OneSpace founder and CEO Matt Hewitt advocates that developers should partner with regional flexible workspace operators rather than large global brands, citing that WeWork and IWG have closed over 700 locations worldwide in the past five years. WeWork closed approximately 200 locations including 160 exits through bankruptcy restructuring, while IWG rationalized around 500 centres between 2020 and 2024 despite record revenue.

Hewitt argues regional and independent operators are expanding profitably while offering developers faster decisions, tailored solutions, lower operational risk, and direct access to local corporate occupiers.

Onespace Dubai announced the launch of the 8,000 sqft enterprise workspace at Golden Mile Galleria, in Dubai’s most iconic destination – the man-made palm tree islands.

Although the new center is operational, Onespace is currently refreshing the interiors with new furniture and finishes to match the brand’s signature enterprise-grade aesthetic. The company offered a first look at the space this week, giving clients and partners a sneak preview of what’s to come.

Matt Hewitt summarized Savills Middle East’s recent Q2 2025 report that shows Dubai’s office market experiencing 36% year-over-year rent growth, though 11 of 23 submarkets saw no quarterly change indicating stabilization in some areas.

The market is driven by limited supply and strong demand, with ~1M sqft of new office space is expected in late 2025 to Q1 2026, largely pre-committed to tenants. Financial services, technology, and consulting sectors accounted for 84% of the reported leasing transactions, while 44% of Savills’ Q2 enquiries were for large spaces between 10k-20k sqft.

Emerging trends include landlords favoring global brands and institutional tenants, the increased adoption of flexible space strategies, and growing interest in Dubai South and Expo City due to affordability and accessibility.

Matt Hewitt shares how OneSpace are positioning their enterprise-focussed offering called WOTEL.

The 49-slide in-depth overview introduces enterprise coworking to companies across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council – the political and economic union of six Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).