Want to make money on the side? Try one of these top 10 side hustles in Dubai.
Ever feel like your paycheck vanishes the second it hits your bank account? Between rent, bills, groceries, and, you know, actually wanting to live a little, it’s tough out there. I’ve been there, constantly juggling expenses and wondering if I could get ahead.
That’s why I dove headfirst into the world of side hustles in Dubai, trying everything from online gigs to local hustles. After much trial and error, I’ve rounded up those that work. Keep reading to discover which one is perfect for you!
1. Web Development and Design
With all the buzz surrounding Dubai’s tech scene right now, it’s amazing how freelancers here can earn anywhere from AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 a month just by taking on projects ranging from creating sleek websites to designing mobile apps.
What’s cool is that the demand is booming! Businesses and startups are scrambling to carve out their space online, so if you know coding or design, this is like your golden ticket.
Getting started is easier than you think. First, hop onto platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to create a profile showing your skills. If you’re into design, tools like Adobe Creative Suite are a must, and for coding, something like Visual Studio Code will serve you well.
Pro tip:
Consider collaborating on projects with other freelancers, such as writers or marketers. This will expand your service offerings and help you tap into their client networks, boosting your visibility and income potential.
2. Content Writing and Copywriting
Many businesses in Dubai seek quality content—think blogs, websites, and catchy marketing campaigns. If you’ve got a knack for storytelling or enjoy playing with words, this could be your ticket to a fulfilling side hustle.
You could dive into freelance gigs, write engaging blog posts, craft compelling website content, or create persuasive marketing materials. Depending on your work and experience level, you earn anywhere from AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 a month.
You can create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to showcase your skills and catch potential clients. It’s always a good idea to have a portfolio ready—this could be samples of your previous work or even some personal projects.
Pro tip:
Tools like Grammarly can help polish your writing, and Canva can be a game-changer for designing standout visuals.
3. Graphic Design
Imagine diving into a side hustle where you can whip up stunning visuals for brands or create eye-catching social media campaigns. Depending on what you’re good at and the projects you pick, you could make at least AED 70 per hour with graphic design.
If you’re thinking of getting started, it’s easier than you might think! For graphic design, start by putting together a portfolio of your best work on sites like Behance or Dribble—trust me, it helps showcase your style.
Then, hop onto platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients looking for your skills. And hey, if you want to boost your earnings, consider investing some time in online courses to sharpen your skills.
Pro tip:
Mastering tools like Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design or Hootsuite for managing social media can set you apart.
4. Translation Services
If you can speak multiple languages, offering translation services is one of the coolest ways to make extra cash in Dubai. You could translate documents or websites or do real-time interpreting if you’re feeling adventurous.
The possibilities are endless. Freelance translators in this city can earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour. First, determine which languages you’re strongest in and where your expertise lies.
Create profiles on freelance platforms where potential clients are actively looking for translators. And don’t forget about tools like CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) software—they can boost your efficiency and accuracy, making you stand out.
Pro tip:
Always ask for feedback after completing a project. Not only does this help you improve your skills, but positive reviews can significantly enhance your profile’s visibility on freelance platforms.
5. Dropshipping
What’s cool about dropshipping is that you sell products without stocking them yourself. You partner with suppliers who handle everything and ship directly to your customers. It’s like having your own store without the storage headaches!
If you play your cards right, you could make between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000 monthly, even more as you get your groove on. To stand out, focus on niche products in high demand but with low competition.
Social media marketing and SEO can be your best friends for driving traffic to your store. Platforms like AliExpress or Oberlo can help with that. Then, set up your online store using a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget the e-commerce license you’ll need in Dubai to keep everything above board.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Imagine setting up a blog or an Instagram account to share your thoughts on your favorite brands. Then, when someone clicks on your links and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
Depending on your niche and how well you engage with your audience, you could bring in a few hundred to several thousand dirhams each month! Some affiliates even talk about making over AED 100,000 annually.
First, consider a niche that excites you and has a good market demand—whether it’s luxury fashion, tech gadgets, or something else you’re passionate about. Then, you can sign up for platforms like Amazon Associates or local ones like H&M UAE or Ounass.
Pro tip:
Always disclose your affiliate relationships. When people know you’re recommending products because you believe in them (and not just for the commission), they’re likelier to click through and make purchases.
7. Renting Properties
Imagine owning or renting a place in Dubai and turning it into a holiday home! Depending on your property’s location and size, I’ve heard people making anywhere from AED 200 to a staggering AED 1,500 per night!
Just first check that you’re meeting all the local regulations for short-term rentals—because, you know, licenses and all that good stuff from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) are a must.
Once that’s done, you can create an eye-catching listing on Airbnb or similar sites. Take some high-quality photos and write a few fun descriptions highlighting what makes your space special.
Pro tip:
Offer personalized experiences for your guests, such as guided tours or local dining recommendations. This will enhance your stay and encourage them to leave glowing reviews, boosting your rental’s visibility and attractiveness on listing platforms.
8. Short-Term Rentals
If you’ve got a spare room or even a whole property sitting empty, platforms like Airbnb are fantastic for tapping into the influx of tourists in Dubai. You could be making anywhere from AED 200 to AED 2,000 a night!
Getting started isn’t all that tricky, either. Just make sure your property meets local regulations—sometimes that means getting a license, especially if you plan to manage more than one unit.
After that, it’s all about creating an appealing listing on sites like Airbnb or Booking.com. Seriously, those high-quality photos are a game-changer. If you can swing it, hiring a professional photographer is worth it.
Pro tip:
When setting up your rental space, add small touches that make a big impact—like a welcome basket with snacks or local guides. You could even go the extra mile and offer cleaning or concierge support services.
9. Real Estate Flipping
Diving into the world of flipping real estate in Dubai can be exciting. You’ll buy undervalued properties, give them a fresh look with some renovations, and then sell them for a profit.
If you’re thinking about getting started, don’t let it stress you out! Just do a bit of homework first. Look for neighborhoods with brewing excitement. Maybe there’s new infrastructure or a surge in demand.
Online platforms like Dubizzle or Property Finder are goldmines for finding those hidden gems. Once you’ve spotted a potential flip, connecting with reliable contractors is key. Trust me, quality work can boost your resale value significantly.
Pro tip:
If you’re worried about having enough upfront cash, consider financing options like hard money loans or partnering with a partner.
10. Property Management
Have you ever thought about managing properties for owners who live abroad or just can’t find the time to deal with the everyday stuff? Imagine earning anywhere from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 a month—a pretty sweet deal, right?
If you’re considering diving in, don’t let it overwhelm you! Start by getting a good grasp of Dubai’s rental laws and current market trends. Trust me, that knowledge is going to be super valuable.
You should sign up on platforms like Dubizzle or Airbnb to start listing properties and connecting with clients. Investing in good property management software can help you keep track of finances, communications, and maintenance requests.
Pro tip:
Develop strong relationships with local contractors—plumbers, electricians, and cleaners—who can assist with property maintenance.