10th Sunrise Sector: Freelancing Industry in the UAE
The environment of business setup in Dubai is poised to undergo a drastic transformation in the wake of the unexpected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the movement restrictions and social distancing policies implemented by the government to flatten the curve, malls, hotels and several other businesses had to shut shop temporarily. Most companies in Dubai, UAE had to lay off the employees or ask the staff to go on unpaid leaves to minimize the COVID-19 impact on their business. Even though the businesses have reopened as part of initiating the recovery process with precautionary measures, the process of hiring employees in the near future will never be the same as the Pre-COVID-19 period.
The freelancing sector is likely to emerge as a sunrise sector as the companies would be forced to cut down salaries and minimize the hiring of permanent staff. Fortunately, the UAE is a hotbed of freelancers and influencers and there are plenty of opportunities especially in free zones like Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, Ajman Free Zone, etc. However, there are certain regulations regarding obtaining a freelancer permit in the UAE, and consulting reputed business setup consultants are the best way to know the process better.
Also read: Everything you Need to Know About Freelance Permit in the UAE
Opportunities for Freelancers in Dubai, UAE
The UAE allows freelancing in IT, education, and media fields only. However, these sectors have emerged strongly in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak as the UAE is planning a digitally-driven economy recovery process. The IT industry has emerged as the backbone of the recovery process in Dubai as digitization has become an absolute necessity. The education sector is also in demand with the adoption of e-learning or Edtech platforms. Also, the media sector has also seen a rise in demand as more people are sitting at home browsing digital news and online entertainment platforms. However, freelancers need to secure a freelance permit in Dubai to conduct any business activity.
Also read: 5 Fundamental Factors to be Considered Before Setting up a Business in Dubai
Top Free Zones Providing Freelancer Permit in the UAE
One of the most attractive aspects of the process of business setup in Dubai, UAE is the existence of more than forty free zones that offer excellent infrastructure and facilities for freelancers and other entrepreneurs. Setting up a business in UAE free zones is highly beneficial for freelancers as they can cater to international clients. The freelancers can work in ‘plug-in and go’ facilities called Flexi desk or co-working space in the free zones that are highly affordable. The free zones also offer the Flexi desk facility.
The following are some of the free zones in the UAE that provide the freelance permit:
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Production City
- Dubai Studio City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai Design District
- Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi
- Fujairah Creative City
- RAKEZ
- Ajman Free Zone
Every free zone varies in terms of the facilities they offer and the requirements they demand as each free zone is maintained by respective free zone authorities. Choosing the right free zone may become a hard task for the freelancers for which they need to consult reputed business setup services in Dubai.
Also read: How to Setup an E-Commerce Business in the UAE Free Zones
Benefits of Securing a Freelance Permit in Dubai, UAE
Earlier, getting a freelancer permit in Dubai was all about being flexible at work without having the pressure of working under a boss. However, the COVID-19 changed the process of business setup in Dubai and freelancing has become a necessity. As part of the cost-cutting process, the companies from now on may opt for remote working and other flexible and less expensive ways. The following are some of the benefits of becoming a freelancer in Dubai,
- Flexibility at work
- Ability to become your own boss
- Be in demand as remote working becomes the new norm
- Higher earnings at lower cost
- Work-life balance
- No need to set up an office
- Ability to build your own brand
Top Business Activities in Dubai for Freelancers
While initiating the process of business setup in Dubai as a freelancer, one should check out the activities offered by various free zones. The freelance entrepreneur should choose a free zone that provides the right business activity that best fits the requirement of the freelancer. The following is a list of some of the activities offered by the free zones in the UAE.
- E-learning
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Language Translation & Interpretation
- Branding
- Web Development & Designing
- Copy Writing
Also read: Resilience Shown by Marketing & Advertisement Industry in the UAE
How Jitendra Business Consultants Can Help?
The UAE government realized the possibilities of freelancing long ago and has built the right digital infrastructure and regulations for its evolution. Freelancing has been in high demand in Dubai even before the COVID-19 struck the world but the virus outbreak has made it a necessity all of a sudden. As economic uncertainty is predicated upon the world, the pattern of business setup in Dubai and elsewhere in the world is poised to change. As the new normal sets in, being one’s own boss will become a necessity than a convenience. Fortunately, being a freelancer in Dubai is much easier due to the plenty of opportunities available here.
Many free zones offer freelancer packages and Flexi desk facilities that make the process of business setup in Dubai easier. To set up a business as a freelancer, one has to give due care to the rules and regulations for which reputed business setup services in Dubai like Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) need to be consulted. JBC has a team of highly qualified business setup consultants who provides clients with top-notch business setup services in Dubai. JBC’s business setup consultants are well-versed in all the UAE laws and regulations which makes the procedure of setting up a business in Dubai a hassle-free process.