The UAE is known for attractive salaries and the skyscraper lifestyle, but many residents work low-income jobs and suffer financially. Some of the employed work low-income jobs in retail, cleaning, or hospitality. Many are forced to work low-income delivery jobs. Many lose their jobs and are forced to wait for the next opportunity. Many employees give the majority of their income to family members and suffer financially due to cost of living increases.
The UAE has a generous society that offers help through charities and community groups. Most of the help requires some sort of paperwork and process. Only trusted, legal sources offer “free dirhams.” In many cases, scammers offer help and claim they have “free cash.”
“Free cash” help does not exist. Only trusted and legal sources offer help. Many processes and programs require some paperwork. This program outlines programs and processes and help users fill out required processes.
Who is Eligible for This Help
To be eligible for the Help, one must be a legal resident of the UAE. Help is also based on several factors which are outlined below:
- Emirati citizens can receive the most type of help from the government.
- Expatriates are entitled to various types of help depending on their country of origin. Most of them are entitled to services related to education and health.
Residents with valid residence visas are eligible to benefits administered by many charitable organizations. Limited benefits may also be extended to UAE citizens through various government programs.
Benefits administered by the UAE government and UAE educational institutions to non-citizens and non-UAE residents are very limited.
Many of the welfare organizations and charitable foundations in the UAE assess need and eligibility based on a combination of the following:
- family composition
- monthly income
- rent
- job loss
- illness
- death of the main income earning member of the family
It is important to retain all supporting documents.
The rules and guidelines are constantly changing and a program that was not eligible previously may now be eligible. Each case should be assessed individually and to confirm eligibility, you should contact the organization directly.
UAE Federal and Local Government Support
Social Welfare Programs for UAE Nationals
There are social support programs in the UAE offered by the Federal Government and by some of the local governments. In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, these programs are extended by the Social Support Authority and the Ma’an scheme. The Federal Ministry of Community Development also extends a range of social support programs and services for UAE citizens. The programs may include different forms of cash and non-cash benefits.
The UAE has an established Zakat system. The Zakat Fund collects donations and disburses them to low income families, individuals with debts and sudden financial problems. It also provides government services to residences through its branches and assesst requests on an individual basis. It is recommended that those with a residence visa and not citizenship, review the eligibility requirements on the website because they are sometimes different from the requirements of citizens.
The CDA covers residents of Dubai that require social and family welfare services and protection of vulnerable sections of society.
There are numerous licensed charitable organizations that facilitate and provide various social services to the different segments of the community in the UAE, and below are some of the more recognizable charitable organizations.
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is a humanitarian organization that provides relief and social development programs. It focuses on various areas of social welfare and support to families and individuals and addresses emergency humanitarian situations. Other programs include supportive and palliative services as well as large scale campaigns and activities.
Dar Al Ber Society is a Dubai-based charitable organization that provides social and family development programs and support services to various segments of the society, especially orphans and needy families. It provides support services to families and the community through a number of programs.
Bet Al Khair Society
This Society provides support in areas such as family services, education and housing. Contact them if you are having trouble in paying your rent or children’s school fees.
Sharjah Charity International
If you reside in Sharjah or Northern Emirates, then this charity is one of the larger charities. It provides relief, health and education services and supports UAE residents and citizens and others outside UAE.
Khalifa Foundation
The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and other smaller foundations provide support in health and education. Smaller local community and religious organizations are worth contacting because they are active in the area and may provide quick support.
- Tip -Only contact licensed organizations. Aid distribution and fund raising requires an operating license in UAE. If the organization doesn’t have a valid license or other proofs, then avoid contacting them.
Help With Everyday Expenses
There are different ways to get help. There are cash benefits, but sometimes help comes in other forms.
Benefits in kind
There are a number of ways to get help with food.
There are a number of charities and community groups that give food baskets and iftars during Ramadan.
You may see a fridge in your neighbourhood. People leave food there and anyone can take food from there.
Food bank programs collaborate with their local municipalities, community centers, and charities.
During Ramadan, campaigns supported by the local charities can subsidize your food budget for the month. With a small salary, this can be very helpful when planning your food budget for the month. You should ask well in advance about the availability of these programs.
Medical bills can be expensive and unexpected. Local charities, hospital foundations, and public health facilities can be of some financial assistance if you cannot not afford a medical procedure.
Education Foundations can cover school fees and school supplies. A child may be at risk of dropping out if the school fees are not paid. The school Administration can assist you in finding financial assistance for your child.
Rent and Utility costs have no financial assistance for Expats.
Look for alternatives when leaving your landlord. Paying rent in more instalments can be beneficial. Look for lower cost rentals in Ajman, Sharjah, and older regions of Dubai. Utilities can put a significant strain on your budget. Local Charities can provide one time financial assistance.
Dubai’s ‘Free’ AED Offers and ‘Grants’
Offers for thousands of AED or Dirhams, offered on different social media platforms (or even in messages), are definitely too good to be true.
Do not send money to receive money.
Some ‘red flags’ of advance fee fraud
- If an offer asks you to pay an “administrative fee”, look the other way.
- If the person asks you for your ATM PIN or OTP, or your full card details, it is definitely a scam.
- If the offer is made by an unofficial WhatsApp number or Facebook page, ignore it.
- If someone or something creates unusual urgency, or pressure, to act immediately, ignore it.
- If there are no offices of the organization in the UAE, and there is no verified website, do not deal with them.
In the UAE, legitimate organizations will never ask you for an administrative fee to process your application for aid. Likewise, they will never ask you for your ATM PIN or OTP.
Report and block the sender. The UAE has zero tolerance for fraud.
How to Get a Side Hustle and Make Additional Money in UAE
Lots of residents in the UAE would like to add to their income and are glad to hear there are legal opportunities for part time work.
- As an adult and student, you can work in a restaurant, supermarket, gas station, or retail shop, and choose your own hours.
- As an adult male, you can drive a taxi in your free time.
- You can put your skills, interests, and passion to work to become a freelancer. There are many websites and apps to promote your services.
Understand the Law
You can face significant legal consequences for working without the appropriate authorization. There are a number of laws that you should familiarize yourself with, including:
- People on a visit visa are not allowed to work.
- Generally, employees cannot work a second job without permission from their employer and the proper authorization from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- People on a family visa can work a second job, depending on where they live and what kind of job they are doing.
- Students can work a second job if they get the appropriate authorization.
You can find the most up-to-date information by going to MoHRE’s website, or through the Tas’heel and Tawjeeh service centers. You should always verify the legal status of a job with the proper authorities before accepting employment.
What are the options?
There are a few options that people can do legally:
- Many people work a second job doing delivery or driving with companies such as Talabat and Careem. These jobs are flexible, however, there are a lot of drivers during peak hours, and not enough work during slow hours.
- Jobs in the service industry such as working in a restaurant or mall are busy during evenings and weekends, and also during the Dubai shopping festival and winter.
For short-term event staffing, there are opportunities for hosts, ushers, and other positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Work is paid on an hourly basis and there is some work irregularly throughout the year but it is busier during certain months.
Tutoring is a great option if you are strong in subjects like Math, English, or other subjects or coding, and want to work part-time. You will want to make sure you have the proper work permit and all terms will be clearly defined and agreed upon in writing.
There are a number of remote or freelance jobs available in the UAE in areas like graphic design, writing, and web design and you can legally work in these capacities through the various freelance visas offered.
You can find more traditional part time jobs like admin and customer service work as well. Check the websites of local businesses like hotels and retailers.
No new income is guaranteed, and changes to habits can be as effective.
Write down your income and expenses for a month to create a simple budget. You may be surprised by expenses that seem unnecessary, like a food delivery or a monthly subscription. Your budget doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. The most important thing is to cut expenses you don’t need.
Find the best supermarket prices and use weekly specials. Consider sharing an Internet plan, or choosing a less expensive cell phone plan.
In the UAE public transportation is very convenient, and a much cheaper option than taxis. Try to cook meals at home to cut back on dining out.
High interest debt is always best to avoid, and if debt has already been incurred, it is beneficial to speak with the bank to establish a payment plan as soon as possible to avoid default.
Money doesn’t need to be saved in large lump sums to make a difference. Establishing a small savings cushion is better than none at all.
Consider using free services available to you. Many places offer classes that can help improve employment skills and lead to increased pay.
How to Apply: An Easy Guide
This is a general guide that most people can follow:
- Collect Documents: These may include Emirates ID, passport, Visa, No Objection Certificate/Termination Letter, rental contract, utility bills, salary slips, medical reports.
- Find the Correct Organization: Determine the sector that most closely relates to your need (food, health, education, rent).
- Official Channels Only: Use the organization’s website or app.
- Transparent and Honest: Provide a detailed account of your situation, and relevant supporting documents.
- Follow Up: You have the right to follow up on the status of your application.
- Multiple Options: Do not limit yourself to a single option.
Asking for Help
Many are hesitant to accept help due to a lack of confidence or embarrassment. You need to set these feelings aside, and view this in a practical light. The UAE has numerous organizations to help residents in times of need.
If you have extra food at home, or know of a job opening, consider these small ways of helping others as a positive step.
Conclusion
There is no need to feel embarrassed or alone in your situation. There are many pathways, both legal and illegal, available to help people in your position. Legally, pathways may include part time work, ‘free money’ schemes, or grants. Don’t let people take advantage of you; licensed organizations will not charge you to apply for ‘free money’. Other Muslim organizations may help with zakat. If you are in an emergency situation, you may find help through government organizations and community networks. Making and sticking to a budget may also help you get your situation under control.
Remember, deal only with licensed organizations, and never pay to apply for ‘free money’.
Always keep your legal documents in order. When looking for additional financial help, remember to take things one step at a time. The best time to get help is now.Many people in your situation have turned their financial situation around. So can you.