: Arrange Temporary Help or House-Sitting
If your nanny is also travelling or unavailable, and you’d prefer not to leave your home unattended, you can arrange short-term help. Some families hire part-time nannies or house sitters just to pop in daily and check on things.
Through FindMyNanny.ae, you can find part-time or temporary nannies who can assist while you're away, whether for pet care, home maintenance, or babysitting once you're back.
Don’t Forget to Check In on Her Needs Too
Summer travel can be a great time to rest and recharge, not just for us but for our nannies too. Before you leave, consider:
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Has she had a proper break this year?
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Would she feel safe and comfortable staying alone in your home?
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Does she need support arranging her own trip or time off?
Even a small gesture of appreciation, like a souvenir from your holiday or a thank-you card, can go a long way in making her feel seen and valued.
In Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing your nanny’s schedule while you're on holiday. Some families give time off, others rely on their nanny to hold down the fort, and some keep things flexible depending on the trip.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to communicate clearly, plan ahead, and show your nanny the same respect and thoughtfulness you’d want if the roles were reversed.
And if you're looking for backup support during the summer, or you’re a new family just settling into Dubai, FindMyNanny.ae offers trusted profiles, video interviews, and easy tools to help you hire the right fit for your home. Read our article linked here to understand more about nanny trials and how to assess and select the best fit.
