UAE Freelance Market Soars: Registrations Up by 78%, Day Rates Reach Up to $1,000

Hi Dubai

10-03-2025

The freelancing landscape in the UAE has experienced significant growth, with freelancer registrations increasing by 78% in the past year, according to Outsized's 2025 Talent on Demand report.
As businesses increasingly seek flexible and on-demand expertise, freelancers are commanding impressive day rates, with top professionals earning up to $1,000 (Dh3,600) per day depending on their skillset and experience.
The report highlights that the day rates for independent professionals in the UAE vary widely based on their expertise, industry, and the complexity of the projects they handle. Key areas in high demand include cards portfolio management, project and product management, data analytics, business development, and risk management. Here is a breakdown of the day rates based on skills and experience:
Cards Portfolio Management Entry-level (up to 5 years): $275 - $325 (Dh1,000 - Dh1,200)
Mid-career (11-15 years): $725 - $875 (Dh2,600 - Dh3,200)
Project Management Entry-level (up to 5 years): $250 (Dh900)
Experienced (10+ years): $525 - $675 (Dh1,900 - Dh2,500)
Data Analytics Typical rates range between $225 and $750 (Dh800 - Dh2,700).
Product Management Entry-level: $175 - $225 (Dh640 - Dh825)
Experienced: Up to $600 (Dh2,200)
Business Development Typical rates range from $425 to $675 (Dh1,550 - Dh2,500).
Senior professionals with 15+ years of experience in these fields can command even higher rates, particularly if they bring niche expertise or have a track record of handling high-impact projects.
Zainulbhai, managing director for Mena and India at Outsized, pointed out that the UAE's freelance market is growing annually at 10%. This highlights a shift towards independent work as a sustainable career option, with businesses leveraging flexible, on-demand talent to drive growth and transformation.
However, a significant supply-demand gap persists, which has led to skilled professionals commanding higher premiums compared to regions like South Asia or South Africa. Businesses are increasingly turning to independent consultants and project-based hires to meet this demand.
The UAE government has supported this trend by offering multiple visa and residency options for freelancers. The introduction of the five-year Green Visa in 2022, for instance, allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to work without a sponsor. Freelancers can apply for these visas through free zones like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, with visa costs ranging between Dh2,000 to Dh12,000 and approval typically taking 7 to 10 days.
Zainulbhai noted that to succeed as a freelancer in the UAE, professionals should focus on building a strong portfolio that demonstrates tangible results from past projects. As businesses in the Middle East, particularly those aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's digital transformation agenda, continue to seek out skilled independent talent, the demand for freelance professionals is expected to remain strong.
Outsized's report, based on proprietary data from real projects on its platform, underscores the growing importance of freelance talent as organizations tap into flexible, cost-effective expertise to accelerate high-impact projects.
News Source: Khaleej Times