Dubai’s work culture has been emerging and how. With hybrid work, freelancers on board and virtual offices mushrooming, conventional office set-ups have taken a back seat. And these have made way for co-working spaces. And it’s not just a room with four walls and a table where you can hunker down and work. Nope, it’s more like a third place aesthetically designed with comfy furniture, uplifting ambience and a space for networking. And of course the lifeblood of any office – yes, coffee! Whether you’re a freelancer, a start-up owner or someone who wants to swap your boring home desk with a hotel lobby vibe (for free), this article’s for you. Today, we round-up the best free co-working spaces in Dubai:
B-Hive Co-working Space
Whoever knew Burjuman Mall had a FREE coworking space? I mean, imagine this – you’re taking a quick break from work. But instead of chugging down coffee, you take the lift down and try on H & M dresses? Located on the third floor, above the Food Pavilion, is a dynamic workspace that balances productivity and fun. Here you’d find ergonomic seats that dispel your posture woes and coffee kiosks that channel your creativity. And of course, free Mall Wifi that lets you create magic out of your creative thinking. Wait, there’s more! There are ample charging stations, a free Chill N Play Zone with foosball, life size chess and arcade games. You’d see colourful bean bags all across the space and dedicated e-gaming stations with charging ports for your devices.
Timings – 10AM to 10PM (Sunday to Thursday)
10AM to 11PM (Friday & Saturday)
Also read: 6 Unexpectedly Cool Things to Do at BurJuman Mall
Al Safa Art and Design Library
Next up on our list is this coworking space located in Jumeirah. And guess what, it ticks all the boxes! First off, it runs from 8am to 8pm and has comfy seating, free WiFi, plenty of sockets, and even iMac workstations. If there’s a meeting happening, you can get yourself a dedicated cubicle as long as you ensure that you book it in advance. Here’s something else to make this prospect even more exciting – parking is free just behind the Co-op, and you’re only a 2-minute walk from the library. Step outside and you’ll find a leafy open-air area with trees and even an amphitheatre-style setup for a breather between tasks. Also, when hunger strikes, you can just grab a latte at the cozy in-house café, or head next door to Carrefour Bakery for budget-friendly bites.
Monday to Saturday – 8am to 8pm
Friday hours – 8am to 12pm
A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue
This one’s a hidden gem in the coworking space space (repeat intended). It’s super spacious, comfy and screams chill. Let me also tell you about the coffee – easily one of the best you’ve had, even better than some of the ones you get in cafes out there. You can even walk into their libraries, pick up a book or just go gaze at some of their art work in the gallery. They also have tons of charging docks, to keep your devices charged just like you. Oh, and if you’re a bibliophile, here’s something exciting: their Zerzura Books Store is home to almost 150 rare and vintage books including modern first editions across budgets.
9am to 7pm (Monday to Saturday)
9am to 8.30 pm (Satuday)
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Who needs a desk when you can work inside a ginormous book? Okay fine, I know technically it’s shaped like an Islamic lectern, but you get the drill. And that too, sitting amidst millions of books – to be exact, you’d have 1.1 million books giving you literal company (pun intended). Spanning seven floors, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library stands tall by the creekside, doubling up as the quietest, most distraction-free office you’ll ever find. And if you’re confused about what to read (duh, who wouldn’t be when there are 1.1M options to choose from), there’s a cute little robot who can help you pick the right book according to the genre that suits your taste. The absolute best part – this co-working space won’t cost you a single dirham.
Monday to Saturday – 9am to 9pm
Friday hours – 2pm to 9pm
Closed on Sundays
Co-working Space At The Foundry
If splash of colours come numero uno on your work vibe checklist, then voila, look no further than The Foundry. A co-working space mashed up with an art gallery, complete with a cafe serving mouthwatering delicacies. The co-working space on the top floor is a seclusive area to crank through that to-do list, but look down and boom: instant art break. Apart from art and photo galleries, there’s also a transformational space where artists and designers work their magic to amp up the aesthetics of the room with installations spanning various thematic concepts. You’ll find the cutest little reading pods (ladders included) if you want to say “peace out” to humanity for an hour. Oh, and the coffee? Absolute bliss! Grab a mug and glide around while pretending that giant “abstract sculpture” has changed your perspective on life.
Timings – 10AM to 10PM (All days)
PS Don’t forget to click the mandatory reading nook pic – yup, that oval structure where you can curl up and read like there’s no tomorrow.
Jameel Arts Center
Everyone talks about what’s inside coworking spaces but I’m gonna run straight to the roof terrace here because the Creek view from the deck is an absolute stunner. Imagine starting your Monday with that view – productivity guaranteed! Anyway, if you ask me, I’d say the Jameel Arts Centre is where you go when you want Wi-Fi, inspiration, contemporary art and a café within arm’s reach. A cultural space housing magnificent art exhibits, Jameel Arts Centre is also a hub for collaboration, brainstorming and dialogue.
Saturday–Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM
Friday from 12 PM to 8 PM
The next time you want a change from your home office, you know where to head to – one of these 6 co-working spaces in Dubai!
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