With its stunning skyline, vibrant expat community, and thriving business hubs, Dubai is a city that many creatives, nomads, and remote workers flock to for travel and work.
I work at an agency with an overseas team and don’t have a fixed office, so I’ve explored numerous places searching for my ideal workspace for the day. I haven’t tried any co-working spaces here as most are so overpriced. Here, I wanted to share some of my top picks where I can have a productive day while enjoying the ambiance of the space.
To be fair, most of these places I will be sharing are not the most suitable for those in need of privacy, serenity or requires zero distraction. Each spot caters to different styles of remote work, so it’s essential to find the one that suits your needs.
Here are my top recommendations for remote work spots in Dubai for 2024. I hope you find them as enjoyable as I do!
Casette
Of course, we will begin with the notorious Cassette! It is undoubtedly one of my favorite remote work spots in Dubai for 2024. I go to this place so much that they gave me a free bill once 😍
Every single item on the menu is exceptional (Yes, I have tried them all), and the super-friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Some seats have an outlet, and they offer free, fast-speed Wi-Fi. While it can get pretty busy, you’ll usually be able to secure a spot during the week.
It can get quite loud at times, especially in the afternoons, as this is the spot that everyone goes to. With noise-cancellation earphones, you should be fine for meetings/calls. If you’re tired of WFH and would enjoy a little bit of buzzing yet productive atmosphere. This is the place to go 🙂
One Life Kitchen & Cafe
Tucked away in the heart of Dubai Design District, One Life Kitchen and Cafe is a hidden gem for remote workers looking for a spacious, laid-back environment. Their coffee is top-notch, and the menu offers a variety of healthy and delicious options, making it an ideal spot for long work sessions.
What really sets this place apart is the upstairs area—a quiet library and individual workstation space. It’s perfect for when you need to dive into deep work without distractions. The vibe upstairs is serene, and you’ll often find fellow remote workers focused on their tasks, making it a great place for uninterrupted productivity. Plus, the natural light that floods the room adds to the calming atmosphere, keeping you energized throughout the day.
So if you’re in search of a work spot with a bit more room to spread out and zone in, One Life is definitely worth a visit.
Nightjar Coffee Roaster
Next up is Nightjar Coffee Roasters, a spot with a funky hipster vibe that’s quite rare in Dubai. It’s situated on our favorite Al Serkal Avenue.
You’ll find individual tables, some with outlets, as well as shared tables equipped with outlets. I always grab the individual tables if I can; you’ll be doing barstool style at the shared table, which isn’t so bad and kinda helps me concentrate.
I’ve heard from so many people that the coffee here is the best, brewed by professional baristas who know what they’re doing. Again, it can get pretty busy, but if you come before the afternoon you should be fine.
Friends Avenue (JLT)
If you’re looking for a cozy yet productive spot, check out Friends Avenue in JLT. They have locations in Al Thanyah and Motor City too, but I like the one in JLT best as the floor plan is ideal for remote working.
Both the high table and couch seating are great for getting work done. The space is intimate, so you don’t get people walking around, leading to fewer distractions.
RX Cafe
I came to the cafe for the first time when a friend asked me if I wanted to try their amazing croissant.
Walking inside, the unique apothecary concept immediately stood out, giving the space a grounding atmosphere. This is also when I discovered the amazing second-floor seating, with a big, long shared wooden table that’s perfect for a productive work session. I find nomads here with their proper laptop and additional pad setups, as the space is quite sufficient for it.
I highly recommend trying out the toasted almond croissant; it’s delightful. The coffee here is also exceptional, made with exclusive beans sourced from Oslo and Tokyo. With its perfect lighting and overall ambiance, RX Cafe has become one of my go-to spots for remote work in Dubai.
Paus
Situated in a welcoming villa with a lovely garden in Jumeirah, Paus is at the top of my list when I want to find a spot to co-work with friends. The ambiance is a perfect blend of relaxing and stimulating.
The cafe is always pretty packed, with both people just here for coffee and those working remotely. Every time I come here, I see the high bar table occupied by people deeply engrossed in their work. The regular seating, especially the tables in the corners, is also great for a productive work sesh.
Urth Cafe
Urth Cafe is an absolute gem. The cafe has a giant olive tree arching its arm around the space, giving it a super relaxing yet grounding feel. With high ceiling with floor-to-ceiling windows allows plenty of sunlight to flood in, and the whole setup just sets this place apart.
There are different styles of seating available, from cozy couches to regular tables, making it perfect for face-to-face meetings. For a quieter experience, the corner seating is ideal for meetings and calls.
Al Safa Art and Design Library
If you’re tired of coffee shops and looking for a chill yet inspiring place to work, Al Safa Art and Design Library might be a cool option. This place has an artsy vibe that’s perfect for creatives and remote workers. The architecture and the collection of art and design books make it a focal point.
It’s quiet enough for serious focus but still has a cool, creative atmosphere. Definitely one of my favorite places to get stuff done while soaking up some artisan elements. Oh, by the way, this place serves free coffee and snacks too. 😉
The Grey
This is my personal favorite coffee shop in Dubai. I must say though, it’s more of a spot to hop in, do some light work, and enjoy the vibe. Make sure you put on your sleek outfit because you’ll find yourself surrounded by socialites or even friends of some Sheikhs having their catch-up sessions.
Unsurprisingly, the food and drinks are on the pricier side. I know we’re supposed to be talking about remote working spots here, but if you’re not having the busiest day, come here with your laptop while enjoying a bite with your Charcoal Benedict Croissant.
SIRO Cafe (in One Za’abeel)
I saved the best for last—SIRO Cafe, located on the 30th floor of One Za’abeel alongside the SIRO gym in the SIRO hotel, is a really sick choice.
Nestled among Dubai’s skyscrapers, it offers a breathtaking view of the city, overlooking landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame. Be ready to be distracted by the stunning views!
I usually come here to work before my workout session during the day (you can book a class or workout at the gym via ClassPass!). The shared table with outlets makes for a phenomenal work session, and the ambiance is unmatched.
If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it.
