RAKEZ serves as talent hub

The UAE is initialising many protective schemes for freelancers to support the burgeoning SME sector in the country

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has announced the launch of its BusinessWomen Package, a first-of-its-kind product in the UAE designed exclusively to encourage more women into business.

The plan, which starts from Dh6,200, with instalment plan options, includes a free zone licence, a shared workstation and various support services in a one-stop-shop, RAKEZ said in a press statement.

Businesswomen who want to set up their company with the economic zone can either select a one-year or a three-year package. Both packages come with value-added services such as free usage of RAKEZ shared workstations, free printing of business cards, priority tokens at RAKEZ Service Centres and eligibility for a UAE Residence Visa(s).

The three-year option comes with a free investor visa, costing Dh3,950 and provides a choice from eight free zone licence types (Commercial, Educational, E-Commerce, General Trading, Individual/Professional, Media, Service, and Freelancer Permit).

Commenting on the introduction of the new package, Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, said, "We are very proud to launch the RAKEZ BusinessWomen Package, which is a clear testament to our commitment of encouraging more women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. In the past, we have conducted events exclusively for women, such as networking sessions. We have used these events as platforms to get to know what challenges they are facing and what can we do to support them."

Jallad added that more initiatives to inspire women into business are in the works.
In June, DMCC, the free zone for commodities trade and enterprise, brought into effect an exclusive offer on company set up for residents in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers, JLT, community. Now, JLT residents qualify for a 40 per cent reduced rate when registering a new company.

"Flexibility is key when starting a business and by launching this exclusive offer, we hope to help those with entrepreneurial or freelance ambitions transform their ideas into successful ventures. JLT is home to over 100,000 people and there are thousands within this community with great business ideas," said Feryal Ahmadi, CEO of DMCC.

"By making business set up simple and providing bespoke advice and support, DMCC takes away the headache for those in the early stages of forming a new company. Dubai is a business capital and the SME community is the backbone of Dubai's burgeoning economy. We are confident that through our new offering, JLT will continue to be the cradle of entrepreneurship and innovation and in turn, support the nation's wider economic diversification strategy," she added.

To attract global investments as well as talent, Dubai Internet City (DIC) the largest technology business hub in the region, initiated its GoFreelance permit to enable freelance talent to work in the technology sector. This product is aimed at further enhancing Dubai's global credentials as an incubator that thrives by innovating.
GoFreelance aims to position Dubai as an innovation and talent hub in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Introduced by TECOM Group, a member of Dubai Holding, the GoFreelance package is tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the region's technology sector. The product will complement Dubai Internet City's mission to accelerate the emirate's economy by attracting top talent to the region's leading technology community.

Freelancers will have access to various services and facilities offered by Dubai Internet City. Experts in the domains of web, mobile, software development and architecture, IT and telecommunication networking, data science and analytics, and customer service, as well as stakeholders providing technical support and related services are eligible to apply. Freelancers will have the flexibility to choose the company they work with, the projects they work on and manage their own schedule.

Ammar Al Malik, managing director, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Outsource City DOC, said, "The technology landscape in Dubai is evolving at breathtaking speed. It is imperative that businesses keep up with the pace at which technology is now being developed and consumed. In order to stay relevant, competitive and profitable, businesses need to ensure that they operate with a flexible business model, one that embraces the concept of freelance talent. GoFreelance is one such solution that businesses can take advantage of to keep up with the constant demand for talent."

Industry experts estimate that there are around 100,000 licenced freelancers paid on a short-term contract basis. An increasing number of companies are offering flexible work schedules and the option of working from home, which has not only helped increase productivity levels but also brought down operational costs.

According to Malik, apart from retaining talent, GoFreelance will also attract and nurture young innovators from around the world, thereby infusing diverse skills and fresh thinking into the local mix.

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