I’d lean toward full-time employment for a primary source of income, mainly because the predictable salary, benefits, and longer-term stability make planning much easier. Contracting can be a better fit for people who value variety, higher earning potential, or flexibility, but the gaps between projects can add stress.
One thing worth considering is what happens financially when either arrangement ends. In the Gulf, employment benefits can differ considerably depending on the country, salary structure, and length of service. I’ve found the End of Service Calculator(https://endofservicecalculator.site/) useful for getting a rough idea of what an employee may be entitled to before making a career move. Ultimately, I’d choose based on the full package rather than salary alone, including benefits, job security, flexibility, and what happens when the contract or employment ends.