13 Best Earning App in UAE: How to Make and Protect Your Side Income

The best earning app in UAE depends on your skills and preferences for how you like to work. Apps such as Swagbucks will pay you for taking surveys and for completing small online tasks, while Fiverr and Upwork are freelancing apps that allow you to earn in exchange for your skills. If you prefer earning money while on the go, Careem and Deliveroo enable you to earn money while you drive and deliver, respectively. Creators can earn using Roposo, and experienced investors will seek more risky apps, such as Sarwa or Binance. And as you continue to earn money, you also need to secure it. Having the right plan of insurance will help ensure that your money is protected anywhere in the UAE.

In this blog, we will show you the best, most reliable means of earning money through apps in the UAE, practical ways of using these apps effectively, and how to secure the money you earn, because while growing your income is only half the equation, securing it is the real deal.

Best Earning Apps in the UAE

Making money through apps in the UAE is practical, but choosing the right one can save you time and effort. Here’s a breakdown of the top options based on different earning styles, with realistic insights on how each works.

1. Task & Survey-Based Apps

• Swagbucks – Earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, or shopping online. Points convert to PayPal cash or gift cards.
  Pros: Simple to start, no special skills required.
  Cons: Earnings are small and require consistency.

Earning extra income is a great start, but protecting that income is equally important. Many UAE residents now balance side hustles with smart financial planning, and that includes getting insured with the right health insurance coverage.

• Toluna Influencers – Share opinions through market research surveys and polls. Rewards include vouchers or cash.
  Pros: Gives voice to your opinions, easy to use.
  Cons: Some surveys have long wait times or limited availability in the UAE.
  Tip: Complete your profile fully to receive relevant surveys and maximize earnings.

   

• Clickworker – Perform micro-tasks like data entry, short writing tasks, or categorization.
  Pros: Flexible tasks that fit any schedule.
  Cons: Earnings vary and depend on task availability.
  Tip: Check the app frequently to grab high-paying tasks first.

2. Freelance & Professional Services Apps

• Fiverr – Offer skills like writing, graphic design, or programming to a global audience.
  Pros: Set your own rates, unlimited potential with experience.
  Cons: Competitive; initial clients take effort to acquire.
  Tip: Highlight your expertise in your profile and start with smaller projects to build ratings.

   

• Upwork – Connect with longer-term clients for projects across professional fields.
  Pros: Secure contracts with structured payment.
  Cons: Platform fees can reduce net earnings.
  Tip: Specialize in a niche skill to stand out and gain higher-paying contracts.

   

• Freelancer.com – Bid on diverse freelance projects, from tech to creative work.
  Pros: Variety of projects for different skill levels.
  Cons: The Bidding system can be competitive.
  Tip: Apply only to projects that match your expertise for higher success rates.

3. Content & Creative Work Apps

• Roposo – Monetize short videos through views and brand collaborations.
  Pros: Quick way to start earning as a creator.
  Cons: Income fluctuates with audience engagement.
  Tip: Post consistently and interact with followers to boost visibility.

   

• Foap – Sell your photos and creative content directly from your phone.
  Pros: Turn hobby photography into income.
  Cons: Highly competitive market.
  Tip: Focus on unique UAE-themed visuals to attract local and international buyers.

4. Ride-Sharing and Delivery Apps

• Careem – Drive passengers or deliver food around UAE cities.
  Pros: Flexible hours, decent per-trip earnings.
  Cons: Fuel and maintenance costs affect net income.
  Tip: Work during peak hours for higher pay and combine ride and delivery shifts if possible.

   

• Uber – Similar ride-sharing and delivery opportunities.
  Pros: Well-known platform, frequent ride requests.
  Cons: Requires a valid UAE driving license and registration.
  Tip: Track peak demand times in your city to maximize earnings.

   

• Deliveroo – Deliver food from restaurants to customers in the UAE.
  Pros: Flexible, good for extra income without a long-term commitment.
  Cons: Earnings depend on order volume and location.
  Tip: Focus on busy districts and plan routes efficiently.

Expert tip: Make sure your car has the right UAE car insurance coverage for ride-sharing or delivery work to avoid unexpected expenses.

5. Passive Income & Investing Apps

• Honeygain – Earn passively by sharing unused internet bandwidth.
  Pros: Set-and-forget income; minimal effort.
  Cons: Small returns; requires a continuous internet connection.
  Tip: Combine with other side apps for steady extra income.

   

• Sarwa or Binance – Invest in stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrency.
  Pros: Potentially higher returns for experienced users.
  Cons: High risk; market fluctuations can affect savings.
  Tip: Start small, learn the platform, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

Each of these apps offers a way to earn, but remember: extra income is real income, and protecting it is equally important. As you explore the best earning app in UAE for your needs, pairing your earnings with the right insurance plan ensures that every dirham you make is secure.

Next, let’s look at practical ways to make money online in the UAE efficiently and safely.

How to Earn Money Online in UAE the Right Way

Earning online is about steady effort, not quick wins. Using the best earning app in UAE is step one; using it smartly ensures your extra income stays legal and sustainable.

• Pick your skill or time slot: Focus on what you do best and schedule consistent hours.
• Choose the right app: Match your goals to apps like Fiverr for freelancing or Careem for delivery.
• Track earnings & reinvest: Monitor progress and put income back into higher-value tasks.
• Stay legal: Ensure all work complies with UAE visa and employment rules.

Next, let’s explore how to protect this income with smart insurance choices.

Important Tool for Income Security for Protecting What You Earn

Earning more online is great, but protecting that income is just as important. In the UAE, many side-income earners overlook insurance, leaving themselves exposed.

• Health Insurance: Covers medical emergencies, ensuring illness doesn’t halt your earnings.
• Income Protection: Safeguards earnings if you’re temporarily unable to work.
• Business/Side-Gig Insurance: Protects freelancers and delivery drivers from liability risks.

Expert Tip: Match coverage to your income. A freelancer earning AED 3,000/month should consider minimum health cover, gig-specific protection, and commercial vehicle insurance if using a car for deliveries or ride-sharing. Keep records and declare side income if required.

With Insura, you get tailored UAE insurance plans that secure your earnings and give peace of mind.

Conclusion

The world of extra income in the UAE is wide and dynamic. From surveys and micro-tasks to freelancing, creative work, and passive income, opportunities are plentiful, but success depends on choosing the right platform and using it wisely.

Earning smart is just the first step; protecting your side income is equally important. Side income is real income, so treat it with the same care as your main earnings. Choosing the best earning app in UAE is your first move, and securing those earnings with the right insurance is your next move.

If you’re exploring apps to boost income and want guidance on integrating insurance into your earning strategy, we (through Insura) can help you pick the right plan to safeguard your hard-earned money while you grow your income confidently.