Office spaces planned for women only

DUBAI // A 20-storey tower is being built as part of the Business Bay project that will sell offices to women only, developers Hydra Properties announced. "We have conceptualised the building as a tribute to the nurturing spirit of womanhood," said Sulaiman al Fahim, the company's chief executive officer, a high-profile figure in the UAE business and sporting worlds who is well-known for hosting the reality television show Hydra Executives.

"I'm confident that the tower will lead to a new awakening and unleash the latent entrepreneurial talent of UAE women, and contribute to the overall growth of the nation and region." A spokesman for Hydra Properties said that the excavation work had been completed at the site, and that the building was expected to be completed in 2010. Women on the streets of Dubai said they had mixed feelings about the project.

"I think it's a good idea; most of the bosses I have worked for are men and anything that gives businesswomen a boost should be applauded," said Neena Khan, 30, who is originally from Pakistan and works in the IT sector. However, Jayne Sherry, 34, from the UK, said: "It sounds like a bit of a gimmick. What will happen if they cannot find enough women to buy all the office space?" "Also, would they only be allowed to sell to another woman? It all sounds a bit strange."

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