Mama Jamilaaa: How UAE’s Beloved Nanny Became a TikTok Star

What began as a simple way to share her passion for cooking has transformed a 59-year-old nanny in the UAE into an internet sensation.

Known affectionately as “Mama Jamilaaa”, Ragil Jameela Rono has won the hearts of thousands across TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms. It happened with her mouth-watering recipes and infectious warmth.

Her culinary creations and welcoming spirit have made her a beloved figure not only in the UAE but across the Arab world.

A Journey from Humble Beginnings

Born in 1965 in Indonesia, Mama Jamilaaa’s early years were challenging. “My mother passed away when I was only seven, and my two sisters and I had to work on farms to survive”.

From a young age, Ragil Jameela Rono took on domestic work to support herself and her family, showing resilience and grit.

Seeking a brighter future, she left Indonesia, first moving to Saudi Arabia for ten years before settling in the UAE in 1993.

It was here that she found steady employment with an Emirati family who would eventually become her second family.

31 Years with One Family in the UAE

Now, three decades later, Jamilaaa is still with the same Emirati family. “They are my family here. I receive immense support and love from them, which is a reflection of the kindness of the UAE and its people,” she says.

Her bond with them has become one of mutual respect and care, and it was their encouragement that ultimately inspired her to share her talents on social media.

Discovering TikTok Fame

With the support of her Emirati family, Jamilaaa began sharing videos of herself cooking on TikTok. In her videos, she explains recipes in Arabic, showcasing traditional dishes and popular Middle Eastern favorites alongside global classics.

Her fluency in Arabic, which she learned while working with Arab families and reading the Quran, adds a personal touch to each video.

An Expanding Online Community

Mama Jameela’s rise on social media has been swift and remarkable. In just two years, she’s attracted over 280,000 loyal followers.

“Their love and encouragement mean so much to me,” she says, expressing gratitude for the community she has built. Her recipes, from simple home-cooked meals to festive dishes, have become a source of inspiration for many, bridging cultures and flavors.

Her videos showcase an impressive array of dishes, from Lebanese staples and Emirati favorites like machboos to pasta and other international delights.

With her unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients, Jamilaaa’s cooking creates a warm, cultural connection with her diverse audience.

Mama Jamilaaa Social Media Accounts

Jameela Runo Dikhoro hopes to reach even more people in the future. “I want to share my recipes widely and spread love through my cooking,” she says, setting her sights on growing her platform and inspiring others.

Her Emirati family, too, admires her greatly. “Jameela is more than a helper to us,” says Um Khalifa, the family’s matriarch. “She’s an essential part of our family—dedicated, kind, and always bringing positivity into our lives.”

On tiktok, Jamilaaa has 250k followers. Her account can be visited at this URL:

www.tiktok.com/@ragiljameelarono

She has 287k followers on her instagram account which can be visited at:

www.instagram.com/mama_jamilaaa

Her youtube channel has 3k followers. Here is the handle:

www.youtube.com/@Mama_Jamilaaa

On Thread, she has 16k followers. Here is the URL:

www.threads.net/@mama_jamilaaa