Co-working spaces have become increasingly popular, thanks to the gig economy, the increasing need for fluidity and temporary settings has become evident. And so, co-working spaces have helped enable people to opt out of working at the stereotypical Starbucks, and move into a more conducive workspace, without shelling out for an annual lease. Here are five of the UAE’s top spaces.
Located in the heart of the city’s historical Al Fahidi district, with its narrow walkways and vestiges of a bygone Dubai era, this art gallery and café is a peaceful retreat away from the Emirate’s more modern parts. Its Arabic-style courtyard, with indoor and outdoor seating on the rooftop, surrounded by the traditional wind towers of olden-day design, offers a cool, calm space to work in or just explore. On offer is a range of uber-cool and often-affordable art and fashion, while the café’s English breakfast and cappuccinos rank among visitors’ favorites. Underground parking for Al Fahidi is now free and the area is also well-connected to public transport, including RTA water taxis.
Opening hours: Sat – Thu: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. @Make_dxb
Dubbed as a “home of artistic recycled furniture, creative people, homemade food and arty ambiance,” Art House Café is a hidden gem. Blending picturesque healthy food with the coziness of home, this location in Al Bateen is perfect to eat, read, work or relax in. With a distinctively UAE feel—the colours of the national flag are dotted around to embody the spirit of the union, as are artefacts of Emirati heritage and culture—this space is open, airy and light. From old tires to barrels, upcycled decoratives lend the place a rustic character and vintage charm, but with a modern edge. Featuring Arabic classics like shakshouka with international favorites including the ever-popular pancake stack, the food here varies from healthy mango smoothies to indulgent chicken wings. Situated beside the Etihad Modern Art Gallery, the space also supports local artists.
Opening hours: Sat- Thu – 9:00 am to 12:00 am. @Arthousecafedxb
Few locations offer as much as A4 in Alserkal Avenue, which has a cinema room, library, dedicated working space and café. Branded as “a community space where you can eat, meet, read, work and play,” A4 lives up to expectations, featuring everything from classic board games to hop-scotch. With so much nearby, including new exhibits popping up all the time, you will never get bored. Free parking is nearby and easy to locate, and Alserkal Avenue is all but pedestrianized, making A4 a trendy industrial escape in the heart of Al Quoz.
Opening hours : Sat- Thu from 10:00 am–7:00 pm. Book at @A4space
One of the bigger and more formalized co-working spaces, this 2,800-square-foot space in Dubai Design District is the ‘it’ place for creativity. Membership starts at Dhs55 for daily use, and includes free Wi-Fi, a flexi desk, printing and scanning facilities, and library access. Monthly use costs up to Dhs1,200, and offers extra benefits, such as three hours of daily access to meeting rooms. Small companies can hire dedicated spaces, while The Lounge offers a more comfortable place for meetings. As the area has grown in popularity, parking availability has not been able to keep up, so public transportation is advised.
Working hours: Sat – Thu from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visit @Reurbanstudio
This cozy café in the ever-popular hub of Yas Marina lies between Vogue Fitness and the ever-growing number of office spaces and small businesses. Popular with many in the local community for both social and business meetings, Borough caters to an increasingly health-conscious clientele, offering a range of milk alternatives, healthy food from protein pancakes to mouthwatering guacamole sweet potato slices, to even a flourless and butterless peanut butter banana muffin. And all this comes with a good Wi-Fi connection and outdoor seating.
Opening hours : Sun to Thu – 05:00 am to 10:30 pm, weekends – 07:00 am to 10:30 pm. @Boroughsuae
