Freelancers in the UAE can earn daily rates as high as $1,000 (Dh3,600), according to a new report. The most sought-after skills include cards portfolio management, project and product management, data analytics, business development, and risk management, with rates starting at $300 (Dh1,100) per day.
The 2025 Talent on Demand report, released by independent talent platform Outsized, highlights a 78% increase in freelancer registrations across the MENA region over the past year.
Freelancer Earnings in the UAE
Azeem Zainulbhai, Managing Director for MENA and India at Outsized, told that daily rates for independent professionals vary based on experience, industry, and project complexity.
- Cards Portfolio Management:
- 0-5 years of experience: $275 – $325 per day
- 11-15 years of experience: $725 – $875 per day
- Project Management:
- Entry-level: $250 per day
- 10+ years of experience: $525 – $675 per day
- Data & Analytics: $225 – $750 per day
- Product Management:
- Beginners: $175 – $225 per day
- Highly experienced professionals: Up to $600 per day
- Business Development: $425 – $675 per day
Senior professionals with 15+ years of experience or specialized expertise can demand even higher rates, particularly if they have worked on complex, high-impact projects.
Growth of Freelancing in the UAE
The UAE’s freelance market is expanding at a rate of 10% per year, reflecting a growing shift towards independent work as a sustainable career path. Businesses are increasingly valuing the flexibility and expertise that freelancers provide.
However, the region faces a talent shortage, leading to higher earnings for skilled professionals compared to South Asia and South Africa. This scarcity has driven businesses to rely more on independent consultants and project-based hires to meet their needs.
Visa Options for Freelancers
The UAE offers multiple visa and residency options for freelancers. In 2022, the five-year Green Visa was introduced, allowing freelancers and self-employed professionals to work without a sponsor.
According to Zainulbhai, freelancers can apply through free zones like Dubai Media City (DMC) and Dubai Internet City (DIC). The cost of obtaining a freelance visa ranges from Dh2,000 to Dh12,000, with an approval process that typically takes 7 to 10 days.
Freelancing as a Career Path
Professionals looking to transition into freelancing should build a strong portfolio showcasing their past projects and results. The demand for independent talent continues to rise, particularly as companies in the Middle East prioritize speed, quality, and flexibility.
With initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s digital transformation agenda, businesses are turning to freelancers and independent consultants to execute high-impact projects at competitive costs with lower hiring risks.
The 2025 Talent on Demand report is based on research and proprietary data from real projects on the Outsized platform.
