Since 2020, the boundary between work and personal life has become increasingly fluid. As remote working policies became more common, so too did the investment in home offices, desk setups and routines designed to make working from home feel more manageable. More recently, the US-Israel-Iran war pushed many across the region back into remote working, as people prioritised safety and stability while navigating a tense and uncertain time. Even as public life begins to reopen and discussions around extending the ceasefire continue, remote working remains part of the rhythm for many.
That shift has also changed the way people think about where work can happen. In Dubai, hotels began noticing a new kind of guest lingering in lounges with laptops open, taking meetings over coffee before swapping screen time for a few hours by the pool. It was only a matter of time before hospitality caught on, with many properties responding through flexible day-use packages, 24-hour stays and added extras designed to make the workday feel a little more appealing.
And the government took notice. Seeing the need people had to separate work and home, the Dubai Municipality announced a ‘Work from Park’ initiative, which involves transforming parks of public parks into urban spaces that allow people to combine productivity with some fresh air and greenery. The first ‘Work from Park’ space is set to open in May 2026 at Al Barsha Pond Park. It will integrate workspaces with the park’s natural environment.
While we wait to experience this contemporary transformation, here are some other noteworthy spots to check out.
25Hours Hotel | One Central
A library, a cassette bar, a vinyl listening station, arcade games, and gigantic swing seats, the co-working space at 25Hours Hotel is the perfect aesthetic yet productive environment with plenty of activities to indulge in for downtime. The best part? It’s all free to use as long as you order a coffee or a bite from their cafe. And they have two of them offering plenty of options to keep you fueled while you work.
CASSETTE | Courtyard, Al Quoz
With complementary WiFi and water, those working at CASSETTE are invited to use the space for however long they like, with no requirement to order. With a casual, laid-back energy, you can focus in on your tasks while the hum of coffee machines keeps you company.
Isola Space | The Lana Promenade
A vibrant, Bauhaus-esque spot, Isola Space is mainly built for the design community with dedicated exhibitions, events, and workshops. That being said, they also feature a charming cafe where remote workers convene among squiggly-looking tables and cobalt blue sofas. So whether you’re working with a buddy or solo, the space and ambience ignite a collective motivation to work hard.
Jameel Arts Centre | Al Jaddaf
Free for all with required registration, Jameel Arts Centre boasts a library focused on contemporary arts research on the cultural histories of the Gulf and its neighbouring regions. Filled with lots of natural light, it’s a quiet, peaceful space to concentrate in while their galleries, art and sculpture park, and restaurant all provide a respite for when you need to take a break.
Mohammed bin Rashid Library | Al Jaddaf
The library, with its iconic open book silhouette, spans a whopping 54,000 sq m, so chances are you can get your own little working nook and be left undisturbed for hours. With different types of spaces on each floor, the library offers free WiFi, charging stations, conference rooms, cubicles, and even bean bags if you fancy it.
NETTE | Seventh Heaven, Al Barari
With light wood decor and integrated greenery, NETTE at Al Barari brings a serene setting for those looking for uninterrupted productivity. While NETTE allows those to sit in without any prior booking or requirement to order, the place sports comforting bites and drinks that can be enjoyed while soaking up the sun.
The Meld Concept | Jumeirah 1
A concept space open to all creatives, it’s another quiet, contemplative spot for those working on their projects and attending calls, while their cafe serves coffees, matchas, and sweet treats. Depending on the day, you might just walk in on a workshop or a new retail booth, but the space is so vast that you can find another work corner to focus uninterrupted.
Woodish | JVC
Recently opened, the homely Woodish opens its doors to remote workers looking to settle in and flow through their work. With warm interiors and the scent of coffee in the air, those working can get on calls, host informal meetings, and grab a coffee refill from Dhs 5.
