Dubai: Why more tenants are opting for co-living spaces

Dubai: Why more tenants are opting for co-living spaces

“I chose co-living because I am new to Dubai and it provides an opportunity to network and meet a lot of other people. This is a new country, so it’s easier to meet people. Convenience and cost are other reasons as apartments are furnished. Then you have a gym, lounge pool, library and many other facilities here. It’s like having everything in one building,” says Sakpere, a freelancer.

Though co-living is similar to the shared housing concept, it’s more organised, legal and controlled by a professional landlord. While shared housing, which is pretty common in the Emirates, is kind of a grey area from a legal perspective.

Home for one, home for all

Sakpere is among hundreds of Dubai residents who have chosen this form of accommodation, which is fast rising in popularity.

Hive JVC, developed by ARM Holding, is a popular co-living project where tenants share all the amenities such as co-working space, rooftop swimming pool, open-air cinema, event amphitheatre, and sports and BBQ facilities among others.

Bass Ackermann, founder of Hive Coliv, which manages Hive JVC, says co-living has been quite popular among young expatriates who are in their late 20s and early 30s.

Ackermann says flexibility and convenience are key in this concept.

“The