While many people escape the brutally hot summer in Dubai for cooler climes, one agency decided to take the whole team.
Coffee Communications, a strategic brand consultancy agency, took 16 of its staff to Zanzibar for a remote working exercise for two weeks.
Natasha Al Fadhli, the agency’s founder, says she has a vision for her agency to go beyond traditional boundaries, both literally and physically it seems.
Based on this commitment, the agency traded the bustling streets of Dubai for the tranquil shores of Zanzibar.
“The idea wasn’t merely to escape the routine; it was about redefining it. Far from being a mere retreat, this venture was an investment in creativity and unity,” said Al Fadhli.
Why Zanzibar? “The extreme beauty and peace of the island, the proximity and the short time difference with Dubai, and because many people had never been to Zanzibar before.
“We wanted a location that provides a strong and qualitative break from the fast life that Dubai provides,” she explained.
“The change of scenery wasn’t just refreshing; it was transformative. The novel environment sparked new ideas and perspectives, turning the villa into a haven of innovation.”
Yet, it wasn’t all about work. There were plenty of team-building activities against the backdrop of Zanzibar’s beauty which laid the foundation for a tighter-knit team, one that would carry the spirit of unity back to the agency’s Dubai headquarters.
“The remote work experience also highlighted our commitment to the team’s well-being, where work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword; it is a philosophy.”
Team members were encouraged to savour the local culture and unwind during their off-hours. “The agency’s success, after all, isn’t just about bottom lines; it is about creating a fulfilling work environment,” Al Fadhli added .
