Co-working offices Cloud Spaces to open in Yas Mall in August

The company will offer flexible workspace options as legions of home-based workers mull a new normal

A rendering of Cloud Spaces, a co-working space that is set to launch in August at Yas Mall. Courtesy Yas Mall

The Gulf's first shopping centre-based co-working space will open in Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall next month, offering businesses flexible workplace options even as the Covid-19 pandemic forces millions of office workers around the world into telecommuting.

Cloud Spaces will offer new and existing businesses flexible workspace options, meeting facilities, help in getting trade licences, and mentoring programmes, it said in a statement on Wednesday.

"A number of local and international businesses have already signed up, with many more in the pipeline," Malak Smejkalova, general manager at Cloud Spaces, said. "As an office space designed for the future, Cloud Spaces is poised for further expansion in the UAE, the wider region and internationally."

The coronavirus crisis that has led to legions of newly home-based workers may also boost demand for shared office space services that offer flexibility during uncertainty. A global shift to working from home, adopting technology that allows employees to collaborate remotely and the push to cut costs have meant a reduction in space that companies are willing to rent.

Cloud Spaces will cater to both local and international companies and entrepreneurs, with existing Yas Mall retailers making use of the space and its services, it said.

The concept will offer a flexible approach to working and collaborating, catering to the evolving needs of the UAE's businesses, Cloud Spaces said.

"With growing demand for flexible working spaces across the UAE, Cloud Spaces will serve as a hub to support the growth plans of existing tenants and future tenants alike, as well as the wider business community," Saoud Khoory, executive director of retail at Aldar Properties, said.

Cloud Space will offer flexible co-working memberships and workspace options on both monthly and annual plans.

In line with government rules and regulations, all areas have been designed to meet safety standards and will follow social distancing measures, the company said.