Top 5 Side Hustles to Earn Extra Money in Dubai

If you have ever wondered how to make money in Dubai from home, you are not the only one. With most expats coming to the city with the primary goal of building wealth, additional income sources are very desirable. Let’s admit it, even with a 9-to-5 job or a well-functioning business in Dubai, the income obtained is often not enough. With bills to manage, debts to pay off, and families to take care of, we usually find ourselves in the need to earn some extra money in Dubai. This is where the advantage of doing a side hustle arises. In this article, we will explore the top 5 side hustles for an additional income in Dubai.

What Exactly is a Side Hustle?

By definition, a side hustle is the additional work that you take up for supplementary income. A side hustle is different from a part-time job since it allows you more freedom and control over what you do. It can be seen as a form of part-time business. Ideally, you must pursue something that interests you, and that you already have a knack for.

Benefits of a Side Hustle

Before we talk about the side hustles you can pursue in Dubai, let’s discuss the benefits it can offer you.

1. Additional Income

This is undoubtedly the biggest benefit of a side hustle. This supplementary income can come in handy to pay your bills, and loan installments, and thus increase your monthly savings.

2. Pursuing Passion

A side hustle allows you to follow your passion while doing a full-time job. This can be the foundation to develop a full-fledged career out of your side hustle later on.

3. Flexibility Guaranteed

As mentioned earlier, you will be in control of what you do with your side hustle. In a way, being your own boss means you get to decide what product or service to offer and the number of hours to dedicate toward your side hustle.

Best Side Hustles to Earn Money in Dubai From Home

Below we have explored the top side hustles that you can consider for additional income in Dubai:

1. Freelancing

If you are wondering how to earn money online in the UAE, freelancing could be your answer. As a thriving business hub, the UAE has ample opportunities for freelancers. With so many companies looking to outsource projects, it is natural for freelancers to be in demand in the UAE. Being a freelancer in the UAE, you have the flexibility to choose the projects you can work on, the time to dedicate to them, and the rates to charge for them.

Here are the top fields within which you can take up freelancing work to earn money online in Dubai and the UAE:

1. Writing
2. Graphic Design
3. Web Development
4. Digital Marketing
5. Consultancy

The UAE has always welcomed freelancers and has launched numerous initiatives in their interest. Numerous free zones in the UAE offer specialized licenses and visas for freelancers. InZone can assist you if you are looking for freelancer license and visas in the UAE.

2. Video Content Creation

With the rise of social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, content creation has gained immense popularity as a side hustle throughout the world. A truly Instagram-worthy destination like Dubai is surely an ideal place for content creators. Content creation is mainly about developing engaging content for entertainment and educational purposes. By targeting the right audience set and creating relevant content, you can monetize your work and earn online money in the UAE.

Once you build a sizable fan following, you can partner up with brands to produce sponsored content. Video content creators often delve into influencer marketing as well. It is key to note that an influencer license in the UAE is needed to operate legally. InZone can guide you through the process of obtaining your influencer license, ensuring that you meet all the legal requirements for operating in the UAE.

3. Home-Based Cooking

If you possess good cooking skills, you can consider taking up a culinary side hustle. In a city like Dubai which has a large working population, residents often lack time to cook for themselves. This gives you a large pool of potential consumers to start a homemade food business, and therefore an excellent opportunity to make money from home in Dubai.

Below are the different cooking side hustles you can take up:

1. Catering
2. Tiffin service
3. Selling food products

4. Airbnb Hosting

If you own or rent a property in the UAE, you can lease it out as a holiday home through Airbnb. It is a platform that connects people looking for accommodation with individuals renting out their spaces. With Dubai being a tourist hub, the demand for such accommodations is sky high. If you own or rent such a space, Airbnb hosting is an excellent opportunity for you to earn additional money in Dubai. One must bear in mind that to manage more than 8 units as a property owner, a DED license is required.

5. Dropshipping

A dropshipping model typically involves purchasing products from third parties or wholesalers and delivering them to customers. Dropshipping makes for a great side gig in Dubai thanks to the minimal investment involved. You can run your business from anywhere and earn online money in the UAE that too without investing in inventory management. The key requirement for starting a dropshipping business is an e-commerce license in Dubai. Such a license is required for online selling and you can be liable for penalties if you conduct business without obtaining one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need my employer’s consent to start a side hustle in Dubai?

This depends on your employment contract. It is advisable to first review your employment contract to check if there are any clauses that prevent you from starting a side hustle. Many of the UAE’s free zones do not require a No Objection Certificate from your employer.

2. Can I earn online income in the UAE on a visit visa?

Unfortunately, taking up online work while on a UAE visit visa is not permissible by law. Only an individual with a residency visa can take up side hustles.

3. How can I set up a business for my side hustle in Dubai?

Setting up a business in Dubai involves several steps, including selecting a business activity, choosing a company structure, and obtaining the necessary licenses. Business formation in Dubai can be streamlined with the help of company formation specialists who can guide you through the legal and administrative processes.