.png)
The way we work has evolved. Initially adopted out of necessity due to the pandemic, remote working is now widely practiced in both the public and private sectors, and more and more people across the world are embracing its advantages and the flexibility it provides. In fact, according to research platform YouGov, a staggering 46% of the UAE’s working population now currently works remotely in some form. As a result, our working environments have naturally altered, too.
For remote workers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the rest of the UAE, the question of where to work often comes down to three choices: coffee shops, coworking cafes or purpose-built coworking spaces. While all three offer an escape from the traditional office environment, these working spaces serve very different purposes. You might also be wondering which one truly supports better focus, productivity, and professional growth? In this blog, we explore all you need to know.
Coffee Shops - Popular yet Limited
There is no doubt that many people turn to coffee shops as a place to work, especially if they are craving a change-of-scenery and want to work somewhere casual and relaxed. Indeed, the laid-back vibe, steady caffeine supply, and ambient buzz of a coffee shop is undoubtedly perfect for short tasks or informal meetings. However, the truth is that coffee shops were never designed to be workspaces. Limited plug points, unreliable internet, and background noise can quickly turn what should be a productive session into a less-than-ideal working experience. For tasks that require deep focus, regular client meetings, or daily structure, coffee shops often fall short.
Coworking Cafes - Social and Flexible
A coworking café blends the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop with elements of a professional coworking workspace. Think barista-quality coffee, background music, and a comfortable seat with strong Wi-Fi, more power outlets than a regular coffee shop, and a hint of structure. Coworking cafes tend to appeal to creatives, freelancers, and digital nomads who enjoy a social, flexible work vibe without the rigidity of a traditional office.
While there are a few coworking cafés in Dubai and across the UAE that offer this hybrid model, they often lack the depth of support and amenities offered by dedicated coworking providers. Many still focus too heavily on hospitality, and fail to provide a professional environment that serves business owners and entrepreneurs.
Coworking Spaces - Built for Productivity
The third working environment for remote workers, freelancers and creatives is a coworking space, a purpose-built environment designed to support every aspect of professional life. From dedicated desks to fully serviced private offices, coworking spaces cater to a range of work styles and industries. At Cloud Spaces, we skillfully integrate both premium hospitality and ergonomically designed workspaces into our coworking spaces. Offering lounge areas, hot desks, semi-private offices and even full-sized offices and meeting rooms that can be rented by the day or the hour, our members are invited to enjoy the comfort of a coworking cafe, and the infrastructure of a professional workspace. Completed with ample parking and offering flexible contracts, every space is also strategically located in lifestyle destinations across the UAE and KSA.
Other reasons why creatives, entrepreneurs, business owners and remote workers are choosing coworking spaces over coffee shops and coworking cafes:
1. Reliable Infrastructure
Coworking spaces offer fast, secure Wi-Fi, printing services, ergonomic furniture, and IT support. In contrast, even the best coworking cafes can't guarantee this level of consistency.
2. Professional Environment
Need to take a client call? Host a presentation? A coworking space offers privacy, soundproof meeting rooms, and a business-first atmosphere, all things that are difficult to find in a café.
3. Networking and Community
Unlike coffee shops, coworking spaces cultivate a professional community. At Cloud Spaces, members enjoy access to curated networking events, workshops, and a built-in ecosystem of like-minded professionals.
4. Flexible Membership Options
Whether you're looking for drop-in day passes or a long-term workspaces, coworking memberships offer boundless flexibility and various different membership options.
5. Added Amenities
Coworking spaces offer far more than just comfortable desks and chairs. Admin support, high-tech meeting rooms, dedicated phone lines, creative suites, event spaces and more are available, providing many advantages that can never be gained from regular coffee shops.
So, Which Work Space Should You Choose?
If you're tackling deep-focus tasks, running a business, or need consistency, a coworking space is your best option. But if you're after a casual setting for short periods of light work, a coffee shop or coworking café might suffice. The real advantage comes when you don’t have to choose. Cloud Spaces is designed to offer both environments in one place, with lounge zones that feel like a café, And semi-private, private offices, and meeting rooms that support professional focus.
Explore the Benefits of Coworking at Cloud Spaces
Whether you're a designer, startup founder, developer, or freelancer, Cloud Spaces offers a workspace designed around your needs. Explore our coworking memberships to experience what flexible, hospitality-led work truly feels like.