Technologies are integrated into modern life. And today’s youth can no longer imagine their daily lives without them. Technology expands horizons and eliminates boundaries. Work online? Choose freelancing over the office? It’s easy. All of this is about the trends of our century.
Young people skillfully balance work and study. This gives them the opportunity to study at their own pace and at the same time have time to earn money and fulfill their passions. Online platforms such as Layboard.in provide young people with access to global labor markets, allowing them to find freelance or part-time opportunities while studying. This combination of work and education allows them to gain early professional experience and increase their earning potential.
In the GCC countries, they make sure that young people receive a high-quality modern education. They invest in the education sector by building campuses and equipping laboratories. Some educational institutions offer grant programs or scholarships. However, if you don’t get into them, you will have to pay a considerable amount of money. Freelancing can help cover these costs. Freelancers in fields such as graphic design, content creation, software development, and digital marketing are in high demand, offering competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
Where to get education in the Gulf countries
Most Gulf countries are seeking to expand their influence on global education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and business disciplines. Education is invested in and popularized, especially at the international level and through international students.
Many universities in the Gulf countries cooperate with well-known international educational institutions or are affiliated with prestigious Western universities such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, and New York University. Educational hubs are actively developing in the region, such as Education City in Qatar and Dubai International Academic City in the UAE. Universities are investing in high-tech laboratories, modern campuses, sports complexes, and research centers, which increases the cost of infrastructure maintenance and upkeep, and thus the cost of education. For example, a year of study at New York University Abu Dhabi will cost $50,000-60,000, at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar – $55,000 per year, at Prince Sultan University – $18,000-25,000 per year. However, there are also more affordable options: Sultan Qaboos University ($6,000-8,000 per year), University of Bahrain ($4,000-6,000 per year), Ahlia University ($8,000-12,000 per year).
Educational institutions offer competitive study programs and a large number of career opportunities, particularly in the fields of technology, medicine, engineering, and business. But this attractiveness is also reflected in high tuition prices. For instance, in 2023, over 70% of international graduates from UAE universities successfully secured employment in the region or pursued further education at prestigious institutions worldwide.
Keep in mind that the Gulf countries, such as the UAE and Qatar, are among the richest countries in the world, and the standard of living is correspondingly high. The cost of accommodation, medical services, leisure activities, and other living expenses are added to the total cost of education, making education more expensive for students.
Study and work: secrets of combining in the Gulf countries
The Gulf countries offer various forms of support to ensure the academic and social prosperity of students. These include scholarships and grants. For example, Qatar University offers grants that cover tuition, living expenses, and transportation, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia provides scholarships that include tuition fees, a living stipend, health insurance, and airfare.
To help international students integrate into their new environment, Gulf universities organize orientation programs, language courses (especially for Arabic language learners), and cultural exchange events. Simplified visa procedures also make it easier for international students to study in the Gulf countries. The UAE, for example, offers long-term student visas that allow graduates to stay and look for work after graduation.
In addition to incredible educational prospects, these countries have high potential for additional income. Especially for those who are studying. Freelancers and part-time workers in the Gulf countries can earn between $1,500 and $5,000 per month, depending on their field of work and experience.
Where to look for freelance work
Freelancing in the Gulf countries is becoming increasingly popular among various specialists. The most sought-after IT professionals are software developers (web and mobile applications), cybersecurity specialists, cloud computing engineers, as well as data analysts and artificial intelligence specialists. In addition, designers (graphic, web, UX/UI), animators, and video editors are in high demand. Digital marketing specialists are also in demand, including SEO specialists, SMM specialists, content marketers, as well as those involved in email marketing and paid advertising (PPC). Equally important are specialists in financial consulting and business consulting.
To find freelance work in the region, professionals turn to various platforms. Global online platforms such as Upwork are among the most popular for freelance work in the GCC. Local platforms are also gaining momentum, including Nabbesh, an Arabic platform for the Middle East and North Africa market, as well as Bayt.com and GulfTalent, which have sections for freelance positions. Photographers or designers actively use Instagram and Facebook to promote their services and find clients.
Layboard plays a special role in the region. It is one of the most popular local job search platforms in the GCC, where you can find both full-time jobs and freelance projects. Layboard allows freelancers to establish contacts with local clients, taking into account the peculiarities of the market and the requirements for workers in the region.
