WeWork, a global company offering shared workspaces for tech firms, is to launch its first location in the UAE.
The American company will open over 5,000m sq of collaborative and inspirational workspace in early 2020 at Hub71, a global tech ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi Global Market Square at Al Maryah Island.
The tailor-made space for tech companies, universities, corporates and start-ups will span across three floors, in Abu Dhabi’s financial district, according to a report by Emirates News Agency (WAM).
WeWork was founded in 2010 to create flexible, innovative and attractive work spaces that help people and businesses connect, collaborate, and grow.
Anthony Yazbeck, managing director, international operations, said: “Our mission is to create dynamic environments where these groups can learn from each other, increase productivity, recruit and retain talent, and bring the ideas of the future into reality. I’m looking forward to seeing what unique perspectives our Hub71 members – our first in the UAE – will bring to the WeWork community.”
WeWork provides space, community and services to over 466,000 members around the world, including a range of start-ups and mid- to large-sized corporations. Its membership offerings provide flexibility to work from multiple locations, while its global network of locations allows companies to expand to new cities around the world.
The company caters to entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups, small businesses and large enterprises.
Mahmoud Adi, CEO of Hub71, said: “Through Hub71, Abu Dhabi residents will benefit from innovative workplaces and gain access to a network – both physical and virtual – that links them to WeWork’s members around the world.”
Hub71 is powered by Mubadala, Microsoft, Abu Dhabi Global Market with the backing of the Ghadan 21 program, which is working to accelerate the Abu Dhabi economy.
The tech hub aims to foster start-up success, innovation and growth and is uniquely positioned to bring together government entities, corporations, academics and start-ups.
Start-ups already signed up include UAE-based BitOasis, the largest digital asset exchange platform in the Middle East, Lamsa, an Arabic language learning app, US-based Surkus, the world’s most powerful experiential marketing tech platform, and Bayzat, an insurance and HR tech start-up. London-based venture capital firm Hambro Perks has also intimated that it is setting up in Hub71 in the coming months.
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