The Best Office Chair and Table Sets for the UAE Workplace

Finding a great office chair and table set for your UAE workspace is a must. Just any old table and chair for office spaces won’t cut it in the modern-day working world - anyone spending long hours at their desks deserves something practical, comfortable, and productive.

This guide looks at the central trends changing the go-to office setups in the UAE and beyond, including the must-have items that can improve working life for everyone. We cover the best office table and chair set options for 2024 - including detailed reviews and some extra information for buyers to help them make the best choice. 

The Rise of Smart Workplaces in the UAE

Before we look at specific products, let’s discuss the overall impact the rise of smart workplaces is having on offices in the UAE.

Smart workplaces integrate modern design and technology advances to improve working conditions and help businesses thrive through their workforce. The rise of these forward-thinking ideas took off in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when companies of all sizes had to focus on boosting productivity and improving the employee experience.

Of all the developments the UAE workplace saw post-pandemic, changes to how offices were set up played one of the most vital roles. Hybrid working combined with an overhaul of in-office cultures and values relied heavily on the many technologies that appeared. 

Amongst the key features in this mass rethinking were new and improved furniture staples. Boxed-in, static working became a thing of the past, and versatile, health-focused furniture moved in.

Standing Desks and Ergonomic Chairs: The Must-Have Trends for Modern Workspaces

Ergonomic chairs and standing desks are the two figureheads of this trend. Of all the new ideas to come out of smart workplaces in the UAE, these are the most pivotal.

Why? They improve everything from posture and back pain to focus and productivity - all things that matter to office workers.

Below, we look at five great ergonomic chair and standing desk combinations in the UAE - but first, let’s talk about each one and how it impacts the workplace.

Standing Desks: Changing the Way People Work

The idea of an adjustable standing desk is not particularly new. Sit/stand desks have been around for a while but didn’t break into mainstream office culture until recently. Thanks to modern technology, the capabilities and efficiency of these tools have increased significantly - making them a must-have for modern UAE offices.

What Is a Standing Desk?

A standing desk is a desk you can work at while standing up. Adjustable sit/stand desks change height to let you sit or stand when you want. 

There are manual and motorized standing desks. Manual desks operate using a crank, while motorized desks have an electrical component that does the work for you. The latter is generally more expensive - but far more convenient and accessible.

Why use a standing desk? Sitting for too long brings with it a whole host of problems. Physical health is affected by stiffness, pain, and heart or weight-related issues. A lack of movement and motivation impacts mental health and productivity.

What Are the Benefits of a Standing Desk? 

• Standing for part of your working day can help reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, and the risk of heart disease.
• Many people feel more engaged and focused when using a standing desk.
• You can adjust the height to meet your specific needs and then change between settings when you want to sit or stand. 
• Offices can introduce challenges and incentives to boost staff engagement and team spirit. 
• Productivity can increase when using a standing desk. 
• Despite what people may think, standing at your desk can reduce fatigue and stimulate your mind and body while you work. 
• Standing can help with back pain and stiffness - especially if you alternate between sit and stand settings.
• Some people find it easier to concentrate if they are on their feet. 
• Introducing sit/stand desks into your office culture promotes health, well-being, activity, and productivity. 

Key Features of a Standing Desk

The variety of adjustable standing desks available in the UAE is impressive. It can feel like a challenge to narrow the selection down to find your perfect fit, but it helps to know what features to prioritize.

• Set your budget!
• Check the height range and make sure it suits.
• Find out the weight capacity - a.k.a. how much the desk can lift comfortably.
• Decide whether you want a two-leg or four-leg base.
• Pick your preferred desk surface material and color.
• Think about the space you have and pick a desk with suitable dimensions.
• Decide whether you want a manual or motorized desk.
• Look at the extra features and accessories - including timers, pre-programmed height settings, desk cable management, and space for power bars.

Ergonomic Chairs: Improving Comfort and Posture Worldwide

Ergonomic chairs have been considered the best office chair for long hours for quite some time. Nowadays, they are widely agreed to be the optimal choice for anyone who sits at a desk regularly. Using a simple computer chair with table desks was the norm, but it is now outdated for UAE offices. Instead, advanced workplaces use an ergonomic office chair and desk set.

What Is an Ergonomic Chair? 

An ergonomic chair is a chair designed with full-body postural support in mind. It goes beyond basic comfort to provide long-lasting physical benefits for those who use them.

The identifying features of an ergonomic chair are the adjustments you can make to adapt the chair to fit your body better. These usually include lumbar adjustments, multiple tilt and recline settings, movable armrests and headrests, and adjustable height and depth. 

You will find many different styles, but all the best ergonomic chairs prioritize effective support over fashion. That said, advances in design, material use, and technology mean manufacturers are making more stylish chairs every year.

Anyone who spends time sitting at a desk can testify to the importance of having a good chair. Ergonomic chairs are not just for 10-hour shifts - they are beneficial to anyone who spends time sitting and working at a desk.

What Are the Benefits of an Ergonomic Chair?

• You can fully adjust the settings to fit your body.
• They reduce the effects of back, shoulder, and neck pain when used correctly. 
• Long-term posture issues can be improved and even corrected.
• Using a chair that properly supports you reduces physical and mental fatigue.
• You can focus better on your work when your body is comfortable. This, in turn, boosts productivity and work quality.
• The materials used in high-quality ergonomic chairs are breathable and durable. 
• Many modern ergonomic chair designs are sleek, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing - very on-trend for UAE office design.

Key Features of an Ergonomic Chair

Ergonomic chairs come in all shapes and sizes - with a variety of price tags to go with them. These are the features to think about first when you start the search for your ideal chair.

• What adjustable features does the chair have?
• Compare material options (mesh, fabric, leather, etc.)
• Think about how easy it is to keep clean.
• Look for chairs with strong, durable bases and outer materials. 
• Decide whether you want a headrest or not - some have none, some are removable, and others are built into the chair. 
• Check the weight and height capacity if you are in the big and tall category. 
• Focus on features over brand names - many of the premium-priced chairs are similar in quality to mid-range models.

Five Top Office Chair and Desk Combos for UAE Workplaces in 2024

1. ErgoChair Pro & SmartDesk 2 (Standard)

Autonomous is one of the top manufacturers and sellers of ergonomic office furniture and accessories in the UAE. Amongst the best products are the SmartDesk 2 (Standard) and the ErgoChairPro - the first chair and desk combo on our list.

The ErgoChair Pro is arguably the best ergonomic chair on the market without moving into premium price tags. Of all the chairs we have tested, it has the best balance of ergonomic features, modern professional style, and sheer comfort.

It has a wide, cushioned chair and full-length mesh back. The attached headrest adjusts to several heights - as do the wide, contoured armrests. One of our favorite things about this chair is the lumbar support - which seems to mold perfectly to your spine.

The assembly was fairly straightforward and didn’t take long. Everything about the chair feels sturdy and reliable, and the materials are made to last. If we had to point out a negative, it would be that the chair may be a little bulky for small office spaces.

SmartDesk 2 (Standard) is the perfect partner for the ErgoChair Pro. It is the perfect workplace or home standing desk - with two desk surface sizes to choose from depending on your needs.

It is motorized - with pre-programmable height settings. The motion is smooth and steady - and can lift around 265 Lbs. easily. We love the look of this desk as well. It is sleek, minimalistic, and professional - with a discreet control panel in the perfect spot for quick access.

ErgoChair Pro

2359 reviews

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SmartDesk 2 (Standard)

1659 reviews

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2. ErgoChair Curve & SmartDesk Levitate

Our next Autonomous combo takes things up a notch. These two products are the newest additions to their respective categories. If the best designs and most advanced technology excite you, this is the office table and chair set for you. 

The SmartDesk Levitate is an automatic 4-leg standing desk - something you don’t see as much of. We love the classic four-leg design for the added stability and old-school aesthetic - but it is the fancy features that tick the boxes for us.

In our opinion, the highlight is the touchless height adjustment - just wave your hand, and it moves to your pre-selected settings (which you can control from your Smartphone - another time-saving benefit. 

Pair this desk with the ErgoChair Curve - the best ergonomic office chair with lumbar support designed to tackle and defeat back pain. It is pretty similar to the ErgoChair Pro, but we found this backrest even more comfortable over long hours.

ErgoChair Curve

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SmartDesk Levitate

1 reviews

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3. Karman Light High-Back & Maten Sit & Stand Straight Desk

If you want something bolder in style without losing the functional benefits, this Bafco combo is an interesting choice. With a few extra flares aesthetically speaking, the Maten desk is a favorite for quirky UAE offices. The Karman chair is dynamic and overall impressive - if a little on the pricier side.

After trying this chair, we would say it is worth the price - if only for how good it feels to sit in. The materials are soft but durable - and every adjustable feature is easy to control and makes you feel like it was built for you. We recommend it if you have a little extra money to spend and want a chair that provides comfortable support from head to toe. 

The Maten desk offers more personality than most sit/stand desks, but it is not for everyone. The desk itself works well and feels sturdy, but the added panel below the surface and brightly colored additional leg stands make it a little different.

4. Butterfly Ergonomic Chair & Alpha Height Adjustable Table

Next, we turn to OfficePlus and the Butterfly Ergonomic Chair. If you struggle with back discomfort and feel overheated, this is a top contender. It is completely breathable and feels lightweight despite supporting you so well with the unique butterfly backrest shape adding flexibility that many other chairs don’t have.

We paired it with the Alpha adjustable desk - which is very close in design and features to the SmartDesk 2 (Standard). It is not quite as sleek and controlled as the Autonomous model, but it has one key benefit - it comes in 130 different colors.

5. Mirage Super Ergonomic Executive Chair & Max Series Dual Motor Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desks

This combination sold on Workspace is great for a private or home office. The Mirage Super Ergonomic chair is big, tall, and wide - classic executive style but a little too much for a shared workspace. While the Max Series electric sit/stand desk is versatile to suit any UAE workspace, it is best for a single workspace when partnered with this chair.

The Mirage chair is the MVP here. It is one of the comfiest mesh executive chairs we have tried and the best size for big and tall workers. All the adjustable features you would expect to find are there - but our favorite design feature is the curved waterfall seat edge that keeps your legs supported but comfortable for longer.

There is also plenty to love about this desk. It has a similar appearance to the SmartDesk 2 (Standard) but a different display style. Both desks are motorized with smooth height adjustments - and have the same lifting capacity - but the Max Series has a better height range.

Summary

Individually, ergonomic chairs and adjustable standing desks are important. Together, they make up a vital part of any modern smart office in the UAE.

Choosing the right office chair and desk set is a game-changer for productive, health-centered working. It benefits the people working at them and the people they work for. A high-quality ergonomic office chair with a desk (adjustable sit/stand model) is a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to see positive change in the way they work.