International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Spaces and Regus, opened a state-of-the-art flexible workspace in El Gouna, the fully integrated and sustainable town by Orascom Development in the Red Sea.
As the adoption of hybrid working rapidly accelerates across Egypt and the MENA region, the number of enquiries for space in International Workplace Group locations has risen sharply and this new opening helps meet rising demand.
The addition of International Workplace Group’s latest location in Regus at El Gouna marks its 18th location in Egypt. Situated in El Gouna’s Fanadir Marina, this new location is part of a drive by IWG to meet the sharply rising demand for top-class flexible working space in the area. By bringing an additional high-quality office space to Egypt and the Red Sea region, IWG is enabling residents to work closer to home, reducing the need for long commutes. El Gouna is designed to offer speed, ease, and convenience at every turn. From the rapid service to the accessibility of amenities, the infrastructure and services are tailored to make life as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
El Gouna doesn’t just offer business opportunities; it creates a space for like-minded individuals to experience the cohesion of a community, premium amenities, and a thriving workspace. The town’s entrepreneurial spirit, outstanding facilities, and commitment to supporting youth make it the ideal location for fostering innovation and collaboration. El Gouna provides a dynamic environment where tomorrow’s leaders can get inspired, share experiences, and build a lifestyle that seamlessly blends work, living, and recreation.
The new location will provide space for established firms and start-ups across a range of industries, as well as students and individuals. The new Regus location will include facilities including private offices, meeting rooms, co-workers and creative spaces.
With explosive market growth as companies of all sizes adopt hybrid working for the long term, it is predicted that 30% of all commercial real estate will be flexible workspace by 2030. Through the International Workplace Group, partners can capitalize on this fast-growing sector while being supported by IWG’s unparalleled experience. Hybrid offers companies a significantly lower cost base with an average saving of $11,000 per employee. As the ongoing shift towards hybrid working accelerates, the potential for further growth is exponential with an estimated 1.2 billion white collar workers globally and a total addressable market of more than $2 trillion (£1.57 trillion). Conventional office occupancy will continue to fall as businesses require less traditional space and turn into flexible workspace instead. In 2023, International Workplace Group welcomed over 800 new partner locations and counts 83% of Fortune 500 companies among its customer bases.
The partnership between IWG and El Gouna enables both parties to benefit from their shared offerings, where the world-renowned real estate giant will maximize the return on their unique real estate spaces by capitalizing on the rapidly expanding demand for hybrid working. With an annual investment of around £50m in its technology platform, International Workplace Group provides partners with access to all the company’s expertise as well as design and fit-out support and sales and marketing capabilities.
Marc Descrozaille – CEO Middle East & Africa at IWG plc, said “We are continuing to establish a stronger and much-needed footprint in the MENA region. The need for high-quality flexible workspace continues to soar as hybrid working becomes the new normal. We are very pleased to work in partnership with multiple partners in Egypt and the region to develop our brands under a management agreement that will add a cutting-edge workspace to their buildings and communities”.
Youssef Najeeb, Country Manager for IWG in Egypt, added: “Companies across Egypt are recognizing the benefits of the hybrid working model, boosting employee happiness and satisfaction, while helping the environment. Our workplace model is also proven to increase productivity and allows for a business to scale up or down at significantly reduced costs. We are proud to have El Gouna, by Orascom Development as a new global partner, and we’re looking forward to extending our collaboration to include an IWG workspace at more of their outstanding communities.”
“We are thrilled to partner with International Workplace Group to bring premium flexible workspace to El Gouna, further solidifying our commitment to creating integrated, sustainable communities that cater to the evolving needs of modern professionals. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of providing innovative solutions that enhance work-life balance and foster economic growth within our town. El Gouna has become a hub for entrepreneurship, offering a dynamic environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and growth for businesses of all sizes,” said Mohamed Ashour, Chief Commercial Officer of El Gouna.
International Workplace Group’s multi-brand expansion strategy is designed to appeal to every type of business and entrepreneur. International Workplace Group creates personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size, from some of the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet, to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of flexible working to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity.
El Gouna is rapidly establishing itself as Egypt’s entrepreneurial hub, fostering creativity and innovation. G-Valley is set to become a premier startup hub with co-working areas, offices, and event spaces, while future phases will include housing, commercial areas, and a G-Passport offering benefits to startups. Additionally, the upcoming Business Park will become a vibrant commercial hub, supporting a wide range of businesses, from financial institutions to retailers, further boosting job creation, economic growth, and the growing business community in El Gouna.
