For many Ugandans, the promise of work in the Middle East is seen as a chance to escape poverty and provide for their families. Every year, thousands of young women travel to countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to work as housemaids or domestic helpers. But while the jobs are marketed with attractive salaries, the reality is often very different.
In 2025, the pay for househelps in these countries remains modest, though still higher than what many domestic workers earn in Uganda. With the current exchange rate of 1 UAE Dirham = 955 Ugandan Shillings and 1 Saudi Riyal = 955 Ugandan Shillings (both pegged to the US dollar), here is what Ugandan househelps are really earning abroad.
In Saudi Arabia, most Ugandan househelps earn between SAR 900 and SAR 1,200 per month. Converted into Ugandan money, that is around UGX 860,000 to UGX 1.1 million. For many workers, this is the standard contract salary, especially for those who live in their employer’s homes. Although food and accommodation are usually provided, the low cash salary leaves little room for savings after sending money back home.
In Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates, the typical pay is between AED 900 and AED 1,500 per month. This equals about UGX 860,000 to UGX 1.4 million. While some helpers working for wealthier families may earn up to AED 2,000 (UGX 1.9 million), these cases are rare. The majority of Ugandan househelps in the UAE remain in the lower bracket of under UGX 1 million per month.
In Qatar, salaries are similar to Saudi Arabia, with most househelps receiving around QAR 900 to QAR 1,200 per month, or about UGX 860,000 to UGX 1.1 million. Some may earn slightly higher depending on the household, but most remain within this standard range.
Although these figures may look small, they are still much higher than what domestic workers earn in Uganda. A househelp in Kampala may take home only UGX 150,000 to UGX 200,000 per month, barely enough to survive. This difference is why many continue to travel despite the risks, hoping that even a salary of UGX 900,000 abroad can improve their families’ lives back home.
Labour experts warn, however, that workers should be cautious. Many recruitment agencies advertise inflated salaries of UGX 1.5 million to UGX 3 million, only for the workers to discover that their contracts actually offer less than one million shillings a month. Workers are advised to sign contracts through licensed agencies and understand clearly what they will be paid before leaving Uganda.
The reality of 2025 is clear: househelps in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar earn between UGX 860,000 and UGX 1.4 million per month on average. It is more than what they would earn in Uganda, but far below the promises often made by recruiters. For many Ugandans, it is a difficult trade-off: long hours, strict conditions, and modest pay in exchange for the hope of building a better life for their families.
