The UAE's freelance industry is expanding rapidly, resulting in a rise in competition and offers of low fees to secure work, experts have told The National.
Significant regulatory changes, technological advancements and shifts in work culture accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic have buoyed the country’s freelance industry across several sectors, particularly media, technology and education, said Azeem Zainulbhai, co-founder and chief product officer at talent-on-demand platform Outsized.
“The UAE has introduced more flexible and cost-effective licensing options to accommodate a growing skilled freelance workforce,” he said.
142 per cent increase
There has been a 142 per cent increase across the Mena region in freelancer registration since 2022, according to Outsized’s third annual Talent-On-Demand report, which draws on data from its own platform.
This makes it one of the world’s fastest-growing freelance markets, said Mr Zainulbhai.
“UAE companies are more frequently engaging independent talent to manage costs effectively while accessing specialised skills swiftly,” he told The National.
Worldwide, technology and data analysis roles dominate the sector, but across the region there is broader scope for independent professionals, Mr Zainulbhai added. This includes areas such as finance, risk, product and proposition, sales, marketing and change management.
Advantages to a freelance career
Harriet Shephard decided to leave full-time work for a freelance career in copywriting and journalism two years ago so she could enjoy more freedom to travel, work remotely and set her own schedule, as well as add variety to her work.
“I have loved being a freelancer in the UAE,” she told The National. “Renewing my freelance licence and visa through twofour54 in Abu Dhabi is always relatively simple and straightforward, and I have been fortunate enough to so far find enough work to fill my time.”
There are many advantages to working as an independent professional in the UAE compared to traditional permanent employment, said Mr Zainulbhai.
“Freelancers have the freedom to choose projects that align with their skills and interests, allowing them to work across various industries,” he said. “This not only diversifies their experience but also enhances their career growth.
“The ability to set their own schedules offers a better work-life balance, a significant advantage over the rigid schedules of conventional office jobs. Freelancing in the UAE also opens doors to collaborate with global enterprises and engage with stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds.”
Finance-related ‘pain points’
Finance-related concerns plague the industry, said freelance commercial film director Rory McLoughlin, who founded Like Minds UAE, a 2,000-strong community of freelancers that meet up for regular networking events.
Payment was one of the biggest “pain points” among the community’s 200 members who recently participated in a survey Mr McLoughlin ran to gather data about the industry.
“As an individual, you don’t have the financial influence over an established company to push and get those payments,” he told The National.
“Also, you’re trying to create a reputation or get repeat business, so people feel a bit pressured to either not take legal action if people aren’t paying, but also if you complain about not being paid, that could be another reason why a supplier might not take you on again.”
While the majority of people he spoke to were grateful for the opportunities the UAE offers, as it is now easier than ever to access appropriate licences and visas, this has also led to an increase in competition as more professionals move to the Emirates from across the world. Within his community – made up of film professionals, artists, photographers and advertising creators – this has resulted in lower rates across the board.
“It has made people think twice about becoming a freelancer here now, because the price point is so low. You've got this influx of lower-skilled, lower-charging freelancers, which is bringing the level of the market down,” added Mr McLoughlin, who said freelance film directors could “in a good month” earn anywhere between Dh15,000 and Dh80,000 ($4,080 and $21,780), depending on experience.
Inconsistent work opportunities, difficulties in establishing professional connections and high health insurance costs were among other concerns cited in the survey.
Rise in opportunities across AI and technology
Mr Zainulbhai said UAE-based freelancers can expect competitive earnings that vary significantly depending on their industry, expertise and demand for their skills.
There has been vast growth within the technology and AI sectors, which is set to increase as Abu Dhabi adds 30 new roles, including in AI development and 3D-model designing, to its freelancer licence category.
“AI development is crucial for driving advancements in various industries, including health care, finance, logistics and customer service,” he said.
“The demand for AI solutions is increasing as businesses seek to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making and create innovative products and services.”
Quentin Reyes, founder and chief executive of Hyperfusion, which offers computing and generative AI solutions across the Gulf, and hires freelancers regularly, said independent prompt engineers are particularly sought after.
Freelancers bring 'fresh perspective'
Sharon Fernandes, founder of public relations and marketing firm S Factor Agency, said her company’s reliance on freelancers has increased significantly in recent years.
“Freelancers also bring a fresh perspective, as they have worked with various clients across different industries,” she told The National. “As a result, we've found that integrating freelancers into our workflow not only makes business sense but also drives creativity and efficiency.”
Ms Fernandes added that freelancers working in PR and marketing can expect to earn anywhere between Dh9,000 and Dh40,000 per month.
Opportunities for freelancers who specialise in Arabic copywriting and translation are in particularly high demand, said Mnawar Mohammed, founder of Arabic-language content creation agency CopyArabia.
“Businesses are increasingly looking for experts who can adapt global content to resonate with local audiences, making this an exciting time for freelancers in these fields,” he told The National.
Know your industry
It is imperative to be aware of local regulations, Mr Zainulbhai added, including work permit requirements and ensuring you have the appropriate visa, whether that’s the Digital Nomad Visa, the golden visa or the 10-year blue residency visa.
Ms Shephard advises anyone looking to enter the freelance industry to secure work before taking the plunge. “This will make it feel less scary and offer some security,” she said.
“It’s also important to keep track of who has or has not paid you, and all the different deadlines you have to meet. I find the more different clients and publications you work for, the more organised you have to be.”
It can also help to attend industry events, she added. “They give me a chance to network and also add a social element to a job that can at times be quite isolating.”
Popular freelance jobs in the UAE – in pictures
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
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Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.
The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.
All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.
No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Six things you need to know about UAE Women’s Special Olympics football team
Several girls started playing football at age four
They describe sport as their passion
The girls don’t dwell on their condition
They just say they may need to work a little harder than others
When not in training, they play football with their brothers and sisters
The girls want to inspire others to join the UAE Special Olympics teams
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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Engine: Duel electric motors
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Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
Top Hundred overseas picks
London Spirit: Kieron Pollard, Riley Meredith
Welsh Fire: Adam Zampa, David Miller, Naseem Shah
Manchester Originals: Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sean Abbott
Northern Superchargers: Dwayne Bravo, Wahab Riaz
Oval Invincibles: Sunil Narine, Rilee Rossouw
Trent Rockets: Colin Munro
Birmingham Phoenix: Matthew Wade, Kane Richardson
Southern Brave: Quinton de Kock
Picture of Joumblatt and Hariri breaking bread sets Twitter alight
Mr Joumblatt’s pessimism regarding the Lebanese political situation didn’t stop him from enjoying a cheerful dinner on Tuesday with several politicians including Mr Hariri.
Caretaker Culture Minister Ghattas Khoury tweeted a picture of the group sitting around a table at a discrete fish restaurant in Beirut’s upscale Sodeco area.
Mr Joumblatt told The National that the fish served at Kelly’s Fish lounge had been very good.
“They really enjoyed their time”, remembers the restaurant owner. “Mr Hariri was taking selfies with everybody”.
Mr Hariri and Mr Joumblatt often have dinner together to discuss recent political developments.
Mr Joumblatt was a close ally of Mr Hariri’s assassinated father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri. The pair were leading figures in the political grouping against the 15-year Syrian occupation of Lebanon that ended after mass protests in 2005 in the wake of Rafik Hariri’s murder. After the younger Hariri took over his father’s mantle in 2004, the relationship with Mr Joumblatt endured.
However, the pair have not always been so close. In the run-up to the election last year, Messrs Hariri and Joumblatt went months without speaking over an argument regarding the new proportional electoral law to be used for the first time. Mr Joumblatt worried that a proportional system, which Mr Hariri backed, would see the influence of his small sect diminished.
With so much of Lebanese politics agreed in late-night meetings behind closed doors, the media and pundits put significant weight on how regularly, where and with who senior politicians meet.
In the picture, alongside Messrs Khoury and Hariri were Mr Joumbatt and his wife Nora, PSP politician Wael Abou Faour and Egyptian ambassador to Lebanon Nazih el Nagari.
The picture of the dinner led to a flurry of excitement on Twitter that it signified an imminent government formation. “God willing, white smoke will rise soon and Walid Beik [a nickname for Walid Joumblatt] will accept to give up the minister of industry”, one user replied to the tweet. “Blessings to you…We would like you to form a cabinet”, wrote another.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether these wishes come true.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The biog
Prefers vegetables and fish to meat and would choose salad over pizza
Walks daily as part of regular exercise routine
France is her favourite country to visit
Has written books and manuals on women’s education, first aid and health for the family
Family: Husband, three sons and a daughter
Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country
The children worked as young volunteers in social, education and health campaigns
Her motto is to never stop working for the country
If you go
The flights
Emirates (www.emirates.com) and Etihad (www.etihad.com) both fly direct to Bengaluru, with return fares from Dh 1240. From Bengaluru airport, Coorg is a five-hour drive by car.
The hotels
The Tamara (www.thetamara.com) is located inside a working coffee plantation and offers individual villas with sprawling views of the hills (tariff from Dh1,300, including taxes and breakfast).
When to go
Coorg is an all-year destination, with the peak season for travel extending from the cooler months between October and March.
Read more from Mina Al-Oraibi
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m, Winner: Zalman, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Hisham Al Khalediah II, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash.
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Qader, Adrie de Vries, Jean de Roualle
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh180,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Mujeeb, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly
8pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 1,400m, Winner: Nayslayer, Bernardo Pinheiro, Jaber Ramadhan
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
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