Infants Guide Dubai
Nurseries
In Dubai, there are many nurseries which cater to expat children. Most of these are not, strictly speaking, daycares as many finish in the early afternoon. The following is a selection of the many nurseries on offer:
Emirates British Nursery
Mirdif
Sun – Thurs 7.30am-5.30pm
Ages: 11 months – 4 years 6 months
Contact the school directly for information about fees
Tel: 288 9222
http://www.ebninfo.ae
Jumeirah International Nursery School
Jumeirah
Sun – Thurs 8am-2pm
Ages: birth – 5 years
Fees: from AED 7,000 for 5 days per week
Tel; 349 9065
http://www.jinschools.com
P’tit Bout’ Chou
Jumeirah
Sun – Thurs 7am-5pm
Contact the school directly for more information
Tel: 050 429 9609
http://www.ptitboutchou.com
Seashells Nursery
Al Barsha
Sun – Thurs 8am-2pm
Contact the school directly for more information
Tel: 04 341 3404
http://www.seashellsnursery.com
Yellow Brick Road Nursery
Al Garhoud
Sun – Thurs 7.30am-3pm
Ages: 4 months – 5 years
Fees: from AED 8,500 per term for 5 days per week
Tel: 282 8290
http://www.yellowbrickroad.ws
Mother and Toddler Groups
In Dubai, playgroups seem to be just as important for the mums as they are for the toddlers. Wherever there is a play area, you will find a playgroup that meets there on a regular basis. Other more informal gatherings take place in villas and apartments around Dubai.
The following is a selection of the best known groups.
ANZA (Australia and New Zealand Association) Playgroup
http://www.anzauae.org
ANZA Playgroups allow mums and toddlers to socialize on a regular basis. They also organize coffee mornings and mums nights out.
Mondays 10am-midday
In the hotter months: Peek-a-Boo Playcenter, in Magic Planet, Mall of the Emirates
In the cooler months: in one of the many parks
Email: anzaplaygroup@hotmail.com
BuggEfit
http://www.buggefit.com
This is an exercise class for mums who want to get back into shape. Babies come along to the classes. Members also make time for coffee breaks and organize regular mums nights out.
For dates and times, visit the website or email the address below for more information.
In the hotter months: Hayya Meadows
In the cooler months: The Lakes, Jumeirah Beach Residences, the Arabian Ranches.
Email: info@buggefit.com
Deira Mums & Tots
http://deiramums.blogspot.com
This active group organizes many activities for mums, babies, toddlers and mums-to-be.
Wednesdays 10.30am-11.30pm – free play at Fun City Play area, Reef Mall, Deira.
Wednesdays 4.30pm-5.30pm – singing classes at Fun City Play area, Reef Mall, Deira.
Mondays 4.30pm-5.30pm – art and crafts classes (AED 250 for 6 weeks)
Email: deiramums@gmail.com
Dubai Family Playgroup
http://www.dubaifamily.org
Mums with babies and toddlers and mums-to-be are all welcome to come along to the Dubai Family playgroup and coffee morning for indoor play at discounted rates.
Tuesdays 10am-midday
Fun City at Oasis Center on Sheikh Zayed Road
Email: bonnie@dubaifamily.org
Expat woman
http://www.expatwoman.com
This very popular online community for expat women organizes weekly coffee mornings and playgroups in a variety of locations throughout the city. The Bumps & Babes groups are for mums-to-be and those with young babies. The Mums & Tots groups are for mums with older toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Sundays 10am-midday – ExpatWoman Mums & Tots Group at Fun City in Ibn Battuta Mall
Every other Monday 10am-midday – ExpatWoman Bumps & Babes at Gloria Jeans in Ibn Battuta Mall
Tuesdays 8.30am-11.30am – ExpatWoman Mums & Tots at Cool Times in Festival City
Mondays 10am-midday – ExpatWoman Bumps & Babes at Caribou Coffee at Times Square Mall
They also organize many other events throughout the year.
Email: events@expatwoman.com
Jumeirah/Umm Suqeim Baby Group
The group meets in a fully equipped nursery room and is hosted by a full qualified nursery nurse.
Sundays 9.30am-11.30am
Email: brenpress@hotmail.com
Mirdif Mums
http://www.mirdifmums.com
This group organizes many playgroups and events throughout Dubai, although their focus is mums who are living in Mirdif and the surrounding area. See their website or email for dates, times and locations.
Email: bonnie@mirdifmums.com
Mother & Toddle Group at the Arabian Ranches
Mondays from 9.30am.11.30am
Tel: 050 456 0413
Nannies
The affordability of domestic staff means that live-in nannies are very popular. Even non-working mothers who send their children to nursery sometimes choose to have nannies. Most nannies will help out with the cleaning and the preparation of meals. For more details about finding a nanny, see the section on domestic staff.
