WeWork, the world’s leading co-working and space-as-a-service company, has officially opened in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with Hub71, offering collaborative and flexible workspace, including 1,200 desks and light-filled lounges. From entrepreneurial start-ups to established enterprise companies, the new WeWork x Hub71 members include 39 startups from the Hub71 Incentive Program, which provides global startups with up to 100% subsidized housing, office space and healthcare for two years.
WeWork x Hub71 spans three floors in the Hub71 building located at ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The partnership and location connects WeWork to a community of innovative technology entrepreneurs, startups and companies that are part of the Hub71 initiative, and welcomes members of all industries and sizes to the space. This new WeWork operates as a management agreement with Hub71, and underlines WeWork’s strategy to expand geographically through market-driven models, including management partnerships of this kind.
Riad Thoumas, WeWork UAE General Manager said: “We are excited to open our first WeWork in the UAE, with a beautifully designed workspace for Abu Dhabi’s vibrant community of entrepreneurs and businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow. This unique collaboration with Hub71 means we can deliver an unrivalled experience for our new members, with a fantastic local partner. Abu Dhabi is an international hub for businesses, technology innovation and entrepreneurship, making it the perfect place for WeWork to expand our global platform and better serve our members.”
Ibrahim Ajami, Head of Ventures – Mubadala Capital and Acting CEO of Hub71, said: “The launch of the new WeWork x Hub71 is another positive proof point for Abu Dhabi’s tech and startup ecosystem. Our mission is to provide entrepreneurs with community support and market access as they grow their businesses. The WeWork x Hub71 community is a fundamental part of our strategy to enable entrepreneurs with differentiated offerings.”
More About WeWork x Hub71
WeWork’s design strategy continues to combine its recognisable global brand aesthetic with a commitment to localisation. From the community bar to the pantry floor tiles, everything at the new WeWork x Hub71 location is designed with Abu Dhabi in mind. The open entrance area immediately draws your attention to the desert-inspired community bar, with wood panels and a floating sand box. The nooks and banquettes showcase local fabrics, the barista coffee bar is finished in marble – a material commonly used in the region – and the black and white tiles tie to local design.
Press contacts
– WeWork | Clare Walker Clare.Walker2@wework.com
– Hub71 | TechHubEdelman@edelman.com
About WeWork:
WeWork provides members with space, community, and services through physical and virtual offerings. Its mission is to create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living. As of 2019 fourth-quarter close, WeWork had 740 locations across 140 cities and 37 countries, as well as 662,000+ memberships, including global enterprises. WeWork is committed to providing members around the world with a better day at work for less.
About Hub71:
Hub71, named after the UAE’s formation in 1971, is a tech ecosystem located in the heart of Abu Dhabi that brings together several key elements for startup success: access to capital, access to market opportunities, and a favorable business environment. Backed by Mubadala Investment Company – its growing international tech community of tech giants, venture capitalists, tech ecosystem players, and global startups can expect to benefit from an interconnected global network. Alongside strategic partners Microsoft, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Abu Dhabi Global Market; Hub71 is creating the optimal environment for transformative tech companies looking to maximize success, produce outstanding tech innovations, and scale globally. For the greater social and economic good of Abu Dhabi, Hub71 is a flagship initiative of the Dh50 billion economic accelerator program ‘Ghadan 21’, which means ‘tomorrow’ in Arabic. For more information visit www.hub71.com and follow us on @Hub71AD #Hub71.
