In Dubai and across the UAE, families rarely consider traditional nursing homes. Instead, care is delivered through premium Home Nursing Services, Live-in Care, Long-Term Care (LTC) Centres, and Rehabilitation Hospitals that emphasise privacy, flexibility, and world-class clinical standards.
As demand rises among expatriates and high-net-worth local families, understanding home nursing costs in 2026 is essential for accurate budgeting—especially when balancing luxury expectations with Daman, Thiqa, or private health insurance coverage.
Overview of Home Nursing & Live-in Care Costs in Dubai
Home nursing costs in Dubai vary based on level of medical care, hours required, and whether services are provided by a licensed agency or a private arrangement. All medical care should be delivered by DHA-licensed providers to ensure safety and insurance eligibility.
Average Home Care Rates in Dubai (2026)
- Basic Home Care / Personal Assistance: AED 90 – AED 165 per hour
- Skilled Nursing Care (RN): AED 185 – AED 370+ per hour
- Dementia / Specialised Nursing: AED 130 – AED 220+ per hour
- Live-in Caregiver: AED 730 – AED 2,200 per day
These ranges reflect converted international benchmarks using an estimated rate of 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED, adjusted for Dubai’s premium healthcare market.
Types of Home Nursing Services in the UAE
Hourly Home Nursing Services
Hourly home nursing is ideal for post-operative recovery, chronic condition monitoring, or short daily visits. Services may include medication administration, wound care, injections, IV therapy, and mobility assistance.
Estimated monthly cost: AED 3,500 – AED 8,500 (for 1–2 hours daily)
Skilled Nursing at Home
For patients requiring advanced medical oversight—such as catheter care, PEG feeding, or complex wound management—registered nurses provide clinical services under physician direction.
Estimated monthly cost: AED 7,500 – AED 18,000 (depending on frequency)
Live-in Care
Live-in care is the preferred solution for families seeking 24-hour supervision without institutional placement. A caregiver resides in the home, supported by visiting nurses and medical supervisors.
Estimated monthly cost: AED 22,000 – AED 65,000+
Rehabilitation Hospitals & Transitional Care
Short-term stays in DHA-licensed rehabilitation hospitals are often covered by insurance for defined periods. Many families transition patients to home nursing early to control long-term costs while maintaining recovery momentum.
Key Cost Drivers in Dubai Home Nursing
- Level of Care – personal care vs. skilled medical nursing
- Hours Required – hourly, shift-based, or live-in
- Agency vs. Private Arrangement – agencies include oversight and insurance
- Specialised Needs – dementia, neurological or palliative care
- Location – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah travel logistics (Makani Number / Area Code)
Insurance Coverage & Cost Reduction
Daman, Thiqa & Private Health Insurance
Many insurance policies in the UAE cover medically necessary home nursing, particularly post-hospital discharge or for chronic conditions. Coverage is strongest when:
- Care is prescribed by a licensed physician
- Services are delivered by a DHA- or DoH-approved provider
- Pre-authorisation is obtained
Non-medical live-in care is typically not covered and must be funded privately.
Out-of-Pocket Planning
Families often supplement insurance coverage using pension income or end-of-service benefits. Reputable providers offer flexible care plans to align services with a defined monthly budget.
Sample Monthly Cost Scenarios (Dubai)
- 2 hrs/day personal nursing: ~AED 4,500 – AED 6,500
- 20 hrs/week basic care: ~AED 7,000 – AED 10,000
- Skilled nursing (10 hrs/week): ~AED 7,500 – AED 14,500
- 24/7 live-in care: ~AED 30,000 – AED 60,000+
How to Choose a Cost-Effective & Safe Provider
- Verify DHA or DoH licensing
- Request itemised quotations (no hidden fees)
- Confirm nurse qualifications and supervision model
- Ask about insurance direct billing
- Review care plans every 30–90 days
Agency vs. Private Hire
Agencies cost more but include clinical supervision, liability coverage, and regulatory compliance. Private arrangements may reduce cost but carry legal, safety, and continuity risks.
Advantages & Limitations of Home Nursing in Dubai
Advantages
- Maximum privacy and discretion
- Personalised, one-to-one care
- Lower infection risk than facilities
- Flexible scheduling and services
Limitations
- High cumulative cost for 24/7 care
- Limited social interaction unless planned
- Requires strong family coordination
Planning for Rising Care Costs
Expect home nursing costs in Dubai to increase by 3–6% annually. Families are advised to maintain a contingency fund equal to at least 2–3 months of care and reassess care intensity regularly.
Conclusion
Dubai home nursing in 2026 offers a premium alternative to institutional care, combining luxury, privacy, and clinical excellence. By understanding pricing structures, leveraging insurance, and choosing DHA-licensed providers, families can secure high-quality care while maintaining financial control.
FAQ
How much does home nursing cost in Dubai in 2026?
Hourly rates typically range from AED 90 to AED 370+, while live-in care can cost AED 22,000 to AED 60,000+ per month depending on care complexity.
Is home nursing covered by Daman or Thiqa?
Often yes, when medically necessary and pre-approved. Non-medical caregiving is usually excluded.
Is live-in care cheaper than long-term care centres?
In many cases, yes—especially when combined with family support—while offering superior privacy and comfort.