My wife and I are about to have our first child. We both want to keep working so require a nanny everyday, we would prefer to use an agency as we are only looking for someone from 2pm until 7.30pm Sunday to Thursday inclusive. We don’t want anyone living with us though. Do you know any agencies that offer this type of service?

As you have probably discovered most agencies work in 4 hour shifts finishing at 6pm.  However, there are a few companies that I have spoken to such as Howdra and Busy Bees listed in our babysitting directory that would offer this service but it will work out very expensive as they charge minimum AED 35 per hour and none of these agencies would be able to guarantee 100 per cent that they will supply you with the same maid every day. Please note some of the companies offer the service but are fully booked just now so you would have to organise well in advance of you actually needing the maid.

If you have the accommodation I would strongly recommend you sponsor a full time housemaid.  For a salary of between AED1800 and AED2000 per month you will be able to get a really excellent house maid who will also be there should you need babysitting in the evening and to help you with cleaning.  Along with the annual sponsorship fee of just under AED 6000 the monthly salary of a full time housemaid will work out much cheaper than an agency maid.  Every child is individual and with a full time maid you will be able to work out routines that best suit your child, you will have consistency for your child and you will not have to worry when you are at work.  Agency maids are a great option for cleaning but not the perfect option for daily baby sitting.