The Dept. of Economic Development (DED) of Abu Dhabi announced just recently the eligibility of UAE citizens, UAE residents, and all non-residents in applying for a freelance license.
The new licensing regulation allows freelancers to practice several different kinds of economic activities in Abu Dhabi. Previously, licenses were only issued to a local or UAE national.
The new freelancer permit will enable businesses in tapping into the expertise and experience of the local market. It is also set to offer workers a lot more flexibility in working remotely in an authorized location. In addition, this recent move of the local government is going to boost the incomes of a variety of groups. This includes stay-home parents, students, and retirees.
Applicants won’t be required in acquiring official office space. They can also apply for a UAE residency visa not only for themselves but also for their family. In order to apply, an applicant first needs to prove his or her skill set. There is also the need to prove that the freelancing activity will be similar to his or her employment role. The permission of an employer will be required prior to the application for a freelancing permit.
Economic activities permitted with Abu Dhabi Freelance License
| No | Activity Name |
| 1 | Soap forming |
| 2 | Organizing events and parties |
| 3 | Consultation for tourism and recreation |
| 4 | Consultation for green buildings Consultation for green buildings |
| 5 | Marketing studies and consultancy Marketing studies and consultancy |
| 6 | Consultancy in the information technology |
| 7 | Translation publication services |
| 8 | Heritage consultation |
| 9 | Plastering and carving |
| 10 | Artificial and natural flowers coordination |
| 11 | Space consultancies |
| 12 | Design services |
| 13 | Consulting technical equipment and technical |
| 14 | Clothes and fashion design |
| 15 | Real estate consultancy |
| 16 | Human resources consultancy |
| 17 | Public relations consultancy |
| 18 | Marketing consultancy for the energy field |
| 19 | Computer equipment and devices consultancy |
| 20 | Environmental works and handcrafted products |
| 21 | Gardening and landscape services |
| 22 | Management of marketing operations |
| 23 | Consultation on parliamentary |
| 24 | Economical feasibility studies and consultancy |
| 25 | Photography for occasions and parties |
| 26 | Administrative studies and consultancy |
| 27 | Lifestyle development consultancy |
| 28 | Painters and calligraphers |
| 29 | Plague resisting consultancy |
| 30 | Agricultural extension services |
| 31 | Procurement consulting |
| 32 | Maritime consultancies services |
| 33 | Measuring, standardization, and quality consultancy |
| 34 | Consultancy on commodities designing |
| 35 | Project management |
| 36 | Jewelry design |
| 37 | Personal videotaping |
| 38 | Statistical services consultancies |
| 39 | Banking services consultancy |
| 40 | Gift wrapping |
| 41 | Food safety consulting |
| 42 | Consultancy project development |
| 43 | Artwork for the cosmetic craft |
| 44 | Photography services |
| 45 | Fine Arts consultancy |
| 46 | Network websites design |
| 47 | Logistics consultancy |
| 48 | Architectural production and consultancy on technical drawing |
According to Abu Dhabi DED Undersecretary, Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, the resolution is going to contribute when it comes to enhancing roles played by non-citizens and UAE citizens alike in boosting the business sector of Abu Dhabi. The undersecretary said this is going to be a huge help in stimulating the investment and business environments within the UAE’s capital. It’s also going to produce hundreds of thousands more job opportunities in fields that are necessary for adding to our business sector.
The decision of DED in qualifying non-residents with the freelancing permit is going to have a positive effect on the emirate’s services sector as economic activities under the license are often service and technical related. Many residents in UAE, including those with professional experience in the labor market of Abu Dhabi, have technical skills in practicing the permitted activities. They, too, can acquire the permit.
For quick and easy processing of freelance license in Abu Dhabi for international freelancers, call us here in FAR Consulting Middle East!
