nook, the region’s first co-working space dedicated to helping sports, fitness and wellness professionals, announced today its partnership with DMCC, the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, to open a co-working space in One JLT to support industry entrepreneurs setup business in Dubai.

Ravi Bhusari and Davinder “Derv” Rao, the founders of DUPLAYS, the largest sports provider in the region, established nook in response to the business opportunities presented by the United Arab Emirates’ growing sports, fitness and wellness industry. The concept behind the pioneering idea is to provide all the necessary tools required by stage entrepreneurs to build businesses in a collaborative and inspiring workspace.

Bhusari, CEO and co-founder of DUPLAYS, said: “We have been working in the sports and fitness industry in the region for almost 10 years now, and have seen the growing demand for professionals wanting to establish their own business. Setting up your own business as a personal trainer, sports coach, nutritionist or anyone in a complementary field, can be costly, take time and be a complex process.”

“Because of our long-term relationship with DMCC, we have been able to work together to create a one-stop business support platform at nook. Our packages save industry professionals the time, cost and hassle of setting up their business, will offer them a premium address, flexibility of workspace to expand as they grow, and importantly, an environment that fosters networking and business opportunities in a like-minded community,” he added.

With 200 licences covering over 35 industry activities, a broad range of specialities within sports, fitness and wellness sectors can operate from nook. The nook team can guide members through every step of set up, from application through to registration and issue of trade licence.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC added: “Supporting the journey of start-ups and small and medium enterprises is something we are deeply committed to at DMCC. Our business-friendly environment, modern infrastructure and vibrant community provide the ideal setting for start-ups to grow and thrive. We have a number of success stories, spanning different sectors, including technology such as Astrolabs – Middle East’s only Google Tech Hub, and have no doubt that the sports and wellness industry will follow the same path. We are thrilled to be partnering with nook and look forward to contributing to the growth of the health and fitness industry in Dubai.”

Start-ups will be able to plug into DMCC’s ecosystem; from the world-class smart district platform and high ease of doing business, to the supportive regulatory environment. The 10,000ft² workspace in One JLT, situated in the heart of the JLT District; offers a variety of options – from a shared collaborative workspace, to a micro office for one person, to a premium office for larger businesses, seating up to four. nook monthly workspace rental plans range from AED 2,500 for a shared space, AED 3,000 for a fixed desk, to AED 4,450 for private offices – not inclusive of the yearly AED 11,000 DMCC subsidised trade license, and the monthly nook membership fees and company registration starting at AED 499. For industry professionals and companies not requiring physical office space, nook also offers a flexible ‘Mobile Startup’ package that includes a number of time-saving features and services. Flexible payment terms are also available as an additional launch support service for start-ups getting their businesses off the ground.

All packages include access to purpose-built practice/training studios, and a range of amenities and facilities such as 24/7 access; free internet access, printing and business support services; access to meeting rooms and PRO services, both internally and from a range of partners. nook will also host regular community socials, talks and training workshops delivered by external providers, experts and SMEs for added community networking and knowledge exchange.

Bhusari concluded: “Our vision is for nook to be a springboard to success for the hundreds of ambitious industry talents coming to our region to contribute their skills and services in their field of sports, fitness or wellness.  Our industry has developed considerably since we set up our business, and helping others to succeed is something that is important for us.  We look forward to many exciting success stories in our nook history.”

For more information about nook, please visit: https://DUPLAYS.com/nook