The Gulf region has some of the most expensive countries to live in, making side hustles necessary for many people, allowing them to make extra cash while doing what they love.

But what really works in this part of the world? What are millennials in GCC countries doing to boost their income? 

BRINGING YOUR PASSION TO THE MASSES

Many full-time workers across the Gulf region are also entertainers by night, pursuing their passion after hours. For Moein Al Bastaki, a banker by day and a magician by night, profit was never the main goal of his side hustle; rather, it was the love of the art. 

Today, he is the UAE’s most famous illusionist and mentalist and has performed internationally for A-list celebrities—all while maintaining his morning job.

“My magic doesn’t burn me out; I don’t see it as a job. In fact, it gives me energy. I go to work from 9 to 5, come back and sleep, then focus on magic,” he says.

While his career on stage has been financially rewarding, meeting new people and mesmerizing his audiences is what Al Bastaki enjoys the most. 

The tricky part, he admits, is keeping up with new trends and innovations. “Time is what I need to put into my magic; otherwise, I would like to spend more time with my children.” 

PET SITTING AS A BUSINESS

Pet ownership has been on the rise in the Gulf region as consumers increasingly recognize the positive impact of their furry friends on mental health. This trend has driven demand for pet-related products and services, particularly dog walking and sitting.

Dubai-based British expat Kate Lindley saw this market need and began offering pet sitting and dog walking services as a personal assistant to a CEO. In 2015, after being made redundant, she established Paw Pals as a pet-sitting business. Today, the company has close to 30 employees and has expanded to offer pet relocation and training services. 

“It was the best thing that happened to me. I’ve always loved animals and had already been pet sitting the years before to supplement my income and help pay for some of the rescue cats I was looking after,” says Lindley. 

But it wasn’t an easy start. She recalls not having enough capital in the beginning. “I used my end-of-service benefits from my employer to get my trade license and some loans from friends.”

Her advice for other expats who want to focus on their endeavors? “Get yourself properly licensed straight away, aim to be the best you can be, and strive to be the leader of your field.”

FREELANCE BRANDING TAKES OFF

Like Lindley, Nehha A. Bhhatiaa also ditched her nine-to-five job in Dubai to turn her side hustle into a full-time income. “I quit my job in December 2023 and got my first paying client in January 2024. My business has evolved a lot since then. I focus on helping individuals elevate their businesses with the right branding and marketing strategies,” says Bhhatiaa, who has a background in fashion and luxury and has held positions in sales and marketing.

She advises other side hustlers to build their personal brand by identifying a niche market where they can offer unique value or meet a specific need. 

“Most importantly, do not quit your full-time job until you make your full-time salary, and don’t expect overnight success. Building a side hustle takes
time, effort, and persistence.”

INVESTING IN ASSETS AND PEOPLE

Yousof Shaladi’s secondary source of income is not your typical everyday side hustle. The German-Libyan expat, who moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 to take up a new job, invests in cryptocurrencies and also runs a music label in Germany, which he aspires to develop into a platform for local talents. “I started DJing in 2021-22, found a company that helped me get gigs, then met two artists and later a producer I decided to support. This is how Nie Wieder Broke was born.” 

“Knowing how to park your money outside the monetary banking system is imperative. The music label fits my dream of becoming a musician/rapper. The most enjoyable part is seeing the artists make their music, listening to it, and seeing how I can support them,” says Shaladi.

His investments have paid off well so far. His crypto assets, in which he has invested around $59,000, have grown to a six-figure sum, and the longer he holds on to them, the greater the gains will be. Similarly, his music business, in which he has injected nearly $15,000, should pay off in a few years if it continues delivering quality content. 

“You can be someone who comes home after work and just relaxes, which turns into a habit, including your attitude and goals. Or you can maintain a good level of activity, be it a hobby, a side hustle, or a dream you want to pursue – anything that keeps you going, and then make that your habit.”

Discipline is what ultimately makes the difference, he adds. “With or without family, you must plan those extra hours. Find out how to best organize yourself.”

SPECIALIZED RECRUITMENT

For Dubai-based expat Saima Sharif, her side hustle allows her to pursue her passion for beauty and people. Alongside her job with PR agency TishTash, she runs Salon Spa Growth, a small business that specializes in salon consultancy and recruitment services.

“I started my side hustle four months ago when I realized a market gap. Salon owners and managers struggle to find staff due to a mixed pool of applicants in the market,” says Sharif.

“I can sift through the CVs, screen the candidates, and arrange the interviews, creating a smoother recruitment process that saves time and energy for salon owners and leads to successful hires,” adds Sharif, who was running her own salon and training academy in London before relocating to Dubai with family in 2019. 

She invested in a business license, promoted her expertise, and made connections to get her idea off the ground. “I was profitable in the first month as I started having clients immediately.”

She adds that the toughest part of having a side hustle is time management. “I juggle both careers by waking up early, answering emails or messages, and then resuming after work. I only take on new work if I can manage the workload.”

Her top advice for aspiring side hustlers? “Find a gap in the market before taking the plunge. Also, ensure you have the time to dedicate to your side hustle.”