Home Nursing and Geriatric Care in Dubai 2026: Costs and Providers

Who Can Provide Home Nursing in Dubai

Only DHA-licensed agencies may send nurses to private homes. DHA registers each nurse with a unique license number that families should verify before signing any contract. In 2026, DHA publishes an updated list every quarter on its portal, making it straightforward for expats to cross-check credentials.

2026 Hourly and Package Rates

Registered nurses charge AED 120-180 per hour for standard geriatric care. Specialised palliative or wound-care nurses start at AED 220 and reach AED 350 for night shifts or complex medication management. Most agencies require a minimum four-hour booking. Monthly live-in packages average AED 18,000-28,000, inclusive of accommodation and transport for the nurse.

Insurance and DHA Coverage Rules

Basic DHA-compliant health insurance rarely covers ongoing home nursing. Only top-tier international plans list home-care riders, typically reimbursing 60-80 percent of costs after a deductible of AED 2,500. Families must submit the DHA license number of the agency plus daily nursing notes to claim. Always request a pre-authorisation letter before the first visit.

Step-by-Step Hiring Process

• Request three written quotes from DHA-licensed agencies and compare nurse-to-patient ratios.
• Verify the nurse holds an active DHA license and speaks the patient’s preferred language.
• Arrange a home assessment visit, usually AED 350, to map equipment needs and safety modifications.
• Sign a service agreement that states shift timings, medication handling, and emergency escalation to 999.
• Register the arrangement with your building management if the nurse will stay overnight.

Common Equipment and Add-On Costs

Hospital beds rent for AED 900-1,400 monthly. Oxygen concentrators cost AED 650 monthly plus refill cylinders at AED 120 each. Most agencies bundle pressure-relief mattresses and commode chairs into the monthly package for an extra AED 400-600.

Choosing Between Agencies and Freelance Carers

Agencies carry full malpractice insurance and rotate staff during leave periods. Freelance carers sourced via community groups are 30-40 percent cheaper but lack DHA oversight and backup. For end-of-life stages, agencies remain the safer route because they guarantee 24-hour replacement within four hours.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →