The Unspoken Struggles of a Dubai Saxophonist: A Call for Change in Payment Practices

For the past ten years, I have had the privilege of performing as a saxophonist in Dubai, bringing joy and ambiance to countless events, hotels, and restaurants. Music is my passion, and I have always poured my heart into every performance, ensuring that each note resonates with the audience. However, the joy I find in my work has been increasingly overshadowed by a persistent and growing problem—delayed payments.

Despite my professionalism and dedication, the payment terms imposed by clients have remained rigid and unfair. Over the years, the situation has only worsened. Recently, I faced a particularly troubling issue with a hotel that has been delaying my payments for months. Initially, the agreement was to receive payment 15 days after the month-end. Yet, this period stretched to three months, then six months. The frustration and financial strain this has caused are indescribable.

I have built a rapport with this hotel, creating a sense of family and belonging. I have contributed significantly to their brand, enhancing their ambiance and customer experience. Unfortunately, this dedication has not been reciprocated in the way they handle payments to musicians like me. Instead, they treat us akin to supply chain vendors—fruit and vegetable suppliers, whose payments can be delayed without consideration of the impact on our lives.

This attitude must change. Musicians and freelancers are not commodities; we are professionals with bills to pay and families to support. Delaying payments for three to six months is not only disrespectful but also unsustainable. Would it be acceptable for hotel managers to wait for their salaries for six months? Absolutely not. They would resign and seek employment elsewhere. So why is it considered acceptable to treat freelancers this way?

We are reaching a breaking point where legal action seems like a necessary step. Although we are reluctant to go down that path, the lack of timely payments leaves us with few options. We need the support of the community to advocate for fairer payment terms. A reasonable timeframe for payments should be between seven to fifteen days post-service. It is unjust to expect us to work an entire month and then wait for an indefinite period to receive our due compensation.

The current system disrespects our profession and undervalues our contributions. As a result, I have missed rent payments, defaulted on credit card bills, and faced immense stress. Despite these challenges, I continue to perform with a smile, maintaining professionalism. But this situation is making me resent the industry I once loved.

As a community, we must come together to demand change. We need to establish a union or a support system that ensures fair treatment for all freelancers in the F&B, entertainment, and events sectors. Our voices need to be heard, and our demands for timely payments must be met. This is not just about fairness; it’s about respect for our craft and our livelihood.

Let’s stand united and push for a future where freelancers are valued and compensated promptly. The time for change is now.

Author: The Seer from Kattegat

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