Best Side Hustles in Dubai for Expats and Residents

Knowing how to earn extra cash in Dubai is always a great idea, whether you’re saving for
the future, traveling, or enjoying some luxury. There are plenty of side hustles in Dubai that
require minimal investment and paperwork— all you need is the right skills and a bit of time.
Even if you already have a profitable business or job, that additional income can bring extra
happiness and security to you and your family.

Key Takeaways

• A side hustle is a flexible business that allows you to earn income based on your passion, and you can do it at your own pace.
• A freelancer must obtain a freelance permit to reside and work in Dubai.

Have you heard of Side Hustle

A side hustle is something that you do for income outside your full-time job. This gives a
person more freedom and flexibility. It is not the same as a part-time job, this is more like a
business allowing you to work at your own pace that fits your life. You can turn your passion
and interest into a profitable side hustle, you just have to get a freelance permit. Let’s
explore interesting some side hustle ideas in Dubai

Top Creative Side Hustles to Boost Your Income in Dubai

1. Online Course Creator

Are you someone who has excellent knowledge of technology, or a specific skill like crochet,
or art then online course creation is the best way to earn money. Here you create, and
design courses on specific subjects or skills. There are various platforms that allow course
creation online. You can use social media to reach the target audience and sell your
courses. This provides flexibility as you don’t have to be online to teach, once you have an
online course, people pay and learn the course on their own pace.

2. Content Writer

If you have a writer in you, then you have extra work in Dubai. Content is important in both
online and offline business. From small business owners to software development
companies to real estate, everyone needs a content writer to express their business in
words. As a content writer, you can work for other companies or start your own blog.
Knowledge of SEO, copywriting, and the ability to write engaging articles and blogs to
increase organic traffic can elevate your career.

Here are the top services provided by content writers:

• Blog writing
• Website content
• Social Media Content
• LinkedIn writing

3. Dog walking and Pet sitting

If you are a pet lover, dog walking and pet sitting is a great side hustle. This business is in
great demand as pet owners consider their pets as a part of their family. Residents in Dubai
are always busy working, attending business meetings, and traveling. They are always in
search of someone to take care of their pets while they are away.
To start this business, you have to be someone who loves pets and outdoors. Start the
business with no investment, start with your neighbours. Tell them you are available to pet-
sit. Your business will take off if you provide good service.

4. Sell used items online

People buying used items have become popular. Things people find outdated can mean
valuable to others and there are so many platforms to attract potential buyers. Post a clear
picture of your products or products from your friends, and give a neat and genuine product
description with a fair price. People who require the product will contact you.

You can also start your own e-commerce website or start with an Instagram account. Once
you gain customer’s trust, they will become frequent buyers and your business will flourish.
Here are the top 4 items frequently purchased second-hand

5. Become an Airbnb host

Dubai is an evergreen and year-round paradise tourist destination. Every year millions of
tourists visit Dubai and wish to stay in unique accommodations to experience authentic
tastes.
As an Airbnb host, you can rent and manage your property and tap into this demand while
having the freedom to do your 9 to 5 job. Your role involves managing bookings, proper

scheduling, ensuring clean property, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
Once travellers start falling in love with your property, you’ll see a constant flow of bookings,
and your space will quickly become a go-to spot for tourists looking for a great stay.

6. Homemade Food Service

Dubai is home to many working professionals, most of whom are single. With the demands
of their busy lifestyles, cooking at home can feel exhausting, leading many to opt for dining
out daily.
If you enjoy cooking and are wondering, “How can I make extra money in Dubai?” providing
healthy, homemade meals to these individuals is an excellent business idea. Offering freshly
prepared, traditional dishes and meals tailored to specific dietary preferences can help your
service stand out. Popular diet options include:

• Vegan Diet
• Keto Diet
• Gluten-free Diet

7. After school or Extracurricular teacher

Dubai has a rewarding business opportunity for talented individuals. You can turn your talent
into income by teaching them to young talents- children. The city has a high demand for
after-school programs to nurture creativity in children. Parents are eager to enroll their kids
in programs like

• Coding
• Sports
• Music
• Language
• Art
• Life skill

As an extracurricular teacher, you will be responsible for helping students explore their
passion and build confidence.

8. Tour Guide

If you are well aware of Dubai’s culture, history, and hidden gems, then being a tour guide
and sharing your knowledge with the tourists is one of the best businesses. Being a
freelance tour guide gives you the flexibility option to work only on weekends or late
evenings. This is an ideal job for students, professionals or anyone looking for a side hustle.
As a tour guide, you have to

• Know local customs
• Offer informative and engaging experience
• Tailor tours according to their interest

9. Be A Virtual Assistant

Dubai is flourishing with startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs and they often need
support with daily scheduling, email management, customer service, and other tasks. The

demand for a virtual assistant is high, especially if you are multilingual and skilled in project
management and administration.

The work of a virtual assistant is to assist business owners from remote locations. You don’t
have to travel every day to the office. You can be a virtual assistant to one or multiple
entrepreneurs, choose whom you want to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions