Remote Work Guide: Essential Rules And Best Spots

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Remote Work Guide: Essential Rules And Best Spots

15 Jan 2025

Remote work culture has grown significantly over the past few years, and we all know the turning point was the 2020 Covid pandemic. It taught us what it is like to have five back-to-back Zoom meetings and how to drown out the sound of messenger notifications from 10-minute Google Meet reminders. Jokes aside, many people who tried remote work during the pandemic realised that the traditional 9-to-6 office life is no longer for them. According to statistics, 20% of UAE residents now work fully remotely (and this doesn't even count those with hybrid work setups).

When it comes to remote work, many people do not work from home, preferring instead to head out to cafés or designated co-working spaces, explaining that it helps them focus better on their tasks. So, what basic remote work rules we you keep in mind, and what are the best remote work spots in Dubai? Let us dive into that below!

Photo: Tim Bish

How has the work-from-home culture changed in recent years?

Between 2019 and 2023, statistics show that 40% of the United States population shifted to remote or hybrid work. While this transition has been slower in the Middle East, due to the region's strong corporate and office culture, there is no sense to deny that there is a global trend towards switching to more flexible work formats. This shift can be attributed to several factors, with productivity being one of the most significant. For instance, a Harvard Business study conducted over nine months with 16,000 workers found that working from home led to a 13% increase in their performance. The reasons behind this improvement are simple: remote workers face fewer distractions, enjoy more frequent breaks, and have the flexibility to adjust their working hours. Sometimes, even an extra 30 minutes of sleep can make a noticeable difference in productivity.

The trend of remote work has not only influenced the productivity of workers but also impacted businesses, both positively and negatively. One good example is the co-working space market, which is expected to grow fourfold by 2030 in the Middle East. Specifically, in the UAE, the co-working market is anticipated to grow by 7%, while in Saudi Arabia, it should be 6% growth.

But what about cafés? Opinions vary, and the situation often depends on the focus and specifics of each place. In the United States, for instance, a popular coffee shop chain's owner introduced a Wi-Fi time limit a year ago. Each customer now gets a receipt with a Wi-Fi password valid for four hours on weekdays. Despite laptop users being more loyal customers — often spending over $70 per visit compared to just $15 for non-working customers — they tend to occupy tables for extended periods, which limits the flow of new customers.

Here in Dubai, I have noticed similar restrictions at several cafés. At one of our favourite weekend spots, we were told that we could only sit at the table for a maximum of two hours when we arrived with our laptops. And honestly, it is easy to understand why!

Photo: Marvin Meyer

Things to remember when you plan to work in a café

I have been working remotely for over a year now, and for me, stepping out for an hour or two in a nearby café is a great way to change the scene and give my productivity a boost. I wouldn't say I am an experienced remote worker, but I have learned a few things along the way. Here are three essential rules to follow if you are working from home!

1. Respect the café's policy

It is important to recognise that some cafés position themselves as “no-laptops” spaces, and it is essential to respect that choice. To avoid receiving side-eye from the waitstaff, choose places where people will not be surprised to see you working on your laptop for the fourth hour.

If you are in Dubai, here are my top spots where you will find great coffee, plenty of plugs, and no grumpy waiters:

Title Brew

Business Bay

A lovely coffee spot in the heart of Bay Square, offering all kinds of alternative milks, great coffee, and a wonderful playlist in the background.

Photos: @titlebrew

Foundry

Downtown

A two-level café where the ground floor is perfect for catching up with friends, and the upper level is ideal for busy bees. There are all sorts of seating options: comfy armchairs, tables with charging points, and small sofas tucked away in quiet corners to avoid distractions.

The Barnyard

Dubai Hills

The Barnyard – A light and airy green space with small, separate round tables and charging points – perfect for working without disturbing anyone. It is also a great choice if you need to have breakfast or to wrap up some urgent tasks at the same time!

Encounter Coffee Roasters

DIFC

A peaceful green space where, no matter the time of year or the hour of the day, it is always cool and bright. Delicious coffee, lots of seating, and quick Wi-Fi – what else is needed!

Photo: @encountercoffeeroasters

Roasters Speciality

Creek Harbour

A cosy spot with comfortable chairs and excellent coffee! Plus, there is plenty of outdoor seating (and the Wi-Fi works perfectly too!). So, while the weather is nice, make sure to take advantage.

Fiker Institute

Al Serkal

A library space available at all times without the need to book. Just drop by and enjoy the calm and quiet, with plugs available, of course! Be aware – it is closed on Mondays!

Photos: @marwaelbehairy_@hatfulofjournals

2. Keep it quiet

If you need to take calls during your busy schedule or watch some work-related videos, make sure to use your headphones. If you are the one leading the meeting, keep your voice down — a loud conversation of one person can disrupt everyone else’s workday.

3. Optimise your workspace

If you plan to stay in a café for a while, avoid taking up a large table designed for multiple people, as it could be needed by others who just want to catch up with friends. Many co -working cafés offer smaller tables or even large communal ones with power outlets for your convenience.

by Barbara Yakimchuk