Freelancers in the UAE are commanding up to $1,000 (Dh3,600) per day, with high demand for expertise in cards portfolio management, project and product management, data analytics, business development, and risk management, according to Outsized’s 2025 Talent on Demand report. Day rates start at $300 (Dh1,100), varying based on experience and industry.
In cards portfolio management, professionals with up to five years of experience earn between $275 and $325 daily, while those with 11-15 years command $725 to $875. Project managers start at $250 per day, with senior professionals earning up to $675. Data analysts make between $225 and $750 daily, while product managers earn $175 to $600 based on experience. Business development freelancers earn between $425 and $675 daily. Those with 15+ years of experience, particularly in niche or complex projects, command even higher rates.
Freelancer registrations in MENA surged by 78% in the past year. The UAE’s freelance market is growing at 10% annually, driven by businesses seeking flexible, high-quality expertise. However, a significant supply-demand gap persists, leading to higher freelancer premiums compared to South Asia or South Africa. Companies are increasingly relying on independent consultants and project-based hires to fill this gap while maintaining agility.
The UAE offers multiple visa options, including the five-year Green Visa introduced in 2022, allowing freelancers to work without sponsorship. Applications can be processed through free zones like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, with costs ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh12,000 and approvals taking seven to 10 days.
Freelancers play a growing role in the UAE’s workforce transformation. Companies across the region, particularly under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s digital transformation agenda, are tapping independent talent for competitive, low-risk, high-impact projects. Skilled professionals looking to transition into freelancing are advised to build strong portfolios highlighting their project outcomes.
Source: Khaleej Times
Source: Freelancers in the UAE earn up to $1,000 (Dh3,600) per day: Report – ETHRWorldEMEA
