The Role of Emirati Parents in the Presence of Maids Abu Dhabi Emirate Case Study

There has been a sharp increase in employing foreign domestic workers or maids in
the United Arab Emirates. Migrant women from developing countries travel thousands of
miles to provide childcare and support to families. Over time, maids bear the full
responsibility for supporting the family, and some of the parents’ roles move to the maids or
conflict with the maids’ tasks. In this study, we aimed to identify the social implications of
the presence of a maid for parental roles in the Emirati family and to determine how this may
affect child-rearing and child development. Using two data collection methods, exploratory
interviews and a survey questionnaire, we investigated situations in which maids were
heavily involved in raising their employers’ children. Consequently, the study highlighted
important information, including the concept of parents’ role changes and role conflicts with
maids, and the effects of the presence of a maid in the household. The thesis concludes with a
discussion of parents’ views and the researcher’s recommendations.