10 Interview Questions to Ask Your Nanny in the UAE (Before You Hire!)

Hiring a nanny in the UAE can feel like a huge decision, because it is. You’re not just bringing someone into your home, you’re trusting them with your child’s well-being, daily routine, and emotional safety. Whether you’re hiring through an agency or independently, the interview is your moment to dig deeper and get a feel for who the person really is, beyond the CV or referral.

Here’s a practical, parent-tested guide to interviewing a nanny in the UAE, with 10 questions that go beyond the basics and actually reveal what kind of caregiver you’re inviting into your home.

1. Can you walk me through your experience with children?

Start here. Ask her to talk you through the ages of the children she’s worked with, how long she stayed with each family, and what her day-to-day responsibilities were. The way she answers says just as much as the content itself, look for warmth, detail, and consistency.

Tip: You can double-check average salaries and experience levels in our guide on Salary Ranges for Nannies in Dubai.

2. What would your previous employers say about you?

This invites honesty. Good nannies will usually smile at this question and mention something specific like patience, punctuality, or how well they bonded with the child. If you like what you hear, follow up with a direct reference check. We also wrote about the best questions to ask a former employer if you’re unsure what to ask.

3. How do you handle tantrums or difficult behavior?

You’re not looking for the perfect answer. You’re looking for a calm, thoughtful approach. If she jumps straight to “I tell them no” or “I ignore them,” that might not match your parenting style. If she says she tries to stay calm, redirect, or talk it through, that’s a good sign.

Want more tips? Read 5 Mistakes Dubai Families Make When Hiring a Maid.

4. What do you enjoy most about working with children?

This is your vibe-check moment. You’ll quickly feel whether her motivation is sincere or if she’s just looking for any job. Look for responses that show joy, not just duty.

5. What are your expectations in terms of hours, days off, and duties?

Clear from day one. Misunderstandings about tasks and schedules are one of the biggest causes of nanny-family conflict. If you’re not sure how to structure this conversation, we recommend downloading our free UAE-friendly nanny contract template.

6. Are you comfortable handling school routines, pickups, and homework?

If you have school-aged children, this one is key. Some nannies have no experience with school logistics, while others handle everything from packing lunchboxes to supervising homework. Check out How to Set a Nanny Schedule Around Your Child’s School Day for ideas on how to build a practical routine together.

7. What would you do in case of a medical emergency?

You don’t need her to be a doctor. But you do want someone who stays calm, calls you immediately, and knows the basics of first aid or how to get help fast. It’s also worth checking if she has basic CPR training, if not, you can encourage her to take a course. The Dubai Health Authority provides certified trainings, which you can find here.

8. What household tasks are you comfortable with?

Some nannies love to cook. Others don’t. Some are okay with light cleaning, but not deep cleaning. Asking this early avoids mismatched expectations and lets you decide if you need additional support.

Not sure what’s fair? Read Maid or Nanny or Both? How to Choose the Right Help for Your Home in Dubai.

9. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult employer or situation? What happened?

You’d be surprised how revealing this question can be. It shows how she handles conflict, whether she’s diplomatic, and how self-aware she is. If she talks about an issue and explains how she stayed professional or calm, that’s a great sign.

10. Do you have any questions for me?

Always end here. The best nannies will ask about your children, their likes, routines, any allergies or medical needs. If she doesn’t ask anything, it may be a sign she’s not engaged. You want someone who’s genuinely curious and invested.

Bonus Tips for UAE Parents

• Have a second round: After the first chat, do a short trial or invite her to meet your child with you present. Observe how she interacts.
  
  

• Ask for IDs and visa details: Make sure she is legally allowed to work. You can refer to 6 Legal Must-Knows Before Hiring a Maid in the UAE.
  
  

• Listen to your gut: Even if she has all the qualifications, your instinct matters.

Final Thoughts

Interviewing a nanny isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about finding someone your family can trust, rely on, and feel comfortable with day in and day out. These 10 questions will help you move past small talk and get real answers that matter.

And if you’re still in the search phase, explore Peekaboo’s verified nanny database, over 900 profiles, filtered by availability, experience, language, and more.