5 Side Hustles You Can Start in 2025 to Make Money Online in the UAE

It’s the first day of the month. You get your paycheck. You’re finally relieved and go on to spend it on innumerable things you planned. Feels like a perfect plan! But before the last week approaches, you will find your bank balance dried up. You struggle to survive through the week on pennies.

Sound like you? 

Then this blog is for you. Let us help you earn extra income in UAE in 2025 with a side hustle.  

5 Side Hustles You Can Start in 2025

These are five ways to earn extra income in the UAE in 2025:

Freelance Services 

How to start freelancing in UAE? You need a little research. The UAE has a multicultural population and thriving businesses. Thus, niches like translation and social media management are hot. Companies need skilled professionals who understand local trends and cultural nuances. 

You have endless opportunities for side hustles in the UAE. You can also go with other niches if that’s where your skills and calling lie.

Useful Tips

• Focus on high-demand language pairs like Arabic-English, Arabic-French, or Arabic-Chinese. These are more valuable in tourism, business, and legal services. 
• Obtain certifications to build credibility. Clients trust certified professionals. 
• Sign up on freelance platforms like Bayt.com or Nabbesh to find translation gigs. 
• Stay updated on local trends and popular platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which dominate the region. 
• Create culturally relevant content. For example, campaigns highlight regional festivals like Ramadan or UAE National Day. 
• Network at local events to connect with potential clients.

However, receiving money as a freelancer in UAE wasn’t as smooth as it looks since the banks would only allow you to open a bank account if you produce a valid salary certificate with a minimum monthly salary of AED 5k. 

But not anymore! With the Payit mobile wallet app, you don’t need a bank account to receive freelancing money from your clients – all you need is your valid Emirates ID. 

Also, read How You Can Get Paid as a Freelancer in UAE without a Bank Account?

Print-on-Demand Products

You can sell custom products without upfront costs with Print-on-demand (POD). Design items like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. Let the platforms such as Printify or Redbubble handle the printing and shipping. A low-risk way to test creative ideas and dig into e-commerce. 

Useful Tips

• Choose reliable platforms like Teespring or Zazzle. They manage inventory and logistics so you can focus on designs. 
• Cater to a specific audience. For example, create products for dog lovers, fitness enthusiasts, or gamers. Niche markets usually have less competition. 
• Use Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your designs. Run targeted ads or collaborate with influencers to boost visibility. 

Digital Products and E-books 

Don’t have to budget to store or ship physical goods? Sell digital products to create passive income. Digital items like e-books, templates, and courses don’t need inventory or shipping. Just create it once and sell it unlimited times. Maximum profit. Minimal maintenance.

Useful Tips

• Good at budgeting, fitness, or photography? Create content around these niches. Use tools like Google Trends to check demand. 
• Customers value clear, well-designed products. Use tools like Canva for templates or platforms like Scrivener for e-books. 
• Go with platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, or Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). They make it easy to list and sell your products globally. 

E-commerce Platforms in the UAE

E-commerce is booming in the UAE. Platforms like Amazon.ae, Noon.com, and CarrefourUAE offer sellers the chance to reach millions of customers. These platforms handle logistics. Thus, you can focus on selling. You may start a dropshipping business or sell handmade products. 

Useful Tips 

• Amazon.ae: Register as a seller to access the UAE’s largest customer base. Use professional images and detailed product descriptions to stand out. Use Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program for hassle-free order handling. 
• Noon.com: Popular among UAE shoppers. Offers excellent visibility. Research prices and offer competitive rates. Join Noon’s seasonal campaigns to attract more customers. 
• CarrefourUAE: Ideal for sellers of groceries, electronics, and household items. Register as a supplier and ensure your products meet their quality standards. Keep inventory updated to meet growing demand efficiently. 

Dropshipping

Selling products online without keeping inventory is made possible through dropshipping. A retail model. Your supplier ships directly to the customer. Use platforms like Shopify. They’ll make it easy to set up. You focus on marketing. The supplier handles fulfillment. Low-risk. Ideal for beginners. Highly profitable with the right strategy.

Useful Tips

• Use platforms like Spocket or AliExpress to source products. Find suppliers with good reviews and fast shipping. 
• Stick to items with high demand and low competition, like trendy gadgets or niche fashion accessories. Test products before scaling. 
• Create an optimized e-commerce site. Use clean design, high-quality images, and precise product descriptions. Offer promotions and free shipping to draw buyers. 

Comparing the Side Hustles

Summing Up

Freelancing, POD, digital products, drop shipping, affiliate marketing — five beginner-friendly options. Research, plan, and start small. Once you get your hands dirty in the game, you’ll learn things that’ll help you scale. 

Manage your income and enjoy exclusive offers with Payit. Download now! Because money saved is money earned, right?