Dubai Municipality has launched the city’s first “Work from Park” initiative at Al Barsha Pond Park, allowing visitors to work, hold meetings and take part in fitness and wellness activities in a park setting.

The project, developed in partnership with AMANA Group and the Letswork platform, aims to meet growing demand for flexible workplaces that combine work with social activities and outdoor experiences.

Omar Al Mheiri, co-founder and chief technology officer of Letswork, said visitors can use the workspace throughout the day for AED 50 and receive a complimentary coffee.

He said the initiative is intended to offer more than a co-working space by bringing together work, wellness and social interaction. Screens installed at the venue also display information about activities such as morning yoga sessions and evening group runs.

Three areas for different working needs

The facility has three main areas: a public co-working space for daily use, two meeting rooms accommodating up to nine people each, and dedicated workspaces for long-term members.

The public co-working area does not require advance booking, while meeting rooms can be reserved online, subject to availability.

Dedicated desks and private offices are also available on request. Long-term members can use access cards to enter their workspaces and leave their belongings on site overnight.

Combining work with fitness and wellness

Dubai Municipality plans to use existing leisure and sports facilities, including tennis courts and football pitches, to organise activities that encourage users to step away from their desks and screens during the working day.

Al Mheiri said the goal is to make wellness activities part of the working day rather than a separate commitment for which people must set aside additional time.

The initiative could also benefit parents. Officials said one visitor welcomed the opportunity to work at the facility while keeping an eye on their child playing outdoors nearby.

Six months to develop the project

Ahmed Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Director of Public Parks at Dubai Municipality, said the initiative took about six months to design and develop from the ground up.

He said the municipality will monitor how visitors use the space while the initiative is under way. User feedback could help determine whether to add more workspaces or introduce new facilities.

Built using modular construction

The project’s workspace was built using modular construction methods in partnership with AMANA Group through DuBox and DuPod.

Much of the assembly and fit-out work was completed off-site while preparations continued simultaneously at Al Barsha Pond Park.

AMANA Group officials said the approach improved efficiency and quality control while reducing construction activity inside the park and minimising disruption to visitors.

Bringing together work, leisure and relaxation

Al Marzouqi described the project as an example of Dubai’s approach to testing new ways of using public spaces.

He said the initiative is the first of its kind in the region, bringing together work, leisure and relaxation in a single public space.

The indoor workspaces can be accessed through the Letswork app and website, while park visitors can also use the outdoor work areas and terrace.

Initiative could expand to Dubai beaches and other parks

Dubai Municipality plans to assess user feedback and demand before deciding on the initiative’s future expansion.

Officials said that if successful, the “Work from Park” initiative could be extended to other public parks and even Dubai’s beaches.

Discussions are also under way about converting selected community spaces, including gathering halls traditionally used for weddings and other events, into shared workspaces.