A transformative trend is reshaping social events across the United Arab Emirates as professional ‘event nannies’ become essential fixtures at celebrations ranging from corporate functions to wedding receptions. This emerging service sector addresses the perennial challenge of child supervision during adult-oriented events, allowing parents to fully participate in social gatherings while their children receive professional care.
Specialized companies including Yellowsprings, Smart Babissitters and Caregivers Services LLC, and Nannies & More have developed comprehensive childcare solutions for events. These services deploy trained professionals who create age-appropriate entertainment zones featuring activities such as canvas painting, magic shows, slime manufacturing, craft stations, and themed games. The operations are meticulously planned with dedicated spaces often provided by venues, transformed into vibrant activity hubs complete with popcorn machines, candyfloss stations, and gaming zones.
Fatema Basrawala, a Dubai-based digital marketing manager, attested to the service’s effectiveness after implementing it for a corporate event. “Parents could genuinely relax and socialize while professional caregivers maintained children’s engagement through structured activities,” she noted.
The business model demonstrates remarkable flexibility, catering to diverse events from intimate family gatherings to luxury celebrations for international royalty. Service providers conduct detailed pre-event consultations to address specific requirements including dietary restrictions, allergy concerns, hygiene protocols, and activity customization based on both budgetary constraints and thematic elements of the event.
Industry pioneers highlight that the UAE’s vibrant event landscape, combined with its status as a tourist destination, has created ideal conditions for this service expansion. Tasneem Murtaza of Yellowsprings explained, “Whether corporate functions, wedding ceremonies, or holiday parties, children frequently experience boredom while parents struggle to balance supervision with social participation.”
The trend reflects broader societal shifts toward child-inclusive celebrations without compromising adult enjoyment. As Anushka Kalyanpur De Luca of Nannies & More observed, “This alignment with family-friendly entertainment values demonstrates evolving social norms in urban centers like Dubai.”