How to Choose the Best Daycare in Dubai: A Parent’s Checklist

Fun and Play
Nov 24, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Finding the right and best daycare in Dubai can feel overwhelming—there are many great options across the city, but not all are designed for the realities of modern family life. Whether you’re a resident managing long work hours or a family visiting Dubai for a short stay, this guide gives you a clear, practical checklist to evaluate any daycare quickly and confidently.

Start With Location & Convenience

Proximity matters: Search terms like “daycare near me Dubai” exist for a reason—shorter travel time means easier drop-offs and fewer late pickups.
Tourist tip: If you’re staying in JBR or Dubai Marina, look for a daycare within walking or short taxi distance to your hotel or serviced apartment.

Safety & Licensing You Can Verify When Looking For Best Daycare in Dubai

Licensing: Confirm the daycare is licensed and compliant with local regulations.
Access & security: Controlled entry, visitor logs, CCTV in common areas, and clear pickup protocols.
Health standards: Daily sanitization, illness policies, and first-aid readiness.
Ratios: Ask about child-to-staff ratios by age group.

The Team Behind the Smiles

Qualifications: Early childhood certifications and regular training.
Tenure & turnover: Low turnover often signals a positive culture and stable routines for children.
Language & communication: Daily updates via app or WhatsApp, and quick responses to parent questions.

Flexible Hours & Packages (Game-Changer for Busy Families)

Look for hourly, half-day, full-day, weekend, and holiday coverage. If your schedule changes week to week, confirm the daycare supports drop-in bookings and short-notice reservations. At Fun & Play: We’re open 7 days a week (including holidays) with flexible hourly and short-term packages—perfect for irregular shifts, events, or quick errands.

Curriculum That Feels Like Play

Structured play: Story time, sensory zones, role play, and fine motor activities.
Balanced day: Movement, calm time, group fun, and outdoor play where possible.
Early literacy & social skills: Reading corners, cooperative games, and vocabulary-building activities.

Transparent Pricing & What’s Included

Clarity: Ask what’s included (snacks, diapers, activities).
Discounts: Sibling bundles or resident offers.
Cancellation policy: For short-term and drop-in bookings, confirm change/cancel windows.

The 10-Minute Tour Checklist

Front-door security & sign-in.
Cleanliness of play areas and bathrooms.
Staff engagement (are children actively supported?).
Age-appropriate toys & learning corners.
Visible day plan/schedule.
Sleep/rest arrangements.
Outdoor or gross-motor space.
Accident & emergency readiness.
Photo/video update policy.
Happy children: the best proof.

For Visitors & Tourists: Short-Stay Essentials

Short-term enrollment: Ask if passport copies and hotel address suffice.
Flexible length: Book by the hour or day during your stay.
Location: Prefer JBR/Marina if your accommodation is nearby.

Flexible daycare for tourists traveling with kids

Why Families Pick Fun & Play (JBR)

Open 7 days including holidays
Hourly, half-day, and drop-in options
Reading zone, creative play, and structured daily activities
Friendly, trained caregivers and real-time parent updates

Fun and Play