How do we find a nursery, childcare or holiday camp?
Childcare in the UAE is mostly private and paid for by parents: there are no free hours as in the UK. Here’s how nurseries, after-school care and holiday camps work, and what to check before you sign up.
In 30 seconds
- In Dubai, nurseries are licensed by KHDA, which publishes a guide to their fees, deposits and refunds and a contract parents sign
- Full-time nursery usually costs about AED 20,000–60,000 a year, and many take babies from a few months old
- Summer camps fill the long break from July to late August, at about AED 350–1,400 a week
Childcare for under-3s
Private-sector maternity leave is 60 days: 45 on full pay and 15 on half pay. Many families need childcare from the first few months, and there are three main options.
| Option | What it’s like |
|---|---|
| Nursery | Licensed early childhood centres. Many take babies from a few months old, and most follow a set curriculum such as the British Early Years Foundation Stage |
| Nanny at home | Care at home, often with help around the house. You sponsor them or use an agency: see How do we hire a nanny, maid or driver? |
| Workplace nursery | Some employers, mainly in government, have a nursery on site. Ask HR |
Choosing a nursery
In Dubai, early childhood centres are licensed by KHDA and care for children from birth up to Year 1. In Abu Dhabi, nurseries are regulated by ADEK. KHDA’s rules and its parent contract only protect you at a licensed centre, so check the licence first.
- Hours: many run mornings only, with longer days and early drop-off at extra cost
- Holidays: ask whether they close in summer and over Eid, or run a summer programme
- Staff: how many adults per child in each room, and how long staff usually stay
- Day to day: meals, naps, nappies and how they’ll keep you updated
- Fees: what’s included, the deposit, and how much notice you must give
KHDA publishes a parent’s guide to fees, deposits and refunds at early childhood centres. You sign the parent–centre contract through KHDA’s online portal.
Nursery or school at 3?
School starts with FS1, for children aged 3 by 31 December. Many schools have FS1 places and they go early, so apply 12–18 months ahead even if your child is happy at nursery. Some families stay at nursery for FS1 and move to school for FS2. See How do I choose a school and get a place?
After school
The school day often ends in the early afternoon, earlier than many working hours, and is shorter in Ramadan.
- School clubs: most schools run after-school activities on site. Some are included in the fees and some are charged by the term
- Clubs and academies: sport, swimming, music and art, often with pick-up from school
- At home: a nanny or a babysitter booked through a licensed company
Summer and holiday camps
The summer break runs for about 8 weeks, from early July to late August, with shorter breaks in winter and spring. Camps run at schools, sports clubs, hotels and malls, by the week, for a half day or a full day.
- In 2026, listed Dubai camps started from about AED 350 a week, and most cost AED 400–1,400
- Book in April or May: popular camps fill, and many have early booking and sibling discounts
- In summer, choose camps that are indoors or finish before the heat of the day
- Ask about the number of staff per child, first aid, and who can collect your child
For family days out in the hot months, see How do we make the most of summer in the UAE?
What to do next
- Check the nursery is on KHDA’s list before you visit
- Read KHDA’s guide to nursery fees, deposits and refunds
- Book summer camps in April or May
Keep going
- KHDA: guides for parents
- KHDA: how to choose a nursery
- KHDA: permits for early childhood centres
- KHDA: quality framework for early childhood
- Gulf News: maternity and paternity leave in the UAE
- WhichSchoolAdvisor: Dubai summer camps 2026
- KHDA school directory
- ADEK: school ratings
- Khaleej Times: KHDA age guide