How much does a weekly cleaner cost in Dubai and should I use a company or freelancer?

Both options work in Dubai but have very different risk and cost profiles. Cleaning company: AED 55–AED 120 per visit for a 2-bedroom apartment, depending on the company and frequency. The company provides the cleaner, handles insurance, and replaces the cleaner if they're sick or leave. You're not employing anyone directly. Higher cost but zero HR hassle. Freelance maid: AED 35–AED 60 per visit, sometimes less. Significantly cheaper. However, hiring a freelance maid in Dubai carries legal risks — a maid working independently without an employer-sponsored visa is technically working illegally in the UAE. If they're injured in your home, you have no protection. They also have no agency guaranteeing replacement. Recommendation for most Dubai residents: use a cleaning company, especially for regular weekly bookings. The AED 20–40 per visit premium buys you legal compliance, insurance, and reliability. For a 2-bed in Dubai Marina, budget AED 300–AED 450 per month for weekly cleaning from a reputable company. Book a one-off deep clean first with any new company to assess their quality before committing to a regular contract.