Abu Dhabi offers freelancer licences for 48 business activities

Our Correspondent

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) announced that UAE citizens, residents and non-residents can obtain freelancer licences to practise around 48 economic activities. The move will enable non-citizens to conduct their business activities from their residences or any
other authorised location. The licences were previously issued to UAE nationals only.

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, said that that this will help stimulate the business and investment environments in the emirate and will create more job opportunities in certain fields that add value to the business sector.

The economic activities under this type of licences are mostly technical and service related. Many residents in the UAE, especially those with adequate professional experience in Abu Dhabi’s labour market, have the technical skills to practice these activities.

Al Blooshi felt the licences will lead to various positive economic results such as harnessing the skills of unemployed people. Moreover, it allows those with technical expertise to practice freelance activities after finishing their normal work hours. The licence will help businesses by eliminating the need to employ labour for specialisations that are needed only periodically. Freelancers can also provide their services remotely and round the clock. It will help mitigate the unemployment problem and increase the income of retirees, housewives and students, among others.
There are a number of work terms and general conditions that applicants need to be meet. If the applicant works for the public sector, he/she should obtain an approval from the government employer and meet the general requirements. If the applicant works on a permanent employment contract in the private sector, the employer’s approval is a must if the employer’s activity is similar to or overlaps with the activity of the requested licence. If the employer’s activity is different, the employer’s approval is not needed. The same criterion applies if the applicant works on a part-time contract in the private sector. The two parties will have to reach agreement regarding work timings, leaves and other obligations.

The economic activities that can be practised with a freelancer licence include fashion design, clothing, natural and aesthetic flowers arrangement, photography studio, event photography, videography, event management, gift packaging, jewellery design, web design, project design and management services, translation, calligraphy, drawing, statistical consultations, agricultural guidance and marketing operations management.

Consultation activities in areas of computer hardware and software, real estate, legal consultancy, public relations, standardisation and quality management, pest control, project development, procurement, technical installations, green buildings, information technology, economic feasibility studies, human resources, tourism, heritage, entertainment, administrative studies, food safety, goods designs, fine art, architectural drawings, and maritime services are also covered.

In addition, marketing studies, parliamentary studies, banking and marketing services in the fields of energy, space and logistical consultations, fitness, art works, sculpting, handicrafts, printing services, photocopying, gardening and landscaping, printing on textiles or clothes, plastering, engraving, decoration and soap-making can be practised with the licence.