The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced that it is now possible for UAE citizens, residents and non-residents to obtain freelancer licences that will allow them to practice around 48 economic activities. 

 

The move will enable non-citizens to conduct their business activities from their residences or any other authorised location, according to the general provisions that are applicable to individual organisations, said the statement from ADDED.

 

A recent resolution issued by ADDED had permitted non-citizens to obtain freelancer licences in accordance with the terms and conditions specified by the department. The licences were previously issued to UAE nationals only.

 

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, the undersecretary of ADDED, said that the resolution will contribute to enhancing the role of both citizens and non-citizens in boosting Abu Dhabi’s business sector. 

 

He said 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.

 

Al Blooshi pointed out that ADDED’s decision to qualify non-citizens for Freelancer licences will have a positive impact on the services sector in the emirate as the economic activities under this type of licences are mostly technical and service related.

 

However, 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.