Workplace Doctor: Can new Dubai SME flourish in shared office space?

Working independently as a start-up entrepreneur in Dubai does not have to be lonely thanks to the emirate's range of co-working spaces.

I'm starting up a new business and to begin with, the team will be very small, with just me at the helm for the first year or so. I really like the idea of working in an office but dread the idea of working alone. Would finding a co-working space be a good idea and, if so, where would you recommend? LP, Dubai

When I first arrived to the region, I joined a team of two others, with an office in Abu Dhabi, and all three of us living in Dubai. As a result, for the first eight months the majority of our meetings took place away from our office in more convenient locations such as coffee shops and co-working spaces around Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Even now that our team has expanded and we have taken up roots in an office in Dubai, the client-facing nature of our work means that I still spend a lot of time out and about and like you, dread the thought of working alone.

Having this agile, small “start-up” mindset is a real benefit and one that many large corporates could learn from. It is so important to spend time out in the buzz of the UAE, especially if it presents opportunities to interact with potential clients. Treat it as an opportunity. You never know – your next big client could be sipping their latte right next to you.

I am confident you can make flexible working work for you. We are fortunate enough here to have complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi on offer in most establishments, where we are even encouraged to come and conduct business meetings or sit and work in peace.

There are many great co-working spaces available to take advantage of – for example, Impact Business Hub in Souq Al Bahar and Make Business Hub in Dubai Marina. There are also a number of good working spaces and cafes in Al Quoz industrial area. Choosing a space that works for you depends on your own personal preferences – do you work better in a lively, bustling atmosphere or do you prefer quiet reflective spaces where you can focus? Your choice of co-working space also depends on where you live and what sort of work you are doing. Many of the larger coffee shop chains are built to cater to these exact situations.

Small businesses are certainly spoilt for choice in Dubai and in the UAE. My suggestion is to try them all out, see what suits your working style and even let your team members give their input when they come on board.

I also suggest that you hold meetings as frequently as possible and not just when there is a specific topic to discuss. There is a lot of value to be gained from group work and you will see how new ideas emerge naturally in this collaborative environment. My biggest concern about independent working is that it stops the random “off the wall” insights you get when bumping into a colleague in the corridor or chatting by the water cooler. That’s why it is important for you and your future team to spend time working on projects together.

Embrace the flexibility of the space and entrepreneurial mindset – create office environments where you come together to collaborate and generate ideas, but don't become wedded to a particular space. Change it up – remember why you have set up this new business and that you now even have the freedom and flexibility to work at the beach.

As a small team, I also suggest you utilise the many great online collaboration tools that are available. Your team could all be based in different locations using Google Docs to work collectively on a presentation while discussing it through a group Skype call. Collaboration is less about physical space and more about mindset.

Doctor’s prescription:

Starting a business can be lonely, especially if you dread the idea of working alone. Embrace the start-up mentality and the flexible working culture that Dubai offers. You will then be spoilt for choice of the places where you and your team can come together to collaborate. Keep in mind that most new business opportunities arise outside the office.

Alex Davda is a business psychologist and consultant at Ashridge Executive Education, Hult International Business School, and is based in the Middle East. Email him at [e-mail] for advice on any work issues.

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