As exciting as living in Dubai can be, we all know that it isn’t cheap. And in fact, the cost of living is going up all the time. If you feel like you aren’t making enough money to live comfortably, you might want to take on a side hustle. Taking on a side hustle can help you earn extra money and share your skills with others.
More and more people are taking on extra jobs so that they can give themselves a financial boost and have more money at the end of the month. Many of these jobs require minimal investment and can provide substantial returns.
In the sections below, we will describe 35 of the things that you can do to bring in extra cash. We have compiled these particular 35 ideas based upon extensive research into what are both the most popular gigs in the area, and the ones in highest demand.
Looking at the population of Dubai, there is the largest crossover between people who have these skills, and potential beneficiaries that are willing to pay for them.
Taking on a side hustle serves multiple purposes. There is a growing gig economy in the UAE because there are a lot of jobs that are necessary, but which are difficult to fill. Familiarizing yourself with what is out there and finding the right fit is key to success and figuring out how to earn extra money.
Everything from digital marketing to online selling to language translation services can help you make money. You just have to figure out what works best for you.
Economic Trends and Demand for Flexible Work
As mentioned above, the cost of living in the country has been rising steadily. And people’s incomes are not necessarily going up at the same rate.
In order to feel a sense of financial independence, people are looking beyond their regular jobs and taking on more side hustles to supplement their regular incomes. Whether you want to provide delivery services, share your cooking skills, or even work with pet care services, there is a great opportunity out there for you
The freelance and gig economy in the UAE is booming. As more and more people find out about what is out there, the more popular these kinds of side hustles become.
And the whole society stands to benefit as a result. Particularly if you have specialized services, you could well be in high demand.
The process is being made easier by the fact that the digital transformation taking place (both globally and especially in Dubai) is making remote and online work more and more easy to find all the time. Many side hustles can be fulfilled simply by getting online and looking for online income.
Legal Aspects – What You Need to Know
There are certain things that you should know about taking on side hustles. You can’t just go out and grab one. There are legal considerations, and in many cases you will need to:
Obtain a freelance permit, which costs between AED 7500 and 15,000. You can get this from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. You might also need a trade license, depending on the type of work you pursue.
Familiarize yourself with part-time work regulations. Part-time employees usually work between 20 and 30 hours a week, although this varies depending on the job. There are different rules for residents, expats, and sponsored individuals.
And whether or not you have to meet particular time requirements depends on what you are doing. If you take on a freelance writing job, you may be able to work five hours a week to earn online income. It all depends, so you should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to you.
Learn about the different platforms available. There are several sites that offer gigs, including GoFreelance, TECOM, DED Trader License, and others.
In some cases, it may be best to start a Facebook discussion page, or even utilize the community portal within your local community. It all depends on the type of work you want to do, your target demographic, and where potential customers tend to look for information.
35 Best Side Hustle in Dubai to Earn Extra Money in 2025
We will now provide an overview of the 35 best side hustles in Dubai that are popular these days. In some cases, you might be working with local businesses, in others, you will be able to make extra money and earn money online, and in some you might have to utilize freelance platforms.
Some people prefer to work with small businesses, and others want to advertise their services online to make online money.
Online & Digital Side Hustles
There are several different online services to provide and digital side hustles that you can get that will help you earn money aside from your regular job. You may or may not need to sign an employment contract to earn online money, and in many cases – particularly for small businesses – you don’t.
These side hustles are all Internet-based and don’t require leaving your home and will help you earn extra cash online as a form of income. They include:
Freelance graphic design. Earning extra income from design can be a great side hustle for people with the right skills. Some graphic design jobs require a degree in design, but others don’t. If you have a knack for design and want to take on work in this area, put a portfolio together and look for gigs where you can utilize your talents.
There are many startups in Dubai that are getting off the ground and could use help with their websites and other promotional material. Even the online gaming community needs designers. Look up job sites for creatives and see if you can find places that need help.
Social media management. A lot of people need help in this area. You can get a side hustle that will help people create, schedule, and manage their social media content to optimize their followings and grow their social media while enabling you to earn money.
Gig platforms will advertise people and groups that need help.
Blogging or vlogging. Another gig that you can take on to earn money without signing an employment contract is blogging and vlogging. If you are a good writer and interested in content creation in web development, you might consider blogging about a subject of interest to you.
Be sure that it is something that is of interest to people and will give you a significant following. Or, if you are good at making videos, you might try your hand at vlogging and video-based content creation for extra cash. Remember, though, that a lot of people are doing these things now, so you will have to work hard at it to monetize your efforts and earn money online.
Dropshipping. Dropshipping is an order fulfilment option in which ecommerce companies outsource their procurement, shoring, and shipping duties to an external supplier.
If this is something that interests you, create a portfolio on GoFreelance or one of the other platforms and advertise your services. If you have experience in this area, be sure to emphasize it on your page, and you can get extra money for it.
Affiliate marketing. A lot of people are making extra money by taking on a side hustle in affiliate marketing, which is part of digital marketing. Many affiliate marketing companies are looking for people to advertise products and services through third-party sites.
Payment takes place by the click, so every time someone clicks on a link, it results in a gain. In other words, it becomes a great source of passive income. You should have an interest in digital marketing and what kinds of messages work if you want to pursue this type of gig as a side hustle in Dubai.
Virtual assistant. Another thing that many startups – and even more well-established businesses need is virtual assistants. You can gain extra cash with this kind of side hustle.
Being a virtual assistant means that you can perform many of the functions that in-person assistants do, but from home. Communicating with customers, creating content for businesses, and handling other types of administrative tasks are all part of being a virtual assistant as a side hustle in Dubai.
Copywriting and translation. If you are a good writer or have language skills, these can be useful for many Dubai-based companies and you can earn money through them. Copywriting is a side hustle that involves freelance writing articles for companies and using information available online as sources. Quality content creation is in great need.
Many Dubai companies also need translators as they have international clientele. You can look on freelance sites or look up companies that work with certain countries that represent your language skills and contact them about possible translation work.
Selling digital products. You can also sell e-books, templates, and other digital products in online marketplaces as a side hustle to generate revenue and earn money through. If you love reading and are good at summarizing and advertising books, this could be a good gig for you. Include this in your online portfolio, and include links to your work.
In-Demand Skill-Based Gigs
There are also quite a few skill-based gigs that could be good side hustles for you and help you earn extra money if you have the right skills. These include:
Private tutoring. If you have in-depth knowledge of a particular subject or are interested in helping children with their academic needs, look online for private tutoring side hustles.
There are a lot of families in Dubai with needs in this area, and you can pull in extra money by putting in after-school hours during your free time. This is a part time job that you can put in as many or few hours as you wish.
Fitness coaching. Many people in Dubai want to take a break from their jobs and pay attention to their physical fitness.
If you have a fitness-related skill, make yourself and your skills known at gyms in the area. Particularly if you have achievements or certification in fitness-related activities, you could be a good candidate to coach or teach classes for extra income with this kind of side hustle. It can be a great way to generate money and utilizing your extra time in a way that is useful and enjoyable for you.
Event photography. Events are huge in Dubai. Like freelance writing, if you have photography skills, you could be in high demand to shoot events and make extra money with a photography side hustle. If you want to earn money in Dubai by freelancing in an industry that you know well, this is a great opportunity for freelancers.
Especially if you have experience in this area, you should put together a site of your work and send it to events groups. Photographers can make very good money for their work, and the hours are flexible.
Makeup services. If you want to earn money in Dubai outside your regular job, the city is a big spot for weddings and other kinds of formal events. Many women come there for destination events but are not sure where to go to get their makeup done. If you have makeup experience and want to earn extra income with it, go to www.mmgartists.com and advertise your services for a makeup side hustle. You should only consider doing this if you really know the professional techniques involved, though.
Mobile car wash. You can get a side hustle providing car wash services to people who need them for extra income. Advertise online and make your presence known in your neighborhood. Maybe even put up physical signs so that people will notice them.
Home catering/baking. Many people have events that they need caterers for, and you can earn extra income by starting up a home catering business and utilizing your cooking skills. You can shop at Dubai’s famous local markets for goods and use them to create your own specialties. The ability to cook homemade dishes Dubai is prized, indeed.
For this kind of side hustle you will need a license, but it is possible to get one from the Dubai municipality. Start a social media presence for yourself by highlighting your selling homemade food and try to spread it around as widely as possible. You will soon find that you can earn additional money easily.
App-Based & Gig Economy Jobs
There is a growing market for app-based and gig economy side hustles in the area that will help you earn additional money. These are side hustles that don’t require a high skill level but which are nonetheless in high demand in the UAE. They include the following:
Uber/Careem driver. Many people come to Dubai without their own forms of transportation. As public transportation is limited, there is a high demand for drivers.
You will need to have an international driver’s license to get a side hustle with these companies and private vehicle registration. Drivers can make up to AED 10,000 per month.
Talabat/Deliveroo delivery. Talabat and Deliveroo are two Dubai-based companies that provide delivery services.
To get a side hustle with one of these companies, you need to be a legal adult and pass a basic background check. You also need to have an international driver’s license. Delivery workers can make up to AED 5000 per month.
TaskRabbit jobs. If you are handy with home-related work, you might check out TaskRabbit-related side hustles. There are many kinds of home repair and renovation needs that people in the area have.
If you have these skills, go onto the site and build a profile for yourself. Ask your first customers to leave reviews for you so that you can build your credibility. Income varies widely depending on the task.
Pet sitting. Many people in Dubai travel frequently and need someone to take care of their pets while they are away. If you love animals, you can advertise your services at www.petwatchapp.com and get a job pet sitting. Dog walking services are a related activity that is prized by people who need it.
As you build your credibility with customers, you will gain appeal as someone who can be trusted with people’s pets and build a solid side hustle this way. You might even become a pet’s favourite house sitter. Pet sitting/dog walking can make up to AED 30,000 a year.
Grocery shopping. For people who are either too busy to do their own grocery shopping, or who are physically impaired, you can provide grocery services. Instacart, Fiverr, and even standard job sites like Indeed advertise these gigs. Personal shoppers can make up to AED 10,000 per month.
Car sharing or renting. If you own a car, you may be able to make money off of car sharing as a reliable side hustle in Dubai.
Creative & Passive Income Ideas
There are other creative income ideas in which you can use your skills to help teach or entertain people in different ways as a side hustle in Dubai. They either involve working with small businesses, food businesses, other specialized services, online stores, or other profitable niches.
Some of these ideas require more skills than others, but depending on your talents and interests, you might find one that is right for you.
Print-on-demand. If you have the technological capability, you can provide print-on-demand services for companies that need things printed and don’t have the capacity themselves. People with events or special interest needs, for example, can be good candidates for clientele.
To do this, you will need to start a formal company and register it, and you will have to obtain a license from the Department of Economic Development. If you decide to do this, it is best to focus on one or more particular niches (children’s birthday parties, for example) and advertise to these target audiences.
Selling stock photos. If you are a serious photographer, you may be able to get involved in online selling and sell your photos to photo agencies in Dubai. Local laws require that you have a photo license, and that you comply with privacy laws established by the government.
You will need to obtain either a freelance license or a business license. Be sure that you are familiar with the standards required by photo agencies for stock photos before you get started.
Online courses. If you have a specialty area, you can share it with other people online in the form of an online course. To do this effectively, you will need to do research on what your precise topic of instruction should be and who else is offering courses on it.
If your topic is already covered by a lot of people, you might not get many attendees in your courses. You will need to choose the right platform (Teachable and Udemy are popular ones, but you should make a decision based upon your specialty and your target audience. Qualifications vary depending on the particular platform that you choose.
YouTube monetization. While it is a challenge to reach the point of monetizing a YouTube channel, it certainly isn’t impossible. As with teaching online courses, the trick is to find the right niche where you won’t have too much competition and can draw in a large enough audience to meet the requirements for the YouTube Partner Program.
You will also need to have achieved a certain number of watch hours. Once you have met these criteria, you can start putting ads on your site, get fan funding, sell merchandise, and partner with other brands.
REIT investment. Investing in real estate is becoming more and more popular globally. There are different ways to do it, and one of them is investing in a REIT (real estate investment trust). This is an excellent way to earn passive income while making just a minimal investment.
REITs are companies that own income-producing real estate from which investors benefit when the REIT profits. To do this, you will need to open an account with a broker authorized to trade on NASDAQ Dubai.
Niche blogging. If you have a specialty area that may be of interest to people, you could try niche blogging on one of several available online platforms. As with teaching and starting a YouTube channel, you will only be successful in monetizing your efforts if you choose a subject area that doesn’t have too much competition from other bloggers and which will draw a sufficient audience to make it worth your while.
You can earn income from placing ads on your blog, selling products, or offering a premium account to people who want more in-depth information. You will also need to figure out how to reach your target audience, and this will depend on the subject area. Social media and subject-specific discussion forums are among the methods that people use.
Each of these is a side hustle in Dubai worth pursuing for people with the right skills and interest.
Local / Community-Based Side Hustles
You can also take on hustles that involve your local community. Community-based side hustles vary depending on what type of community you live in and what the needs and interests of your neighbors are, but you can almost certainly find something that suits you.
Organizing local events. Dubai is a place where things happen. Event organizing can vary from small-scale block parties to large-scale performance-type events and more. For some events, you might only need a permit to use a local park or venue.
Others may be much more complicated. You should determine the needs of your local area and what type of event might suit people best.
AirBnB hosting. This can be a great source of income in a place like Dubai, where hotel prices tend to be high and people want to look around for alternative places to stay. To do this, you need to comply with international AirBnB policies and find rental platforms on which you can advertise.
In particular, you must be at least 18 years old, have a property that meets AirBnB standards, and be able to provide proof of identity and residence. You also need to have a valid bank account. Keep in mind that hosting can be a great source of income, but it also requires work. You will need to be able to handle problems that arise with your property and deal with any issues that arise with guests.
Babysitting. A lot of people need babysitters when they want to go out and experience Dubai nightlife without the kids. Like babysitting anywhere, you will need to have a certain level of credibility with potential parents before they allow you to stay with their kids, but it can be a great side job with the neighbors.
You can start by getting to know people in your community, and be prepared to provide references upon request. The more you are able to prove your experience with kids, the easier it will be to earn parents’ trust.
House cleaning. House cleaning can also be a good way to earn money, although depending on your community, you might have stiff competition from immigrant guest workers that are willing to work for very little.
Get to know the people in your community and make your desire to help known. You may be able to get people to choose you because they like and trust you and would like to give you the work, then you will be able to find flexible gig opportunities with several of your neighbors.
Gardening/balcony services. Many people in Dubai own homes, but do not have time for gardening. If you have a green thumb, let the people in your community know it.
If your community has an online discussion portal, make your services available publicly. You can even take the old-fashioned route and put up paper announcements on bulletin boards. This can be a fun side job if gardening is a hobby you enjoy.
Handmade product sales. If you have a talent for crafts, whether they be pottery, crochet, or other kinds of things, you can try to sell them at community events. Being successful at this requires both the skill to make something that is unique and in sufficient demand, and also having good relations with others in your community.
Tourist guide or translator. If you know the area well and have in-depth knowledge of both history and important sites, you might consider becoming a tourist guide. Look up tourist agencies in Dubai and send them your credentials.
Particularly if you speak at least two languages, it might be a good gig for you. You might also find work as a translator, particularly if you speak languages that are needed in the area. Look up translation agencies in Dubai and send them your resume if this is of interest.
Property management. If you have experience with property management, you can obtain a license from Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency and look for available jobs. You will need to undergo training and pass required exams.
You will also need to obtain a trade license and register with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Dubai has websites that are devoted to jobs like this, such as Naukrifulf.
Hosting language exchanges. As one of the world’s leading global hubs, Dubai is a potential mecca for language exchanges. There is a huge demand for language learning among businessmen and others in the area, and not everyone has the time for formal classes.
Therefore, if you can find venues that will allow you to host language exchanges, you can advertise them online and try to attract the right mix of people who want to learn each other’s languages. You can charge a small fee for participation, and if you get the right number of participants then it could add up to a significant amount.
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for You
If a lot of these ideas sound interesting but you’re not sure where to start, there are a few ways that you can determine what is best for you.
First of all, think about what it is that you really enjoy. If you are taking on a side hustle in addition to your full time job, you will likely have already expended a lot of energy at the office. Therefore, taking on something else that is excessively difficult might drain you to the point of burnout. You might also need your employer’s consent.
You also want to think about what you are good at, and whether or not people will really need your services.
If you speak Swahili but this has no demand in the area, you might not get much of a response from translation agencies. If your community has a need for plumbers, but you’re only proficient with other types of renovations, this won’t be a good match either.
The trick is to find the right combination of something that interests you and that is also in demand. And you will have to figure out how much you will make for the amount of time that you devote to the task. It should be enough to justify your efforts.
To get the formula right, you will first need to familiarize yourself with what is out there and where the gaps are that you can potentially fill.
Consider Your Time & Legal Status
You will also need to figure out several practical things. First of all, you will need to determine whether you have the time for a side hustle. A lot of people think that it sounds like a good idea, but when it comes down to it they don’t actually have the time to do the job right. You will also need to consider your legal status. Not everyone is eligible for every type of job. If you are considering taking on a particular job, be sure that your residency or visa status allows for it.
You will also want to consider whether your efforts will be scalable over time. If you start on a small scale and don’t make much initially, this is normal. But you want to be able to grow over time, unless you simply need quick cash in a pinch. Do your research on what the realistic earning potential is in your field.
Start Small – Test Before You Invest
Before you dive in head first, it is a good idea to start small and get a feel for what your gig will be like. Whether it be working in the food business, taking on translation services, working with content creation of different sorts, dog walking, web development/developing social media accounts, teaching online classes, pet house sitting, working with a dropshipping business, online gaming, or any number of other side jobs, you can start slowly and build up gradually. Try working with just a few test clients at first and see how successful you are, and how much you enjoy the work. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the platforms that will help you advertise best, such as Facebook groups and different kinds of marketplaces.
There are different kinds of side hustle in Dubai. They include both online opportunities for people who have online content-related skills to offer, community-based opportunities for people looking to get more involved in their local communities, investment-related passive income possibilities, the opportunity to sell goods, and more. Finding the right side hustle means finding out what works best for you and the people who need your services. Who knows? You might find that something you once considered just a hobby like online gaming can actually bring in cash. Check out existing job portals and other online platforms and see what you can find. Advertise your services locally.
You should be prepared to be flexible, yet still maintain focus on your primary task. Think about the growth potential of your potential gig and how much long-term success you expect to achieve. If you get the formula right, you could be in a great position to earn extra money and build your skills. So start thinking about what kind of side hustle in Dubai you might take on; you have nowhere to go but up.
