ADDED announces new 'Freelancer License' covering 52 commercial activities for UAE Citizens pursuing specific professions but without an official workplace

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has revealed the availability of a new 'Freelancer License' that can be issued to UAE citizens. The new license, which covers 52 commercial activities, will give UAE citizens the freedom to pursue specific professions personally and in a professional manner without having an official workplace or any organizational form.

According to ADDED senior officials, the new 'Freelancer License' is being issued through ADDED's Abu Dhabi Business Centre and is aimed at allowing Emiratis to work from home or from any other location that is authorized and in compliance with the general provisions of the issuing institution. 

H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of ADDED, explained that this kind of license is being issued to help further encourage UAE citizens in increasing their contributions to the emirate's business sector. He pointed out that the initiative falls in line with the Abu Dhabi Government's keenness towards creating initiatives that can stimulate the business and investment environment of the emirate--creating job opportunities for UAE citizens across various industry verticals. 

Al Shorafa revealed that the 'Freelancer License' is expected to leave a positive impact on the local economy by urging UAE citizens to work freely, including retired individuals who can now partake of the opportunity to again contribute to the local business market, which in turn, can benefit from their experiences across the activities covered by the new license. 

The new 'Freelancer License' holds several economic benefits and advantages like being able to utilize the wide experience of the unemployed personnel; no need to employ all the specializations that are not continuously needed and the availability of provision of services on a 24/7 basis. The initiative has also been developed to help address the challenges of unemployment and the need to improve the income of different segments of society like retirees, housewives and students.

The 52 activities covered under the new 'Freelancer license' includes fashion design, coordinating natural and artificial flowers, photographing studio, events photography, personal video photography, event organizing , gift packaging, jewelry design, web design, project management and design services, translation, calligraphy, drawing and statistical consulting, agricultural extension and marketing operations management, to name a few. 

Other activities approved under the license are consultation activities in the field of computer equipment and devices, real estate. Legal consulting offices in public relations, quality, standards, standardization, pest resistance, project development, procurement, heritage, technical installations, green buildings, information technology, economic feasibility studies, human resources, tourism and entertainment, administrative studies, food safety, commodity design, fine arts, art of drawing and architectural directing, marine services. lifestyle development consulting, marketing studies, parliamentary studies, banking and marketing services in fields of energy and space, logistical consultations, health club consultations, artistic works, sculptural cosmetics, manual and environmental works, printing services, photocopying, gardening and parks services, textile and apparel printing, plastering, engraving, ornamentation, and soap formwork.