Expert Info

Posted by
on 9 Jun 2011

Considering that I'm leaving the network of friends I've had since I've been in diapers, I'm a little concerned about making friends in Dubai. I take it that I can't use the same tactics I initially used to make the friends I've cemented in Greensboro, NC - namely, hair-pulling and wet-willying. Hoping someone can advise on some good opporunities to meet others and what activities I shoudl pursue. Thanks a ton!

Anonymous (not verified) on 9 Jun 2011 - 09:29
Yikes, well it sounds like you've got a bit life-changing event up ahead of you. It's okay to be concerned about making friends in Dubai, and to be honest - relatively easier than a lot of other places. The expat community is really large - like 70 percent of the population, and in such a transient space people tend to be more open and welcoming to others. That said, most people make their first friends through work, and if you're office ends up being a bit of a "graveyard", then it may be harder to connect with that first person. That said, there's plenty of activities on offer. To get involved in a sports circle visit Duplays.com, or to take part in a purely social group - check out SocialcirclesUAE.com.

If you're a big drinker, you'll also find more than just a few fellow compatriots at any of the city's hotel bars...just be careful and abide by the laws.

Good luck!
Anonymous (not verified) on 22 Apr 2012 - 17:57
I just want to meet some new friends here in Dubai... Come say hiiii!!!
Anonymous (not verified) on 24 Apr 2012 - 11:09
Hi Dave

If you have young kids, another good way to make friends is through parent-run playgroups. Do a quick Google search and browse a few expat forums for contact details.
Anonymous (not verified) on 29 Oct 2012 - 10:32
Dear David, Its quite natural to feel worried that if you will be treated like an outsider in a foreign alein land. But Dubai with almost more than 70% expats and a hospitable local community we feel more at home rather than the ackward feeling of being an outsider. The night life in dubai is pretty good compared to the rest of the middle east, so bars,pubs and events are a good place to socialize. If you have any hobbies then you can check out meetup.com to see lots of like minded people, if you are into sports you can checkout http://dubai.duplays.com to join some sport and make friends, and there are plenty of facebook groups which broadcasts the various events happening in Dubai where you can socialize and get to meet new people. P.S : Jazeel Jabbar is a relocation's consultant specialized in providing relocation services(which includes Move Management, Immigration services, Home Search, Intercultural Training, City Orientation, Education Search and Registration, Pet Relocation, Insurance, Business Relocation) to individuals and corporate's moving to Dubai, UAE. You can reach him at +971 55 505 8806 or at [email protected].
Anonymous (not verified) on 28 Aug 2014 - 12:17
I feel the same here. I'm a little nervous about making new friends in Dubai. My daughter and I are going to sign up for classes at a place called Melodica Music and Dance Institute. They've got group dance classes for adults and children. She's more interested in singing and piano but I think if I set her up in a dance class she'll make new friends really easily.