Hybrid Workspaces Transform Dubai's City Centre Deira

In partnership with IWG, City Centre Deira in Dubai is investing in hybrid workspaces as new additions to its shopping mall next year, blending office and retail.

City Centre Deira, a major shopping mall in Dubai, is set to offer hybrid workplaces next year. Beginning August 2024, this mall will add hybrid workplaces into its existing floorplan — already home to numerous retailers, theatres, cafes, and restaurants.

According to a report published by Gulf News, the initiative stems from a partnership between the mall owner Majid Al Futtaim and IWG, owner of the Regus workspace brand. The demand for coworking or hybrid workspaces in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has seen a substantial increase and is reported to be driven by the growing number of gig workers in the UAE.

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Another factor cited as contributing to the increase in the demand are policy changes for residency visas that allow freelancers to operate with minimal setup costs. The rise in flexible workspace within the country is reported to have led to higher lease rates and longer renting periods — suggesting a shortage of available space across the region.

Majid Al Futtaim’s initiative to create new workspaces at City Centre Deira is a response to this growing need. The firm is not just adding coworking spaces at City Centre Deira, though. Majid Al Futtaim also has plans to add hybrid locations at the Mall of Egypt and City Centre Sohar.