Co-working spaces are an increasingly popular option for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. They offer a place to work in a community of like-minded people.
The UAE being a startup and SME hub, coworking spaces are trending, and the market is projected to register a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period (2022-2027). These flexible workspace solutions empower entrepreneurs, and small businesses as it provides a constructive atmosphere for those who want to work in a collaborative environment where they can bounce ideas off other professionals.
Coworking spaces come with a host of benefits that include a professional address, flexibility, great amenities, affordability, convenience, and most importantly great work-life balance.
Choosing the right co-working space can be a challenge, especially if you're new to the UAE. With so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are five tips to help make the process a little easier:
Define Your Goals
The first step in choosing the right co-working space is to define your goals. What are you looking to get out of a co-working space? Do you want a place to meet with clients? Do you need a space to store inventory? Are you looking for a space with plenty of networking opportunities? Or one with quiet, private rooms for conference calls? Make a list of your top priorities and use that as your guide when narrowing down your options.
Answering these questions will help you narrow down your search and find a space that suits your needs. For example, if you're looking for a place to meet with clients, you'll want to find a space that has meeting rooms and is located in a convenient location.
Consider Your Budget
Co-working spaces come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their prices. Be realistic about what you can afford and choose a space that fits within your budget. In the UAE, co-working spaces in free zones are hugely popular as they offer greater flexibility at affordable prices. Decide your budget, weigh it against the facilities offered by the free zone and decide on your space.
Consider the Location
You'll want to consider the location of your co-working space carefully. After all, you'll be spending a lot of time there, so you'll want to make sure it's in a place that's convenient for you.
Ideally, you should choose a location that's close to where you live or work. This way, you won't have to waste time travelling to and from your co-working space.
Another thing to consider is the neighbourhood the co-working space is in. Is it a safe neighbourhood? Is it close to places where you can get food or take breaks? These are all things you'll want to keep in mind when choosing a location for your co-working space.
Do Your Research
When it comes to finding the right co-working space in the UAE, the best thing you can do is your research. This means taking the time to look at different options and see what they have to offer in terms of amenities, location, price, and so on.
When you're considering a particular co-working space, be sure to read the reviews (both good and bad) to get an idea of what it's like to work there.
Another great way to research co-working spaces is by actually going to visit them in person. This way you can get a feel for the atmosphere and see if it's a good fit for you.
Take a Tour
When you've found a few potential co-working spaces, it's time to take a tour. This will help you get a feel for the space and see if it's truly a good fit for your needs.
When you're on the tour, pay attention to your gut feeling. If the space feels cramped or too loud, it's probably not going to be a good fit. You should also ask about the amenities that are included in your membership.
Some things to look for:
The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone is a great choice for entrepreneurs in the UAE as investors can get a workspace in the UAE by taking a virtual licence and opt for flexi-desks or shared offices with world-class amenities for their company. All our licences packages included co-working spaces. The ambient surroundings of UAQ FTZ come with other facilities like conferencing and meeting facilities, professional business lounge, Internet & telephone infrastructure, common parking facilities, 24-hour security with CCTV, aesthetically designed interiors and a great outdoor environment.
The UAQ Free Trade Zone is already home to 9000+ investors thus creating a robust business community that benefits all our partners.
We hope this guide has been helpful in beginning your search for the perfect co-working space in the UAE.
If you keep these five tips in mind, you'll be sure to find a space that meets your needs and helps you to be productive and successful in your business ventures.
Good luck and happy co-working!