Dubai members' club Nasab is giving businesses impacted by coronavirus a free workspace

Owners of homegrown businesses can apply for the complimentary office space for six months, as long as they meet eligibility criteria

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As the coronavirus pandemic continues, local and international institutions in the UAE have stepped up their philanthropic efforts to support the local community.

Now Nasab, the members-only workspace and social club that launched in the UAE in February 2019, is keen to lend a hand.

Nasab, which is part of Dubai’s Koa Canvas development in Al Barari, has launched a recovery programme which will provide up to 30 eligible businesses with complimentary offices and workspaces for six months, in an effort to provide them with “the tools to reconnect with a like-minded community and the financial space to thrive in a post Covid-19 environment”.

The programme is only open to UAE citizens and residents, with homegrown, independent, freelance or small enterprises with a track record of innovation. It is reserved for companies that started their businesses before 2019, have between one and 16 employees and has a founder that is over the age of 21.

Applicants interested in the programme should visit www.nasabdubai.com/recovery/ and apply before Wednesday, July 15.

Applicants will need to show proof of:

  • The size of the loss of business incurred as a result of cancellation of contracts or work between March – June 2020
  • The total amount of financial setback for the company as a result of Covid-19
  • The business's track record for quality and value
  • A business sustainability plan

Applicants will also have to submit the following:

  • Trade license or work permit
  • A copy of Emirates ID
  • A copy of passport with UAE residency visa
  • Copies of cancelled contracts/works/agreements that affected the business's income in March to September, and / or proof of reduced income
  • A statement of plans for the period for which the rent-free period is requested, with details on plans on optimising the rent-free period for company growth

Mohammed bin Zaal, founder and chief executive office of Koa, says he hoped the initiative would "continue our legacy" of creating unique projects in the UAE.

“Our main aim throughout the development of Nasab has been to provide a space where creatives, entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals have a place to set up homes-away-from-home.

“Our hope is that the programme provides a much-needed space for those who shape and contribute to the creative industry – entrepreneurs, leaders in tech, art, design and fashion. The team have worked extraordinarily hard to create an incredible space; we can’t wait to now see the community grow within it.”

The three-level club is anchored by a large, open-plan room that feels like a modern-day library. It also features communal tables separated by book shelves and meeting rooms with different design.

Scroll through the gallery above for a glimpse of Nasab's facilities.