How UAE’s freelancers manage expenses without a fixed monthly salary

An increasing number of residents in the UAE are turning to freelance work to carve out their own paths toward financial freedom and stability. However, while the allure of flexibility and independence attracts many, for many freelancers, the stress of waiting for the next opportunity often leads to feelings of uncertainty and financial anxiety.

Amina Mohamed S, a professional photographer with 11 years of experience, has successfully turned her passion into her profession. Her love for photography began in her teenage years, when she would capture moments in her neighborhood and family gatherings. However, her path to freelance photography wasn’t a straightforward one. “I wanted to embrace my independence,” she explained. “I felt that pursuing freelance photography would give me the freedom to explore my creativity while also managing my responsibilities at home.”

Amina, a resident of Abu Dhabi, was partly motivated by the desire to balance family life and professional aspirations. As a mother, she sought a career that allowed her to have greater control over her schedule, enabling her to attend school events and family gatherings without the constraints of a traditional office job.

Despite her passion, freelancing comes with its drawbacks. Amina explained that the photography business is often seasonal. “Weddings, events, and portrait sessions tend to come in waves,” she noted. “There are months when I’m fully booked and others when the calendar is almost empty.” This unpredictability can be daunting. “At times, I find myself stressing over whether the next opportunity is just around the corner or if I’ll have to wait weeks to book another client.”

UAE freelance market

As reported by Khaleej Times, the UAE’s freelance market is growing by 10 per cent annually. Freelancers in the UAE can command rates of up to $1,000 (Dh3,600) per day. The 2025 Talent on Demand report, released by the independent talent platform Outsized, reveals that freelancer registrations in the MENA region increased by 78 per cent last year.

Some, like Samir Syed, a public relations expert, have made the leap from traditional 9-to-5 corporate jobs to freelancing. “I realised the corporate world wasn’t for me,” Samir shared. “The constraints, the 9-to-5 grind — it felt stifling. I wanted the freedom to choose my clients and the projects I wanted to work on.”

For Samir, freelancing isn’t just about gaining flexibility; it’s also about professional growth. “I wanted to dedicate myself fully to my passion for storytelling and communication without being held back by bureaucratic processes,” he explained. However, like Amina, Samir also faces the ebb and flow of freelance work. “There are times when there’s a lull, and I might find myself with little to no work,” he admitted. “I’ve learned the importance of saving and budgeting during the busy months to prepare for the slower seasons.”

Budgeting

Budgeting is a crucial skill that many freelancers must master quickly. Samir outlined his approach: “I create a monthly budget based on my peak income months, calculating my fixed costs and estimating what I can afford to spend. It’s essential to be realistic about what I can make. Keeping track of my expenses and income not only helps me live within my means but also sets me up for potential savings.”

The UAE offers multiple visa and residency options for freelancers. In 2022, the country introduced a five-year Green Visa for freelancers and self-employed individuals, allowing them to work without a sponsor. The cost of obtaining a freelancer visa typically ranges from Dh2,000 to Dh12,000, and the approval process usually takes around seven to 10 days once the necessary documents are submitted.

Tariq Hassan, a real estate agent, offers another perspective on the freelance life. Coming from a background in corporate real estate, he transitioned to freelancing to gain more control over his time. “It’s rewarding to help clients find their dream homes, and now I can fully dedicate myself to that process,” he shared. While the independence that comes with freelancing is liberating, it also comes with its own set of challenges. “The real estate market can be volatile; some months are flourishing with sales, while others barely see any activity,” he explained. Like Amina and Samir, Tariq experiences the stress of uncertain income. “When I don’t have a sale in a month, it can feel stressful. It’s essential to maintain a financial safety net.”

Build strong client relationships

Tariq emphasises the importance of building strong client relationships to ensure long-term success. “I focus on establishing trust with my clients. I want them to feel confident in returning to me, whether they’re purchasing a home for the first time or looking to sell. Building these relationships has been vital for my business.”

Dr Anya Patel, a financial adviser specialising in the freelance economy, highlighted the unique financial challenges freelancers face. “Many freelancers are often ill-prepared for the fluctuations in income that accompany their lifestyle,” she explained. “It’s crucial to have a strategy that encompasses budgeting, saving, and planning for long-term financial stability.”

Dr Patel advised freelancers to take a proactive approach to their finances. “Creating a safety net is vital,” she stated. “This includes having a savings cushion that can cover at least three to six months of living expenses. This way, when work is scarce, freelancers can still manage their bills and living costs without immediate stress.”

In terms of budgeting, Dr Patel recommended adopting a zero-based approach. “Every dirham that comes in should be allocated to specific expenses — whether it’s fixed costs, variable costs, or savings. This gives freelancers better control over their spending and helps them build a habit of saving for slower months.”