DUBAI: Domestic work in the UAE covers more jobs than many residents may realize.
The UAE Government lists 19 occupations that fall under the domestic worker category, including not only housemaids and nannies but also private tutors, home nurses, personal trainers and family drivers.
The classification is based on the UAE’s domestic worker regulations and applies to workers employed to provide services to an individual or family.
These 19 Jobs Are Classified as Domestic Work
According to the UAE Government, the domestic worker category covers the following occupations:
- Housemaid
- Sailor
- Guard
- Shepherd
- Jockey
- Tamer
- Falcon caretaker
- Worker
- Housekeeper
- Cook
- Nanny or babysitter
- Farm worker or grower
- Gardener
- Personal trainer or coach
- Private tutor
- Home nurse
- Personal assistant
- Private agricultural engineer
- Personal or family driver
The occupations are covered by the UAE Domestic Labour Law and its executive regulations.
Some of the less obvious jobs on the list may surprise residents.
For example, a private tutor working for a household, a home nurse, a personal trainer or a private agricultural engineer may also fall under domestic worker rules depending on the employment arrangement.
Domestic Workers Have Their Own Employment Rules
Domestic workers are covered by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 concerning Domestic Workers, together with its amendments and implementing regulations.
This is separate from the main UAE labour rules that generally apply to private-sector company employees.
Under the domestic worker law, workers have specific employment protections.
The UAE Government says these include payment of wages within 10 days from the due date, one paid weekly rest day, at least 12 hours of daily rest and at least 30 days of paid annual leave.
They are also entitled to keep their personal identification documents, such as their passport and Emirates ID.
Employers Must Follow Domestic Worker Rules
The rules also place responsibilities on employers and domestic worker recruitment offices.
Workers should be informed about the nature of the job, their wages and their working conditions.
Employers must also follow the terms of the employment contract and should not assign workers to jobs outside the agreed nature of their work without following the applicable rules.
Residents hiring domestic workers are advised to use recruitment centres approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
What UAE Residents and Workers Should Know
The September 2026 attention around the list does not mean these 19 occupations were newly introduced.
The categories are already included under the UAE’s existing domestic worker framework, including Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022.
The reminder is useful for workers and employers because someone does not need to be a housemaid or nanny to be covered by domestic worker rules.
Private tutors, home nurses, personal trainers, gardeners, drivers and several other household-based workers may also fall within this category.
Workers who are unsure about their employment status or rights can check the official UAE Government and MoHRE channels for guidance.
