When we wrote about In Good Company and its New York work spaces for women entrepreneurs earlier this fall, we suggested it might be a concept worth repeating in other parts of the world. As if on cue, one of our spotters recently alerted us to a project in Dubai to build not just a work space but an entire office tower dedicated specifically to businesswomen.
Abu Dhabi-based Hydra Properties just recently completed excavation for Eve's Tower, which it says will be the world's first exclusive tower for women entrepreneurs. Located in downtown Dubai's Business Bay, Eve's Tower will be part of the iconic Hydra Towers Project comprising five uniquely shaped, high-rise towers. It will feature a sleek design and high-tech facilities, rising 20 floors and facing Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world. While men will be allowed to work there, only women will be able to own office space, and women will enjoy special entrances, elevators and car parks as well, according to a report in Arabian Business. Sulaiman Al Fahim, Hydra's CEO, explains: "We have conceptualized the building as a tribute to the nurturing spirit of womanhood, world over. I'm confident that the tower will lead to a new awakening and unleash the latent entrepreneurial talent of UAE women and contribute to the overall growth of the nation and region." Eve's Tower is slated to be completed by 2010.
Still haven't caught female fever? Check out trendwatching.com's briefing on the topic for some infection and inspiration—you'll be seeing pink in no time! ;-)
Website: www.hydraproperties.com
Contact: info@hydraproperties.com
Spotted by: Roberta Steinberg
How ridiculous that these countries are building separate office towers for women (and therefore presumably men.) Its insane. How much creativity is lost in segregating 50% of the population from the other!!!
It's a shame that this website is under construction.
I was really curious to see more about this building.
Maybe next time you could check first if the website works.
Marieke
Thanks for your comment, Marieke. The website was actually up when we wrote this post. Seems like they just took it down. Sorry about that. If it's any consolation, there wasn't much info about Eve's Tower yet, just a few artist's renditions of the project (as shown above).
Nick — I can't deny that it's a controversial concept from a purely Western point of view. But far from ridiculous. For better or worse, men and women in many Muslim countries live very separate lives, both privately and publicly. If a dedicated place of business enables more women to develop their entrepreneurial talents, then it's worth experimenting with. And worth viewing with an open mind ;-)
the property market in dubai is close to collapse (soveriegn money is keeping it afloat). Collapse of global commercial market will ensure that this insane idea is put to rest....remember, country is build on modern day slavery with all these towerblocks built by migrant workers on less than $3 daily, no matter how much spin the arabs put on it....