Dubai’s tech startup hub AstroLabs, officially opened its second coworking space in the Emirate yesterday, more than doubling its capacity to host technology entrepreneurs from around the world. AstroLabs Dubai Lakeside is located in DMCC’s vibrant Jumeirah Lakes Towers district of Dubai, next door to the original Parkside location.

"We decided to expand after seeing the local and international demand for a collaborative coworking community in Dubai. Today we host 130 technology companies run by founders from 38 countries and look forward to welcoming many more," said AstroLabs Founding Partner, Muhammed Mekki.

Besides adding desk capacity, the newly opened Lakeside location gives the community access to nine more meeting rooms, a second member's cafe, and several lounge areas. With floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking a lake, the ground-floor space is filled with natural light throughout the day.

AstroLabs is part of the Google for Entrepreneurs partner network, enabling members to work from over 20 hubs around the world and engage with Google expert mentors who regularly visit. 

“AstroLabs has played a leading role in developing the startup ecosystem across MENA and we're excited to see their continued expansion. At Google, we know that innovation is thriving everywhere, not just in Silicon Valley. Startups are today's engines of progress, creating the opportunities and the jobs of the future. We care about progress, and we know that it takes help. Google for Entrepreneurs provides the resources, support, and international connections to help startups succeed. We're proud to continue supporting AstroLabs and enabling their community to go global and build companies we hope will change the world,” said Connor Swenson, Partnerships Manager at Google for Entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs setting up their companies at AstroLabs benefit from fast and affordable licensing through the DMCC, the world’s leading Free Zone for commodities trade and enterprise. Global entrepreneurs accepted at AstroLabs can establish 100 percent foreign owned companies in this tax-free environment.

“This is an exciting moment for the technology ecosystem in Dubai and will come as great news to the growing number of innovative start-up companies and entrepreneurs looking to bring their ideas to life in the city,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC.

“DMCC has a longstanding relationship with AstroLabs, we understand their mission and have supported its growth since 2015. The collaboration works precisely because DMCC provides the business-friendly environment and modern infrastructure that enables start-ups to focus on their project, move quickly and make a real impact. We are proud to serve this special group of creatives and welcome the expansion of AstroLabs in DMCC. We also look forward to facilitating AstroLabs’ growing contribution to the Dubai economy and its long-term ambition to rank among the smartest cities in the world,” added Bin Sulayem.

In addition to coworking spaces, AstroLabs operates a specialized academy for digital and entrepreneurial skills across the Middle East. AstroLabs Academy powers regional incubators and accelerators with in-house developed curriculum and expert instructors, runs corporate training programs, and offers many open enrollment classes in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

AstroLabs has already seen many of its alums including Deliveroo, Eventtus, Justmop, and Trukker expand into larger offices, raise venture capital, and make a substantial mark on the technology ecosystem.