How To Start a Business by Yourself While Employed in Dubai

Thinking about starting a side hustle while working a full-time 9-5 job in Dubai?

Good news — you can start a business while employed Dubai, and with the right setup, it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re testing an idea, freelancing on the side, or building your future startup, Dubai gives you space to grow without quitting your day job.

According to the UAE Government’s overview of dual employment, employees are allowed to pursue additional business activities under certain conditions. At Meydan Free Zone, we’ve made the process seamless. You can launch your business in under 60 minutes, and best of all, you don’t even need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer to get your license issued.

Our flexible business licensing options are designed to support your growth from side hustle to full-scale venture — all while staying compliant with UAE labour laws.

Starting a Business While Employed Dubai: What You Need to Know

Starting a business while employed in Dubai is legally possible, but you need to navigate the process carefully. According to a YouGov survey, 84% of UAE's employees are thinking of starting their own business or have already made inquiries.

UAE labour laws allow you to own a free zone business license while on an employment visa, as long as:

• Your employment contract doesn’t prohibit it
• You’re not competing with your current employer
• You’re not working for another entity without permission

You don’t need an NOC from your employer to get a business license while employed in the UAE with Meydan Free Zone — but you are still responsible for ensuring that your full-time employment terms allow it.

Understanding Dual Employment UAE and Business Licensing in the UAE

Let’s break it down simply and understand dual UAE employment business laws:

At Meydan Free Zone, you can register your business as a solo entrepreneur, with full ownership and zero NOC requirement. We’ll also support your bank account and visa.

Part-Time Entrepreneur Dubai with Meydan Free Zone

Dubai’s side hustle culture is booming. From ecommerce and consulting to marketing and design, more professionals are launching part-time ventures alongside their full-time roles. Meydan Free Zone helps you do it legally and quickly:

• Choose from over 1,800+ activities with our Fawri license, and get licensed online in under an hour.
• Need more flexibility? Our standard license covers 2,500+ business activities across sectors like consulting, content creation, and digital marketing.
• Instantly begin your visa and bank account setup after licensing.
• Staying on your employer’s visa? No problem — you can launch without switching visas.

Understanding Legal Risks or Prohibited Activities

UAE labour law allows you to own a business while employed — but only under certain conditions. To stay compliant:

• Do not start a business that directly competes with your employer
• Avoid using your employer’s client list or internal data
• Respect exclusivity and non-compete clauses
• Only operate businesses within the legal limits of your visa

Meydan Free Zone makes setup easy, but it's your responsibility to ensure you're within your employment and visa terms.​

Freelance vs Starting Your Own Business in the UAE

Freelance permits while working in the UAE are useful for short-term or project-based work in industries like media, education, and design. However, they often come with several limitations:

• Fewer approved business activities
• Limited scalability and operational scope
• Restricted to individual service provision with minimal legal structure
• Not ideal for building a long-term brand or team

By contrast, setting up your business with Meydan Free Zone gives you the legal structure and flexibility to grow:

• Full LLC protection and 100% ownership from day one
• Access to over 2,500 approved business activities across multiple sectors
• No NOC required to get licensed, even if you're on an employment visa
• Ability to scale at your own pace, with optional visa, banking, and partner onboarding support

If you're starting out as a solopreneur, our Fawri License is built for you. It enables quick licensing under 60 minutes, supports up to 1,800 business activities, and lets you upgrade to a full license as your venture grows — all without starting over.

Start Your Business with Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone has been created for professionals like you who have a larger vision. Whether you’re testing a passion project or preparing to go full-time, we’ve eliminated the traditional roadblocks that hold most entrepreneurs back. You’ll get 100% ownership, a respected Dubai business address, and a license issued in under 60 minutes through a fully digital process. When you’re ready, we also support your visa, bank account, and investor transition journey — all without needing an NOC from your employer to get started. And as your business evolves, our structure grows with you, offering seamless upgrades and scalability without disruption.

FAQs

1.Can I start a business while working full-time in Dubai?​

Yes. You can start a business while employed, as long as your job contract doesn’t restrict it and your activities don’t conflict with your employer.​

‍
2.Do I need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to start a business at Meydan Free Zone?​

No. Meydan Free Zone does not require an NOC to issue your business license. However, always review your employment contract for any clauses that may restrict outside business activity.​

‍

3.What is dual employment in the UAE?​

Dual employment means holding two active work roles at the same time. Passive business ownership is usually fine, but managing or working for another business may need employer or MOHRE approval.​

‍

4.Can I open a business that competes with my employer?​

No. This would likely breach UAE labour law or your contract. Avoid launching a business in the same industry or usingyour employer’s clients or resources.​

‍

5.Can I apply for a visa later if I retain my work visa business UAE initially?​

Yes. You can remain on your current visa and apply for an investor visa later through Meydan Free Zone.​

‍

6.What’s the difference between a freelance permit and a business license?​

Freelance permits are activity-specific and suited for individual projects. A business license provides LLC protection, access to 2,500+ activities, and more flexibility to grow.​

‍

7.How fast can I launch my business with Meydan Free Zone?​

You can receive your license in under 60 minutes through our fully digital setup process.

‍