In Egypt’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem, coworking spaces have emerged as more than just shared offices—they’ve become critical engines of entrepreneurial growth. Once modest hubs for freelancers and remote workers, these spaces now serve as full-fledged business ecosystems, offering startups access to essential tools, mentorship, and professional networks.
This transformation mirrors trends seen in the UAE, where Dubai has set a global standard by redefining coworking into a launchpad for innovation and enterprise. From funding opportunities to flexible workspaces—even coworking lounges at Dubai International Airport—the city exemplifies how strategic infrastructure can foster business success.
With its young, tech-savvy population and improving infrastructure, Egypt is well-positioned to follow suit. By investing in and expanding coworking models, the country could unlock a new era of startup growth and regional competitiveness.
The global coworking spaces market was valued at $14.91 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7% between 2024 and 2030 according to the Coworking Spaces Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Grand View Research.
What makes coworking spaces work in the UAE
Riad Madani, Director of Unbox Community in the UAE, emphasized to Business Monthly that the true strength of coworking spaces lies not just in their physical infrastructure but in the sense of community they cultivate. While amenities like meeting rooms and office equipment are essential, he noted, it’s the networking events, workshops, and daily interactions that create lasting value for startups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
“Choosing the right coworking space is really about finding one that fosters a thriving community,” Madani explained. “The sense of belonging, the exchange of ideas, and mutual support can often make the difference in a startup’s journey.”
Flexibility is another major advantage. Coworking spaces offer options ranging from day passes to monthly memberships, allowing entrepreneurs to scale their usage based on evolving needs. This adaptability is crucial in the early stages of business, when uncertainty is high and financial commitments need to remain low.
Madani also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of coworking models. With shared access to meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, and other office essentials, entrepreneurs can avoid the heavy upfront expenses of setting up a traditional office. Basic memberships, he noted, typically range from AED 750 ($204.20) to AED 2,500 ($680.66) per month, depending on the type and location of the space..
Coworking spaces have experienced significant global growth in recent years. According to Madani, the number of coworking spaces worldwide increased by 17% between 2018 and 2024, while membership rose by 20%.
In the UAE, government initiatives such as the Golden Visa and Free License Visa have played a key role in attracting international talent, further boosting demand for flexible workspaces. As a result, coworking spaces have become essential to a global entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling businesses to grow and collaborate beyond traditional geographic boundaries.
While the UAE offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs, Madani acknowledged that building a successful business still comes with challenges. The coworking sector is highly competitive, and new ventures require sufficient capital and skilled talent to thrive. Madani emphasized the importance of thorough market research and securing adequate funding, noting that it typically takes six months to a year for a business to become profitable in the UAE.
A flexible path to startup success
In Egypt, coworking spaces have rapidly gained traction as a practical and cost-effective solution for the country’s growing number of entrepreneurs and startups. Hanan Abdel Meguid, Founder and CEO of Kamelizer—one of Egypt’s leading coworking spaces that started in 2014 with locations in New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed cities—highlighted the surging demand for flexible work environments. She noted that many businesses like Iqraaly and Weagles Marketing, particularly those with remote teams, are turning to coworking spaces to avoid the high upfront costs of traditional office setups, benefiting from included utilities such as internet and electricity.
Kamelizer offers flexible workspace solutions tailored to a variety of needs. Shared spaces start at EGP 10,920 ($219.39) per month, while unlimited memberships are available from EGP 16,200 ($325.47) per month. For teams seeking more privacy, private offices start at EGP 20,000 ($401.82) per month.
With over 300 companies operating from Kamelizer and thousands of users benefiting from its premium amenities each month, Kamelizer has become a dynamic hub for innovation, collaboration, and growth.
Business Monthly spoke with Kermina M. Michel, Founder and CEO of Weagles Marketing Agency, to gain deeper insights into the daily operations and collaborative atmosphere within Kamelizer, one of Cairo’s growing coworking spaces.
Michel, who leads her startup from within the space, shared her experience navigating the coworking model: “The only challenge is that sometimes we need more privacy or confidentiality for our clients, however, Kamelizer offers private areas where we can work on confidential matters.”
Originally founded in New Jersey, Weagles Marketing Agency expanded to Egypt in March 2023. The agency provides a range of B2B and B2C services, with a focus on branding and digital marketing.
Reflecting on the benefits of working in a shared environment, Michel said, “It is an overall great experience, I became acquainted with a lot of people, including other startups and companies that operate beside me.” She emphasized the value of professional exposure, noting that she has even collaborated with Kamelizer on one of their projects. “It offers us work opportunities as an agency,” she added. “Every time I think about getting a separate office, I dismiss the idea because it doesn’t make sense,” she explained.
The coworking environment has not only supported operations but also served as a lead generator for her business. “Some of my clients came from the coworking space,” she noted. “Working in an office wouldn’t provide the same opportunities.”
Cost-efficiency has also been a key advantage. “It’s cheaper with all the bills covered,” she said. Michel concluded by highlighting the operational ease that Kamelizer provides to startups. “They facilitate a lot of the procedures of opening up a business, easier than searching for an office,” she noted.
Flexibility is key in Egypt’s dynamic business landscape. Abdel Meguid explained that entrepreneurs value the ability to scale operations up or down quickly by shifting between different spaces within the same facility. This agility allows startups to adapt to changing market conditions without committing to long-term leases or expensive renovations.
Despite the progress, Egypt still lags behind the UAE in regulatory infrastructure. Abdel Meguid pointed out that the UAE’s free zones offer tax incentives and simplified processes that make it easier for entrepreneurs to set up businesses. While Egypt doesn’t yet have as many free zones, recent legal reforms have made it possible for companies to register coworking spaces as their official business addresses—an important step forward, though non-profit entities remain excluded.
Opening and running coworking spaces in Egypt remains capital-intensive. Abdel Meguid noted that significant investments are needed to rent and renovate buildings to meet modern standards. Yet the returns go beyond profit. Coworking spaces, she said, serve as educational and collaborative environments that are hard to replicate in traditional offices, offering essential platforms for networking, mentorship, and peer support.
Looking ahead
Coworking spaces have become a cornerstone of Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering the flexibility, affordability, and community support startups need to succeed. As Egypt continues to refine its business infrastructure—drawing lessons from the UAE—it is poised to unlock greater opportunities for innovation and economic growth. While challenges persist, the strong demand for coworking spaces signals a promising future for entrepreneurship in the region.
