DIWAN’S NEETHU SURENDRAN TALKS ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF A UNIQUE COWORKING SPACE IN THE HEART OF BAHRAIN
Supporting Bahrain’s entrepreneurial communities with world-class, high-tech workspaces and peerless membership benefits
“Our premium locations combine boundless creativity, flexibility and connectivity. Plus enough coffee to launch your business into the stratosphere.”
The need for the next generation of flexible, networked coworking spaces is rising as entrepreneurship and innovation are relentlessly advanced and promoted throughout the GCC and the wider MENA area. Our goal is to develop immersive experiences that integrate the physical and digital worlds. The objective for Diwan is to be the heart of Bahrain’s evolution as a regional hub for innovation.
What prime advantages do you offer which differentiate the DIWAN workspace? Why would a startup or investor choose DIWAN from the standard office setup?
Coworking spaces in general offer a wealth of advantages, but one of the most significant is the opportunity to connect with other people.
It’s a collaborative environment in which organizations can learn a lot from one another. This also contributes to a more dynamic workplace culture. These environments, which are dynamic and fast-paced, foster a positive, happy atmosphere that can give a team the impression that they are a major firm without actually being one. We also bring professionals together through events, workshops, and other networking activities.
Since we’re a hub that houses start-ups, SMEs, and corporates, there are plenty of opportunities for knowledge sharing. For instance, we use a lot of the startups in the space for our marketing and social media requirements. Many companies in the space collaborate with each other, which is a huge win for us to witness.
“We’re committed to putting coworkers, the beating heart of our community, at the core of every decision we make. That means consistently delivering exceptional service, peerless technology and fresh member experiences both online and offline. And making sure the snacks don’t run out.”
Describe your market. Which type of entrepreneurs/startups are attracted to your workspace? Which industries do the workspace generally cater to?
We typically attract creatives such as architects, designers, and marketing professionals to the location. We’ve seen a terrific combination of artificial intelligence, media agencies, consultants, and medical students. There are no restrictions on the kind of businesses that can use the space. However, I must admit that I do get excited when a new industry comes by for a walk-in. It increases the likelihood that the community may encounter fresh ideas and opportunities. In addition to entrepreneurs and professionals, we also like to nurture future talent by encouraging students and young people in the space. Currently, we have some medical students taking advantage of the space.
Aside from functional workspace, what other perks or facilities can a tenant enjoy?
From daily to monthly rental basis. The fundamental ingredients that come together to produce the unrivaled DIWAN experience are space, accessibility, community, and location. Our core values are simple and seamless, which attract several individuals both frequently and over time.
How does the workspace utilize technological advances for tenant benefit?
Entrepreneurs have an insatiable appetite for finding solutions. Opportunity is something they see and seize. These are professionals that require a location where they can work round the clock; they are not your typical 9 to 5 workers. Through our wireless control application, Space Access is made simple, dependable, and secure. Smart TVs in the conference rooms allow for smooth video conferencing, screen casting, and screen mirroring.