How to meet people in Dubai as an Expat

Meeting People in Dubai: Tips and Recommendations for Making Friends

Dubai is a diverse city with millions of Expats, many of whom arrive every month to start their lives in the city. As such, there are always many people looking to connect with one another, make friends and create a community. So whether you’re a new Expat, or you’ve been living in Dubai for quite some time and you’re looking to make new friends, this post if for you!

Here are our top tips to meet people in Dubai:

1 - Join Social Clubs

One of the best ways to meet new people in Dubai is to join social clubs. There are numerous clubs for various interests, including photography, running, hiking, foodies, and book clubs. Joining a social club is an excellent way to meet people who share similar interests and hobbies. You can find social clubs on various social media platforms, such as Meetup and Facebook groups.

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2 - Attend Events

Dubai is known for its vibrant events scene, and attending events is an excellent way to meet new people. Whether you are interested in sports, business, or technology, there is an event for everyone. Sports events, such as the Dubai Marathon and Dubai Tennis Championships, are perfect for meeting people who share the same passion for sports. Business and technology events, such as GITEX Technology Week and Dubai International Blockchain Summit, are great for meeting like-minded individuals who share similar professional interests.

Photo of three women networking at an event.

3 - Join a local gym or sports club

Joining a local gym or sports club is an excellent way to meet new people and stay fit at the same time. Dubai offers a wide range of fitness facilities, from budget-friendly gyms to luxury fitness centers. Sports clubs, such as football, basketball, and cricket clubs, are also available for those who prefer team sports. Joining a gym or sports club is a great way to meet people who share the same fitness goals and interests.

Photo of two men sat in a Padel Tennis court, laughing after playing a game.

4 - Volunteer in an initiative you’re passionate about

Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people, as it normally involves working with others towards a shared goal or cause, while giving back to the community. Dubai has numerous volunteering opportunities, such as beach cleanups, animal rescue shelters, and food banks. Volunteering allows you to meet people who share the same passion for a particular cause and work towards a common goal. You can find volunteering opportunities on various social media platforms, such as Volunteer in UAE and Dubai Cares.

Photo of a group of volunteers in nature, celebrating in group.

5 - Do a course or attend classes

Have you considered learning something new? Turns out it can be a great to meet people too, as classes and courses tend be be in groups, often leading to great opportunities to make new friends. The best part is that you will most likely share some sort of interest, giving room for new friendships to flourish. If you’re into fitness, you can always consider joining a Yoga, Spin, or even cardio class. If you’re into music, why not pick up an instrument? Maybe you’ll even find yourself joining a band!

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