The digital age is shifting demand across global real estate markets as well as how businesses function day-to-day.

Occupiers and landlords are also in the midst of this transformation, as workspaces must adopt these changes in order to keep up with client demand.

Now, many occupiers are offering more space-as-a-service models in response to the recent boom in coworking spaces. The growth has been so drastic that deals with coworking operators have become the pillar of many leasing markets.

With firms expanding their services to Dubai and surrounding areas, real estate agency Knight Frank has predicted the impact this could have on the city’s commercial real estate.

According to Knight Frank’s “Your Space” study, 76% of corporate real estate leaders increased the amount of collaborative space in their businesses, while 60% said its use of coworking spaces had increased.

Over the next three years, 80% of global occupiers have plans to expand the number of collaborative space offerings within their business.

The flexible office market in the U.S. has caused a big transformation in commercial real estate, with many owners acquiring coworking firms or creating their own.

Providing these options in Dubai is an ideal solution for the many international companies needing space for special projects and are seeking short-term leases.

Still, coworking could face challenges due to the emirate’s free zone system, which restricts businesses from operating outside the free zone in which they are licensed.