A private cook changes daily life at home — fresh meals on time, dietary needs handled, and no more end-of-day "what's for dinner?" stress. But a dedicated cook is a different hire from a general maid: you are paying for a real skill, and you should hire and screen for it accordingly.
We are a directory, not an agency — here is the practical guide to hiring a private cook or chef in the UAE.
What a private cook does
A private cook plans and prepares your household's daily meals, manages the kitchen and groceries, caters to dietary requirements (halal, vegetarian, allergies, low-sugar, kids' meals), and often cooks for guests and small events. A maid may cook simple meals; a dedicated cook brings cuisine skill, consistency and food-safety standards.Salary and cost
| Factor | Private cook / chef in the UAE (2026) |
|---|---|
| Typical monthly salary* | AED 2,800–5,000+ (professional chefs around AED 3,200 and up) |
| Pays more for | Specific cuisines (e.g. Arabic, Indian, Filipino, Continental), event cooking, formal chef experience |
| Visa / sponsorship | Same as other domestic workers — you sponsor, or via Tadbeer |
| First-year extras | Visa, medical, Emirates ID, insurance (~AED 8,000–16,000) |
| Best for | Families wanting consistent home cooking, special diets, or entertaining |
*Approximate 2026 figures; specialised cuisines and experience push the top end higher. Estimate with the salary calculator and see salaries by role.
What to look for in a private cook
- The cuisine(s) you actually want — match her experience to your table (Arabic, Indian, Filipino, Continental, etc.). Ask what she cooks daily, not just what she "can" cook.
- Food-safety and hygiene habits — non-negotiable for someone handling your family's food.
- Dietary handling — halal, allergies, kids' meals, special diets.
- Consistency and planning — can she plan a week of meals and manage groceries to a budget?
- A trial cook and references — taste the food before you commit.