The number of people signing up on a website where independent contractors can provide their services when needed has significantly increased.
The number of registrations increased by 122% in 2023 over the prior year. Azeem Zainulbhai, a leader at Outsized, a hiring assistance organization, states that the typical salary for freelancers in the United Arab Emirates varies depending on their experience, project duration, and talents. For example, a person with seven to ten years of expertise could make between $400 and $500 each day (up to Dh1,800) for a project that lasts a year. This is significantly more than the $309 (Dh1,100) a day that freelancers in the Mena region typically make.
Azeem also emphasized the Mena area, which includes the UAE, and its rapidly expanding freelance economy. The UAE’s freelancers have an average of 11–12 years of experience, which is more than the Mena region’s average of 10.1 years. This level of expertise exceeds that found in other regions such as Apac and Africa.
Several factors contribute to the surge in freelancer registrations. Firstly, the UAE provides a range of visa options, making it easier for freelancers to work legally in the country. Additionally, many industries in the UAE are embracing technology, creating more opportunities for freelancers with digital skills. Moreover, the government has implemented policies that support freelancers, fostering a conducive environment for independent workers to thrive.
Key Skills
According to the company’s Talent On Demand 2024 study, there is a noticeable increase in demand for freelance talent in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) area. This pattern is in opposition to the downturn seen in Europe and the US. There is demand in a wide range of industries, including real estate, construction, energy, banking, hotel, and IT.
There is a growing need for qualified experts in a variety of industries, especially in the UAE. According to Azeem, these include technology, project management, corporate transformation, cybersecurity, and other crucial fields.
Highly Desired Skills in the UAE Job Market
Product and Proposition
- Introducing fresh card offerings
- Improving customer satisfaction
- Overseeing card operations
- Innovating new product lines
Change Management
- Project management oversight
- Deployment of agile methodologies
- Examination of business data
- Leadership in business evolution
Sales and Marketing
- Crafting digital marketing tactics
- Cultivating business prospects
- Creating go-to-market plans
- Supervising loyalty initiatives
Risk Management
- Recognizing and mitigating risks
- Designing risk frameworks
- Offering advisory support to governmental bodies
- Supervising fraud prevention strategies
Strategy Consulting
- Providing guidance on business strategies
- Strategizing and executing consulting initiatives
These understandings offer practical knowledge for corporations concerning the prevailing talents in demand and recruitment practices in the UAE market.
Based on the Hays GCC Salary & Employment Report 2024, a majority of companies (87%) intend to recruit permanent employees within the current year. However, a significant portion, comprising 19%, are contemplating the hiring of temporary contract workers, while 16% are exploring the possibility of engaging freelancers.
Even among companies not planning to expand their workforce, there remains a necessity to recruit for various reasons such as turnover, skill shortages, or project-specific requirements. Consequently, this indicates a multitude of opportunities for job-seekers across diverse employment arrangements, including permanent positions, temporary roles, contractual assignments, and freelance opportunities.
The report reveals a dual trend within the UAE job market: while 41% of employers have noted a surge in job applicants compared to previous periods, an identical percentage, 41%, have voiced concerns about a shortage of skilled professionals.
Azeem elaborated on the underlying factors driving the increasing demand for independent talent in the UAE. He emphasized that this trend is not isolated but is part of a global phenomenon stemming from a pervasive skills shortage. Projections indicate that by 2030, there could be a staggering 85.2 million unfilled positions worldwide, particularly in high-demand sectors such as finance and business services.
In response to this scarcity, companies are actively seeking skilled professionals who can offer specialized services, providing the flexibility and agility necessary to navigate an ever-evolving business landscape.
Looking ahead to 2024, Outsized, a leading company in talent management, predicts a continued shift towards a more comprehensive utilization of agile talent. Rather than viewing independent workers as mere resources for specific projects, companies are expected to embrace them as strategic assets that can be leveraged proactively on a larger scale. This shift in perspective reflects a growing recognition of the competitive advantage that independent talent can offer in today’s dynamic and fast-paced business environment.
Visas, Residency
The rising demand for freelancers in the UAE is driven by the diverse array of visa options available in the country. Azeem underscored the significance of the UAE’s “open immigration policies,” which offer freelance visas that empower professionals to sponsor themselves and their families.
These visas not only provide freelancers with the flexibility to work independently but also ensure stability and happiness by allowing them to establish a secure footing in the country. This emphasis on self-sponsorship reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the success and well-being of freelance professionals, thereby contributing to the overall growth and dynamism of its economy.
Azeem emphasized that independent skilled professionals aspiring to reside in the UAE have access to a variety of residency options that eliminate the requirement for local sponsorship. Among these options are Golden Visas and freelance permits granted by free zones, which provide individuals with the opportunity to obtain residency in the UAE. These licenses encourage independence and flexibility in their professional endeavors by giving independent contractors the freedom to live and operate in the nation without the necessity for a local sponsor.
Moreover, for individuals seeking a more temporary arrangement, there are visas tailored to accommodate their needs. Examples include the Dubai Digital Nomad and UAE’s Remote Worker Permits, which permit independent talent to live in Dubai for approximately a year. These visas cater to the growing trend of remote work and digital nomadism, offering freelancers the opportunity to experience life in Dubai while maintaining their professional pursuits.
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