Maintaining a spotless home in the bustling cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai can be challenging. Between busy work schedules and family commitments, many residents hire professional maids or cleaning companies to handle routine chores. But how much should you expect to pay for home cleaning services? Pricing varies widely, and understanding the factors that influence rates will help you budget accurately and avoid overpaying.
In this guide, we examine hourly cleaning rates, package deals, materials costs and the pros and cons of hiring a full‑time maid. We use publicly available pricing data from UAE cleaning companies to demystify the process.
What Does a Standard Home Cleaning Service Include?
Before looking at price tags, it’s important to know what you’re paying for. A standard home cleaning service in Abu Dhabi typically includes:
- Sweeping and mopping all floors
- Dusting and wiping accessible surfaces
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Cleaning bathrooms (toilets, sinks, showers)
- Wiping kitchen counters and appliances
- Making beds and general organising
ServiceMarket’s FAQ explains that home cleaning services cover basic tasks like floors, bathrooms and organising. Deep cleaning (such as scrubbing grout, cleaning inside ovens or removing heavy grease) is a separate service and costs more. When comparing quotes, ask for a detailed checklist of what’s included.
Hourly Rates: Comparing Local Providers
Several factors influence hourly rates for cleaning services in Abu Dhabi:
- Number of hours booked – cleaning companies often offer tiered pricing based on the length of the booking. For example, ServiceMarket lists a 2‑hour booking at AED 39/hr, 3‑hour at AED 35/hr and 4-8 hour bookings at AED 33/hr. The more hours you book, the lower the hourly rate. Dream Home also states that prices start at 25 AED per hour.
- Included materials and equipment – Some providers supply cleaning materials (detergents, cloths, mops) and charge a separate fee, while others ask clients to provide them. ServiceMarket notes an extra AED 10/hr for cleaning materials. Dream Home, by contrast, states that materials and equipment are included. When pricing your service, decide whether you’ll provide supplies yourself or pay the additional fee.
- Day of the week and urgency – Bookings during weekends or holidays may cost slightly more due to higher demand. Same‑day services often carry a premium.
- Location and travel costs – Prices can vary depending on whether you live in central Abu Dhabi, suburbs like Khalifa City or more remote areas. Some companies add a transportation fee for locations outside their core service zone.
- Discounts and promotions – Many cleaning companies run promotions (e.g., “first clean at AED 19/hr”). Check websites for voucher codes or app‑exclusive discounts. However, be mindful that promotional rates might only apply to long‑hour bookings.
Pricing for Different Home Sizes
While hourly rates remain the most transparent way to price cleaning, many clients prefer packaged deals based on home size. Here’s a sample pricing table drawn from various UAE providers (approximate ranges):
| Home size | Typical hours | Average price range* | Notes |
| Studio / 1‑bedroom apartment | 2-3 hours | AED 90-180 | Based on 2-3 hours at 30-40 AED/hr. Suitable for light cleaning. |
| 2-3 bedroom apartment | 3-5 hours | AED 150-250 | May require two cleaners. Larger kitchens and bathrooms increase time. |
| Villa (4+ bedrooms) | 5-8 hours | AED 200-400 | Extended cleaning times; sometimes two cleaners are dispatched. |
| Deep cleaning (move‑in/out, post‑construction) | 6-10 hours | AED 300-800 | Includes scrubbing walls, cleaning inside cabinets, removing debris; materials included. |
These ranges are approximate and can vary based on provider and specific tasks.
Pricing vs. Hiring a Full‑Time Maid
Some families prefer to employ a full‑time maid rather than booking hourly cleaners. ServiceMarket’s analysis of live‑in and live‑out maids outlines the costs:
- Recruitment fee – Hiring a live‑in maid through an agency can cost AED 15,000-18,000 for recruitment and flights.
- Sponsorship/visa – Annual visa renewal fees are ~AED 12,500.
- Salary – Live‑in maids’ salaries range from AED 1,700 to 2,800 per month.
- Monthly fee for company‑provided maid – For live‑out maids hired via a cleaning company, the cost is AED 30-40 per hour, equating to AED 4,800-6,400/month for 40 hours per week. Additional services like babysitting increase the fee.
Employing a full‑time maid suits households requiring daily help with childcare, cooking and cleaning, but the initial investment and administrative duties (visa, insurance) are significant. Hourly cleaning is more flexible and cheaper in the long run if you only need weekly or bi‑weekly cleaning.
Factors Influencing Cleaning Prices
- Scope of work – Basic cleaning vs. deep cleaning. Additional tasks like ironing, fridge cleaning or organising closets may increase the fee.
- Number of cleaners – Large homes often require two cleaners. Some companies charge a per‑cleaner rate, while others have a flat hourly rate for a team.
- Frequency – Regular bookings (weekly or bi‑weekly) often receive loyalty discounts compared to one‑off cleans.
- Special requests – Eco‑friendly or hypoallergenic products, pet hair removal or post‑renovation cleanup may incur extra charges.
- Time of day – Late evening or early morning slots may be priced higher due to staffing costs.
Pricing Checklist for Homeowners
To ensure you get the best value when hiring a cleaning service, follow this checklist:
- List the areas to be cleaned (rooms, bathrooms, kitchen) and any special tasks.
- Compare hourly and package rates from at least three providers.
- Check whether materials/equipment are included and factor in extra costs if they’re not.
- Ask about discounts for longer bookings or regular service.
- Confirm the company’s background checks and training—choose providers that vet and train cleaners for safety and quality.
- Read reviews on Google or aggregator sites to gauge reliability.
- Clarify payment methods (per visit, monthly subscription or pay‑as‑you‑go).
- Book via company website or mobile app to access promotions and manage appointments easily.
Is It Cheaper to Provide Your Own Supplies?
If you already have cleaning materials and equipment at home, you can save on the extra AED 10/hr supply charge that some companies levy. However, professional cleaners often bring industrial‑grade products and tools that deliver better results and reduce cleaning time. For deep cleaning or sanitisation tasks, it’s wise to request that the company provide their own equipment. At Bright Star Facilities Management, we include eco‑friendly cleaning materials in all packages to ensure consistent quality and hygiene.
Comparing DIY vs. Professional Cleaning
| Aspect | DIY cleaning | Hiring a professional service |
| Cost | Minimal (your time and materials) | 30-40 AED/hr plus materials for ad‑hoc cleaning |
| Time investment | High – 2-6 hrs per session | Low – you free up time for work and family |
| Quality | Depends on your skill and products | Professional training ensures consistent quality |
| Flexibility | Clean when you want, using products you prefer | Bookings may require notice; schedule may be limited |
| Safety & hygiene | Up to your knowledge of cleaning chemicals | Companies vet cleaners and follow health guidelines |
Conclusion
Pricing home cleaning services in Abu Dhabi involves understanding hourly rates, package deals and what’s included. While basic cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, dusting and bathroom cleaning are standard, factors such as the number of hours, materials, and your home’s size influence the final cost. Always compare quotes, verify what each package includes, and check whether materials and equipment are provided. Hiring a full‑time maid may suit families needing daily assistance, but for most residents, flexible hourly services offer the best value.
At Bright Star Facilities Management, we strive to provide transparent pricing and professional service across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Our trained cleaners use eco‑friendly products and follow strict hygiene protocols. Whether you need regular housekeeping, deep cleaning, or move‑in/out services, we’ve got you covered. Visit BSFM.ae to book your home cleaning today or contact us for a personalised quote. Let us handle the cleaning so you can focus on what matters most!