Quick Summary
Dubai's fine desert dust means every apartment needs regular cleaning — skipping even two weeks leaves a visible layer on surfaces. The market offers everything from app-based on-demand bookings to long-term part-time maid contracts through agencies. Choosing between them depends on your budget, schedule, and how much management you want to do yourself.
What It Usually Costs
| Service Type | Typical Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular hourly clean | 30 – 50/hr | Agency rate; 3–4 hrs typical |
| Freelance hourly | 20 – 35/hr | Higher legal/quality risk |
| Deep clean (2-bed) | 300 – 500 | One-time thorough clean |
| Move-out clean | 500 – 1,200 | Landlord-standard ready |
| Monthly contract (weekly) | 500 – 900/month | Best value for regular service |
Key cost factors: apartment size, frequency, whether you supply products, building accessibility, and whether you need weekend scheduling (often a premium).
How to Choose a Good Cleaning Service
- Verify the company is licensed — agencies must be registered with Dubai DED and hold appropriate labor permits.
- Ask about their vetting process — good agencies background-check staff and train them.
- Check if products are included — some charge extra for cleaning supplies; eco-friendly products may cost more.
- Request a walkthrough or checklist — professional services provide a task list for each visit.
- Start with a one-off trial — don't commit to a contract before testing the service.
- Confirm cancellation terms — know the notice period and penalty before signing.
- Check reviews on Google and Homeservice apps — consistent 4+ star ratings over many reviews are more reliable than a few 5-stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home cleaning service cost in Dubai?
Regular cleaning runs AED 30–50 per hour through an agency or app-based platform. A deep clean for a 2-bedroom apartment typically costs AED 300–500. Move-in/move-out cleans are more expensive, ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,200.
Is it better to hire a freelance cleaner or use an agency in Dubai?
Agencies handle visa, insurance, and replacement staff if your cleaner is unavailable. Freelancers are often cheaper (AED 20–35/hour) but you take on more risk — they typically lack insurance, and hiring undocumented workers carries legal penalties in the UAE.
How often should I have my Dubai apartment professionally cleaned?
Most residents schedule weekly or bi-weekly cleanings. Dubai's desert climate means dust accumulates fast, especially near windows and AC vents. If you have pets or allergies, weekly cleaning is worth the investment.
What should a good cleaning service include in Dubai?
A standard session should cover all floors (mopping + vacuuming), bathroom sanitization, kitchen surfaces, dusting, and trash removal. Deep cleans add oven/fridge interior cleaning, window tracks, balcony washing, and upholstery vacuuming.