Best freelance, gig and earning platforms in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE's local earning platforms center on delivery, rides, online selling and Arabic freelance work. Talabat, a Delivery Hero company serving the UAE, and Deliveroo, whose 2026 exits from Singapore and Qatar did not include the UAE, run food delivery, and Careem, the Dubai-based super app, covers rides. Noon hosts online sellers, dubizzle and OpenSooq carry classified ads, Urban Company books home-service professionals, and Ureed, Mostaql and Khamsat serve Arabic-speaking freelancers. Tap Payments and Paymob let small businesses accept card payments. Money is in UAE dirhams (AED). PayPal accounts in the UAE can receive payments and withdraw to a UAE bank account in AED, free for amounts over AED 750 and AED 11 below that. Wise sends AED to UAE accounts, and Upwork pays out locally in AED. Individuals whose business turnover exceeds AED 1 million in a calendar year fall under UAE corporate tax. Tip: withdraw PayPal balances in amounts over AED 750 to avoid the fee.
Updated · how we verify platforms
The United Arab Emirates at a glance
Platform types: 3 freelance sites, 2 delivery platforms, 2 marketplaces, 2 card processing platforms, 1 ride platform, 1 big marketplace and 1 task platform
How they pay out: Bank transfer (10)
Compare at a glance
| Platform | Type | Fees / commission | Pays via | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Careem
|
Ride-hailing company | ~20-25% commission per ride | Bank transfer | 2012 |
Deliveroo
|
Food delivery company | Paid per delivery ~GBP 2.90-6 + tips | Bank transfer | 2013 |
Khamsat
|
Gig marketplace | 20% commission per order | Bank transfer (Arab countries) | 2010 |
Mostaql
|
Freelance marketplace | 15-20% commission per project by membership tier | Bank transfer (Arab countries) | 2014 |
Noon
|
Online marketplace | Category referral commission ~4-27% | Bank transfer | 2017 |
OpenSooq
|
Classifieds marketplace | Free listings - no commission, paid promotions | Cash in person / direct arrangement | 2011 |
Paymob
|
Payment processor | 2.75% + EGP 3 per online transaction | Bank transfer | 2015 |
Talabat
|
Food delivery company | Paid per delivery ~AED 7.50-9.50 + tips | Bank transfer | 2004 |
Tap Payments
|
Payment processor | ~2.75% standard cards | Bank transfer ~T+3 | 2013 |
Urban Company
|
Home services platform | ~20-30% commission per booking | Bank transfer | 2014 |
Ureed
|
Freelance marketplace | 20% commission on all project payments | Bank transfer, PayPal | 2017 |
dubizzle
|
Classifieds marketplace | Free basic listings, fees for cars/property and featured ads | Direct payment from buyers | 2005 |
CareemThe leading ride-hailing and everything app across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, owned by Uber. Captains earn from rides, del…
careem.com53 viewsDeliverooA food delivery platform operating across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Riders sign up to deliver by bike, scooter, or car and…
deliveroo.co.uk48 viewsKhamsatThe Arabic equivalent of Fiverr, where sellers offer micro-services starting at a low base price.
khamsat.com54 viewsMostaqlOne of the largest Arabic-language freelance marketplaces, used across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Arab world.
mostaql.com55 viewsNoonThe Middle East homegrown marketplace - sellers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt list to the region fastest-growing buyer base.
noon.com31 viewsOpenSooqA leading Arab-world classifieds marketplace for goods, cars, and services.
opensooq.com71 viewsPaymobA leading MENA payments company - merchants in Egypt, the Gulf, and Pakistan accept cards, wallets, and installments online and in person.
paymob.com46 viewsTalabatThe Middle East largest food delivery platform (Delivery Hero), with rider sign-up across the Gulf, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq.
talabat.com47 viewsTap PaymentsA MENA payment gateway letting businesses accept cards and local methods across the Gulf.
tap.company48 viewsUrban CompanyIndia largest home services platform, training and equipping professionals for beauty, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance work. Also operate…
urbancompany.com43 viewsUreedA MENA-focused freelance marketplace strong in Arabic-English language services, content, and translation. Connects clients in the Gulf and…
ureed.com89 viewsdubizzleThe UAE everything-classifieds platform - sell items, cars, and services directly to buyers across the Emirates.
dubizzle.com39 viewsFrequently asked questions
What are the best freelance and gig platforms in the United Arab Emirates?
Talabat and Deliveroo for food delivery, Careem for rides, Noon for selling products online, dubizzle for classified ads, Urban Company for home services, and Ureed, Mostaql or Khamsat for Arabic freelance projects.
How do freelancers in the United Arab Emirates get paid by international clients?
Clients abroad can pay through PayPal, which UAE accounts can use to receive and withdraw to a local bank in AED, or through Wise, which sends AED to UAE accounts. Upwork pays out directly to UAE banks in AED for USD 0.99 per withdrawal, and Fiverr pays through PayPal or Payoneer.
Does PayPal work in the United Arab Emirates?
Yes. UAE PayPal accounts can send and receive payments. Withdrawals to a UAE bank account in AED are free for amounts over AED 750 and cost AED 11 below that. Card withdrawals carry a separate fee, and transfers to a US bank account cost 3%.
Can people in the United Arab Emirates work on Upwork and Fiverr?
Yes. Upwork supports Direct to Local Bank withdrawals in AED for USD 0.99 each, and your bank account name must match your verified Upwork name. Fiverr pays out through PayPal, Payoneer or bank transfer via Payoneer, and you must be at least 18 to withdraw earnings.
Do freelancers in the United Arab Emirates pay tax on their earnings?
Individuals who conduct business in the UAE fall under corporate tax once their business turnover exceeds AED 1 million in a calendar year. Taxable income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0% and income above that at 9%, under a regime that took effect for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023.