Abu Dhabi has added Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and 3D-model designing to its freelancer licence category.
The move is part of 30 new roles added by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in an attempt to boost the emirate's technology infrastructure.
"Electronic and software designing, data classification and analysis services, oil and gas production software design, and online players support providers" are among the latest additions, Abu Dhabi Business Centre announced on Thursday.
It brings the number of roles under the freelancer licence category to 100, with the full list available online.
This expansion allows UAE citizens and residents to pursue a wider range of business opportunities.
The move reflects "our eagerness to expand the range of business activities available to entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi while responding to freelancers’ aspirations, thus enhancing their effective contribution to cementing a strong, resilient, and diversified economy," said Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, executive director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre.
A total of 1,013 freelancer licences were issued in 2023, he added.
To obtain a freelancer licence, applicants must have experience in a specific field or industry or have earned an academic or professional achievement in that field.
The department has previously established regulatory framework, work regulations and general requirements for the freelancer licence.
The licence allows people to pursue self-employment activities without needing a licence from the free zone. They have the right to contract and work with companies in Abu Dhabi as well as the free zones.
Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of driving artificial intelligence as a key economic driver.
In January, President Sheikh Mohamed announced the creation of an artificial intelligence council.
The Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies related to research, infrastructure and investments in AI and advanced technology in Abu Dhabi.
There will renewed focus on looking at how AI can help in the fight against climate change, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President, said ahead of Cop29 in Azerbaijan.
AI will also be used by the UAE government to help streamline procedures for its residency visa amnesty campaign in support of people with expired documentation.
The two-month drive will begin next month to allow people with lapsed visas to resolve their status or leave the UAE without fines.
Creating career opportunities
Abu Dhabi first issued freelancer license in 2020, initially covering 48 business activities.
These included fashion design, flower arrangement, legal consultancy, property, human resources and architecture.
Authorities said the licences had been introduced to create a more flexible job market.
The following year, authorities included “computer systems and software designing” as part of the freelancer licence category in an attempt to boost the emirate's technology infrastructure.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
Company Profile
Company name: Fine Diner
Started: March, 2020
Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and food delivery
Initial investment: Dh75,000
Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp
Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
The biog
Age: 32
Qualifications: Diploma in engineering from TSI Technical Institute, bachelor’s degree in accounting from Dubai’s Al Ghurair University, master’s degree in human resources from Abu Dhabi University, currently third years PHD in strategy of human resources.
Favourite mountain range: The Himalayas
Favourite experience: Two months trekking in Alaska
UAE-based players
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THE DETAILS
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Dir: Ron Howard
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson
3/5
Brief scores
Toss India, chose to bat
India 281-7 in 50 ov (Pandya 83, Dhoni 79; Coulter-Nile 3-44)
Australia 137-9 in 21 ov (Maxwell 39, Warner 25; Chahal 3-30)
India won by 26 runs on Duckworth-Lewis Method
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