Your Guide to Hiring a Private Driver in the UAE

Lexus LC luxury coupe covered by insurance in UAE

Your Guide to Hiring a Private Driver in the UAE

Hiring a private driver in the UAE is a growing trend, especially among families with busy schedules and professionals who value convenience, safety, and reliability. Whether you're living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, or holding a Dubai Visa, understanding the financial, legal, and administrative responsibilities of employing a full-time driver is crucial.

From monthly salaries to visa procedures and the importance of domestic helper health insurance, here's everything you need to know before hiring a private driver in the UAE.

Typical Responsibilities of a Private Driver

A private driver in the UAE often performs a wide range of daily tasks depending on your household or business needs. Their core duties may include:

Driving children to and from school
Handling daily commutes to work or appointments
Running errands and managing pick-ups/drop-offs
Providing airport transfers for family or guests
Intercity travel between emirates
Ensuring regular vehicle maintenance and cleaning

If you have elderly family members or a nanny, a driver can provide additional support with logistics and movement, improving overall efficiency in your home.

Cost of Hiring a Private Driver in the UAE

Hiring a private driver involves both monthly and upfront costs. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Monthly Salary
The average salary for a private driver in the UAE ranges AED 4,000 or below, depending on nationality, experience, and language skills.

Drivers with knowledge of UAE roads or those who speak English or Arabic fluently may command higher wages.

2. Additional Expenses
Visa and Emirates ID fees

Medical fitness test
Accommodation and meals (if provided by the sponsor)
Annual flight ticket to the home country
End-of-service benefits, as per UAE labour law

Hiring through an agency or sourcing from abroad may also incur one-time recruitment fees.

Legal Requirements and Sponsorship Process

UAE residents with a monthly income of AED 25,000 or more are eligible to sponsor a private driver under the domestic workers category.

Here's a brief overview of the sponsorship process:

Submit a visa application via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or Tadbeer
Undergo a medical fitness test for the worker
Prepare a labour contract outlining salary, job responsibilities, and working hours
Issue an Emirates ID and complete residency stamping

Sponsors are also required to provide health insurance coverage for their drivers, as mandated by UAE law.

Why Health Insurance is Essential for Private Drivers

Providing health insurance for your private driver is not just a legal requirement, it's also a responsibility that ensures their well-being and reduces your financial liability in emergencies.

Without insurance, a driver may be unable to access treatment in case of illness or accidents. This could lead to:

Delays in visa renewals
Fines for non-compliance
Out-of-pocket medical expenses for the sponsor
Disruption in day-to-day assistance due to medical emergencies

Offering a strong insurance plan shows your commitment as an employer and helps in retaining loyal, long-term staff. For suitable plans, consider domestic helper health insurance options that meet UAE requirements.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a private driver in the UAE brings a great deal of convenience and peace of mind,but it comes with financial, legal, and ethical responsibilities. Ensuring that your driver is fairly compensated, legally sponsored, and medically insured is essential to a safe and smooth employment experience.

In 2023, a Dubai-based family had their private driver suffer a minor heart attack while on duty. Thanks to the health insurance policy they had in place, the driver received immediate emergency care at a private hospital, and the family avoided over AED 25,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. In another case, a family in Abu Dhabi had their driver involved in a road accident while picking up their children from school. The insurance covered all medical treatments and follow-up physiotherapy sessions, ensuring the driver's full recovery and legal compliance without financial stress on the employer. These examples highlight how domestic helper insurance not only safeguards your employee but also protects your household from unexpected costs and disruptions.

Protect Yourself and Your Driver with GIG Gulf

At GIG Gulf, we offer Domestic Helper Health Insurance plans designed specifically for private drivers, maids, nannies, and other household staff in the UAE. Our plans provide: