Embark on an exclusive journey with us as we delve into the world of Letswork, the UAE’s premier co-working hub boasting over 50,000 members and a global footprint. In this interview, Omar Al Mheiri, the visionary co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, unveils the secrets behind Letswork’s success, its transformative impact on the co-working landscape, and the ambitious plans set for regional expansion.
Q: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind starting Letswork and how the idea for a subscription platform and marketplace for co-working spaces came about?
A: The inspiration behind Letswork came from the growing demand for flexible workspaces. We saw an opportunity to create a platform that not only simplifies access to co-working spaces but also fosters a sense of community for freelancers and businesses.
Q: Letswork has expanded internationally over the past five years. What challenges and opportunities have you encountered as you’ve expanded into countries like Spain, Portugal, and Bahrain?
A: Expanding internationally, we faced the challenge of localizing our app and website for multiple languages and handling various currencies. These challenges provided opportunities to tap into diverse markets and create a more inclusive platform, enhancing our global presence.
Q: The co-working industry is quite competitive. How does Letswork differentiate itself from other co-working providers, and what unique benefits does it offer to its users?
A: Letswork differentiates itself by providing a unique solution for SMEs and Enterprises. Our platform offers these businesses the ability to efficiently manage remote or hybrid teams with easy access to multiple workspaces globally, all on a single platform. This tailored service sets us apart and addresses the evolving needs of businesses in a remote work landscape.
Q: Partnering with leading hospitality brands like Hilton, Marriot, Accor, and Emaar Hospitality Group is an interesting strategy. How has this partnership helped Letswork grow, and what benefits do users gain from these collaborations?
A: Partnering with top hospitality brands has provided our users with access to co-working spaces in premium locations. This strategic alliance has boosted our brand visibility and user satisfaction.
Q: You mentioned your role as the Chief Technology Officer. Can you share some insights into the technology and innovations that have played a key role in the success of Letswork and its mobile app?
A: Technology plays a pivotal role in our success. Our mobile app simplifies workspace booking, check-ins, and accessing amenities. We also leverage data analytics to enhance the user experience and tailor offerings to user preferences.
Q: As Letswork continues to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and into Jordan and Egypt, what are your future plans and goals for the company? How do you envision the co-working landscape evolving in the region?
A: As Letswork embarks on its strategic expansion, our sights are set firmly on broadening our footprint across the Gulf Cooperation Council, with a special emphasis on Saudi Arabia’s rapidly flourishing market. We recognize the immense potential in the Kingdom, especially given Vision 2030’s emphasis on economic diversification and entrepreneurial vigor. Our goal is to tap into this dynamic environment by increasing our presence and doubling our network of co-working spaces.
We’re not just expanding geographically; we’re also expanding our suite of services and community offerings to foster a robust ecosystem for remote work and innovative business growth. In Saudi Arabia alone, we’re targeting to grow our membership base significantly, aiming for a substantial increase in active users and partnerships with leading enterprises and spaces such as Servcorp, Astrolabs, The Place & many more!
As for the co-working landscape, we see it as an increasingly integral part of the region’s economic fabric. With remote work policies becoming a mainstay, we expect a surge in demand for flexible workspaces. Letswork intends to be at the vanguard of this shift, offering tailored solutions that cater to the diverse needs of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and businesses, all while contributing to the region’s economic goals and supporting the transition to more agile work models.
Our vision for the future is clear: to be the leading co-working space provider that not only meets the evolving demands of the modern workforce but also drives community engagement and innovation across the entire MENA region, starting with our strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia. Our future plans involve expanding further across the GCC. We aim to create an ecosystem that supports remote work and business growth in these regions. The co-working landscape will continue evolving as remote work becomes more mainstream, and we want to be at the forefront of this transformation.