Alternative office solutions offer gateway into Middle Eastern business hub
Despite the global economic crisis the Middle East, and Dubai in particular, has maintained its position as a major business hub for international companies. Positioned between key markets in Europe and Asia many companies have either set up headquarters or satellite offices in Dubai to act as gateways into these key markets. The emirate boasts some of the most high-profile industry events in the world including the Dubai Airshow, Dubai Motor Show, Cityscape and the Arabian Travel Market to name but a few. Multi-million dollar deals are signed around the latter events so it is important for international companies to have an on-ground presence in the UAE market.
Setting up an office, particularly abroad, can be an arduous task and requires a not insignificant investment in both money and time. IT systems, phone lines, equipment, furniture, desks, receptionists – the list goes on. Given the current economic climate companies need to be able to have an efficient corporate dynamic in order to keep operations moving and affordable. Office space in Dubai has dropped in value by almost 50 per cent, but it is still very expensive.
There are alternatives to conventional office space that are perfectly suited for foreign businesses looking for a financially viable office solution in the UAE.
The Virtual Office has been in existence since 1984 and has proven to be a powerful tool for those companies seeking to maintain a solid presence in a foreign market. It has evolved into a streamlined service that can provide important gateways into local business markets.
The whole system has been set-up to be completely flexible. Now that technology allows almost instant and constant connectivity with networks across the globe conventional office space is not always necessary. Businesses that require a shorter amount of time on-ground in the UAE can have a longer-term presence without having to take out long-term leases on office space that will remain empty for a majority of the year.
Popularity in Virtual Offices is increasing due to the efficiency and multiple benefits afforded by the system. Within the UAE there are increasing numbers of Virtual Office providers and Sentinel Business Centres (SBC) is at the forefront of Serviced and Virtual Office solutions.
With a proven track record of success in the Middle East, SBC has evolved its Virtual Office structure to include a number of value-added services. A ‘package’ can be tailor made to suit company operations which can include not only a local mailing address and receptionist service, but also dedicated physical meeting room space within a prestigious address and access to ‘hot-desks’ for an agreed amount of time. Therefore, a local network can be maintained to streamline business activities, and should office space be required clients have a five-star office facility in which to operate.
Within the office space SBC has fully integrated IT systems with the latest video conferencing technology, high-speed internet connections, access to scanners, printers and fax machines, which are all instantly available to clients. This means that business activities remain uninterrupted with no set-up delays.
SBC is spearheading the next generation of alternative office space and is dedicated to expanding its portfolio of services within the UAE in order to provide both local and international companies a solid platform from which to grow, expand and succeed.
