Dubai launches new freelance permit for tech professionals

Dubai Internet City (DIC) has launched its a new permit to enable freelance talent to work in the technology sector, it announced on Wednesday.

As part of the GoFreelance package, freelancers will have access to various services and facilities offered by DIC.

Experts in the domains of web, mobile, software development and architecture, IT and telecommunication networking, data science and analytics, and customer service, as those providing technical support and related services are eligible to apply, a statement said.

Freelancers will have the flexibility to choose the company they work with, the projects they work on, and manage their own schedule.

The fee for the freelance package is Dhs7,500 per year, which is inclusive of the freelancer permit and access to the business centre.

Applicants must provide a completed form, CV, passport copy, bank reference letter, no objection certificate, portfolio of work, education credentials and certificates among other documents.

Ammar Al Malik, managing director, DIC and Dubai Outsource City, said: “The technology landscape in Dubai is evolving at breath-taking speed. It is imperative that businesses keep up with the pace at which technology is now being developed and consumed. In order to stay relevant, competitive and profitable, businesses need to ensure that they operate with a flexible business model, one that embraces the concept of freelance talent.

“GoFreelance is one such solution that businesses can take advantage of to keep up with the constant demand for talent.”

Industry experts estimate that there are around 100,000 licenced freelancers paid on a short-term contract basis.

An increasing number of companies are offering flexible work schedules and the option of working from home, which has also brought down operational costs.

Malik said: “Apart from retaining talent, GoFreelance will also attract and nurture young innovators from around the world. This will encourage healthy competition and facilitate the generation of new ideas and concepts, resulting in added value creation not just for themselves, but for the industry and economy at large.”

The GoFreelance package has already been introduced by freezone operator TECOM Group at the Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park zones.

Read more: Dubai’s TECOM cuts freelance licence costs by 70%