Legal Basics for Freelancers in Dubai: Tips for Contracts and Intellectual Property

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

Dubai offers plenty of opportunities for freelancers, but can also create legal challenges. Issues can arise from verbal agreements, vague project deliverables, unpaid invoices, and intellectual property disputes. 

As an independent contractor, you must understand your rights. This article covers freelancer essentials, with tips on written contracts, intellectual property, and how to protect your work. 

The importance of written contracts for freelancers in Dubai

Verbal contracts can be risky under UAE law. They leave contractors open and vulnerable when it comes to getting paid and any disputes that emerge. Written contracts help you clarify the terms of your work.  

Ideally, a solid freelance contract will cover the fundamentals: 

• Scope of work 
• Payment terms 
• Deadlines 
• Revision policies 

Covering your bases sets expectations and provides a legal framework if disagreements arise.

If you’re new to creating agreements, consider using contract freelance templates, or hire a lawyer to do it for you. Investing in a proper legal document upfront can save time and worry later. 

What to include in your freelancer contract

Deliverables and deadlines

Be specific about what you are delivering and when. Include descriptions of the work to support this.

Payment terms (milestones, penalties, deposit)

A clear structure sets out your payment terms based on deliverables. Do you charge an upfront deposit? What are the payment milestones? Are there penalties for late payment? 

Confidentiality (NDA)

Include confidentiality clauses or a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect sensitive info and data.

Termination

Address the terms of termination. What’s the notice period? Are there valid reasons for terminating the project? 

Dispute resolution (jurisdiction, arbitration)

How will disputes be resolved? You can cover mediation, arbitration or jurisdiction for legal purposes.

Understanding intellectual property (IP) in freelance work

Who owns the work created under a freelance agreement? This usually comes down to what’s been agreed with the client and hinges on “transfer of rights” versus “licensing”. 

Transfer of rights vs. licensing: what’s the difference?

• Transfer of rights means the client has full ownership of the work. 
• Licensing allows contractors to keep ownership, with the client able to use it in the agreed ways.

If you want to showcase work in your portfolio, make this clear upfront.

Under UAE law, intellectual property usually belongs to the creator unless there’s an agreement stating otherwise. To be sure your work is protected, we recommend negotiating the terms and outlining them in your contract. 

How to protect your work before and after delivery

Protecting your work is key. Here’s how to do it throughout a project:

Watermarking, version control, and limited access

During development add watermarks to drafts or previews and use version control to track changes. Also, limit access to your work – share it only with those involved in the project.

Sign-off

Get a written sign-off from the client before you deliver your work. This confirms their approval and ties into the standards and deliverables in the contract.

Invoicing

Tie invoicing to project delivery milestones. These will be in your contract so there’s no misunderstanding and a smaller risk of unpaid work.

What to do in case of disputes or non-payment

Payment disputes can feel disheartening and stressful to work through. Here are tips for contractors to resolve matters before taking legal action: 

Reminders

Sometimes late payment is a genuine oversight. Send your client a gentle reminder email. Keep your tone friendly but include the invoice reference, amount due, and original agreement terms.

Escalate gradually

If the first reminder doesn’t work, send an email or letter that makes the urgency clear. Be clear about the next steps if things aren’t resolved. 

Suggest mediation

Before going down the legal route, suggest mediation. This can be a cost-effective way to reach a fair resolution that all parties feel happy with. 

If this approach doesn’t work, there are small claims options in Dubai to support you. The DIFC Small Claims Tribunal is designed for quick and affordable resolutions on cases involving outstanding payments of a moderate value.

It’s important to keep clear records of emails, payment terms, invoices, and any reminders sent. This will strengthen your position and help throughout the legal process.

Hightekers: your legal solution

Understanding and navigating legal challenges in Dubai can be a challenge. Hightekers provides a solid solution for freelancers who wish to work independently in the UAE with stability and peace of mind. 

How Hightekers helps you stay legally secure

• Visa arrangements: If you’re an international contractor, we handle work permits and visa requirements for you.
• Legal compliance: We make sure you comply with Dubai labour laws. What’s more, we look after your client admin including contracts and project agreements. 
• Client invoicing & tax handling: We take care of invoicing, local tax and financial administration so you can focus on your work.
• Payroll processing & financial security: We invoice your clients, process payments and ensure timely salary payouts so you have a steady income. 
• Employee benefits: We give you the perks of being a full-time employee like social security, pension contributions and health insurance – without losing your self-employed independence. 

Freelancing in the UAE with peace of mind

For contractors working in Dubai, legal protection is more than a precaution. It’s a crucial part of building a successful and sustainable freelance career. 

To make sure you are covered legally, you need to: 

• Create written contracts 
• Protect intellectual property 
• Protect your work 
• Have a plan for disputes and non-payment 

To free yourself from legal headaches entirely, finding the right partner is key. At Hightekers, we simplify employment status for expats and international contractors. By taking care of work permits, visas, and compliance with local regulations, you can find the stability you need to enjoy your work and focus on your goals. 

Simplify your freelance career in Dubai with Hightekers

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

A seasoned career development specialist based in Bristol, where she helps international professionals manage the complexities of establishing their independent careers in the UK. With over a decade of experience in talent management and professional mobility, she leads initiatives to support freelancers and independent consultants across various high-skilled sectors. When she's not advising professionals on their career journeys, you might find Emma exploring Bristol's street art scene or cheering on her beloved Bristol City FC!