The Third Space – Why Coworking Is Dubai’s New Normal
the third space revolution in Dubai.
The way we work has changed… and so have the spaces we choose to work from. For years, the choice seemed binary: head into a traditional office, or, less commonly, work from home. But in a city like Dubai, where innovation and adaptability drive growth, a third option has emerged as the clear winner: coworking.
The limits of “home” and “office”
Working from home may have started as a necessity, but for many, it has become a source of isolation. Studies show that 70% of remote workers feel more isolated than before. On the other side, traditional offices often come with long leases, heavy fit-out costs, and a rigidity that doesn’t fit the reality of startups or scaling businesses.
Neither extreme works perfectly. And that’s where coworking enters the picture.
The rise of the third space
Coworking is more than just a desk and Wi-Fi. It’s a third space: a blend of productivity, flexibility, and community. In Dubai, especially, where entrepreneurship thrives and 90% of businesses are SMEs, coworking offers a practical, scalable solution.
At Centrum, we see coworking as the city’s new normal because it delivers what both homes and offices can’t:
Community without the commute: A chance to connect with like-minded founders, freelancers, and creatives.
Flexibility without the stress: Month-to-month memberships, private desks, or day passes, no long leases or costly fit-outs.
Professionalism without the pressure: Meeting rooms, lounges, and a barista coffee station create an environment built for growth.
Dubai’s momentum, coworking’s future
Dubai isn't just adapting to global coworking trends; it's defining them. In 2024, the city commanded a significant 69.3% share of the UAE's coworking office space market, driven by strong air connectivity, a well-developed free-zone network, and robust business activity.
Startups and SMEs are flocking here, attracted by simplified licensing and a vibrant business ecosystem. The UAE government has launched a major entrepreneurship initiative aimed at training 10,000 young people and generating 30,000 new jobs by 2030, providing access to mentorship, co-working spaces, and funding opportunities.
Meanwhile, larger corporations are embracing hybrid work models, carving out satellite offices and project hubs within shared spaces, blending the best of in-office collaboration with remote agility. The number of registered companies across the UAE has increased 2.5 times between mid-2020 and mid-2025, highlighting the growing demand for flexible workspaces.
Digital nomads are also part of the story. With initiatives like the UAE’s remote work visa, Dubai has positioned itself as a destination where lifestyle meets productivity.
Dubai isn't just riding the coworking wave; it's creating it.
The Centrum perspective
At Centrum Spaces, we’ve built environments that feel less like offices and more like communities. From coworking desks and private offices to lounges and meeting rooms, our spaces are designed to be this “third space” where work doesn’t just get done, but where it gets elevated.
Whether you’re a startup founder, a growing SME, or a professional tired of the WFH blur, coworking is no longer the alternative. In Dubai, it’s becoming the new normal.
Curious about how coworking can transform the way your business works? Try it for yourself with a free one-day pass.
WhatsApp us at +971 55 198 1713 or register your interest at centrumspaces.com.