Discover how you can make friends in Dubai and create your social oasis in the City of Gold!
Living in Dubai and feeling a bit lost in the crowd? You’re not alone! Whether you’re a fresh-faced expat, a tourist extending your stay, or even a local looking to branch out, finding your tribe in this glittering metropolis can feel overwhelming at first.
But here’s the thing – Dubai’s unique blend of cultures and constant flow of newcomers actually makes it one of the best places to forge new friendships. From the bustling Marina to the historic streets of Al Bastakiya, opportunities to connect are everywhere.
Let’s explore how you can transform this city of strangers into a community of friends. Here are some tips and ideas on how to make friends in Dubai!
1. Attend Meetups and Social Events
Dubai is a hub for diverse communities, and attending meetups is one of the best ways to connect with like-minded individuals. Platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite offer a wide range of social events based on hobbies, professional interests, and more.
From hiking groups and book clubs to tech workshops and expat gatherings, these events are designed to bring people together who share similar passions.
The Dubai Opera, Madinat Jumeirah, and Global Village often host performances and events that cater to both locals and visitors looking to connect socially.
Pro tip:
When attending meetups or social events, arrive a little early to give yourself a chance to settle in and start conversations with others who may also be new to the event. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed when the crowd arrives.
2. Join Fitness Classes and Sports Clubs
If you’re planning to achieve your fitness goals, having a strong support group will surely give you the motivation you need! Joining a gym or taking fitness classes is a great way to meet new people.
Many gyms offer group classes such as yoga, pilates, spin, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), where you can interact with fellow fitness enthusiasts.
If you’re into more competitive sports, join one of Dubai’s popular sports clubs, such as Dubai Rugby 7s, Dubai Tennis Academy, or Expat Football Association.
Whether you’re into running, swimming, or team sports, fitness communities in Dubai provide an excellent platform for meeting new friends and staying active together.
Pro tip:
When joining fitness classes or sports clubs, try to attend regularly and be consistent. You’ll get used to familiar faces, making it easier to strike up conversations and build connections.
3. Learn Something New Through Classes and Workshops
Dubai offers a wide range of classes and workshops, providing a great opportunity to meet new people while learning something exciting. Whether you’re interested in arts, crafts, cooking, photography, or languages, there are plenty of options for every interest.
Popular venues like Thejamjar for art classes or SCAFA for culinary workshops host regular sessions where you can engage with fellow learners. Language centers also offer Arabic, English, and other language courses.
These workshops not only allow you to develop new skills but also offer a social setting to connect with others who share similar passions. It’s a fun and educational way to meet like-minded individuals while enriching your own experiences.
Pro tip:
- When attending classes or workshops, don’t hesitate to engage in conversations with fellow participants before or after the session.
- It’s also a good idea to join any social media groups or online forums related to the class, as many organizers create spaces for attendees to stay connected.
4. Attend Cultural Festivals and Events
The City of Gold is a melting pot of cultures. Dubai’s annual cultural festivals provide a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences and meet people from around the world.
Events like the Dubai International Film Festival, Art Dubai, and Dubai Food Festival attract large crowds. If you’re keen on attending any of these events, you can expand your network among those who share similar interests in film, art, and food.
What’s more, these festivals often have workshops, interactive displays, and meet-and-greet sessions. Through these, you can interact with others who have similar cultural or creative interests.
Pro tip:
- At events and festivals, don’t be shy to ask questions about the exhibits, performances, or activities – it’s a great conversation starter.
- It’s also a good idea to follow the social media pages of the events to remain up to date with any new announcements.
5. Get Involved in Volunteer Work
One of the most rewarding ways to meet new people while contributing to the community is through volunteer work. Dubai offers a variety of opportunities for individuals looking to make a positive impact.
You can volunteer at organizations like Emirates Red Crescent, SmartLife Foundation, or initiatives like Dubai Cares. These organizations regularly organize events to engage with both the local community and fellow volunteers.
There are many advocacies and initiatives that you can support based on your passions and interests.
For animal lovers, you can volunteer at K9 Friends or WWF UAE. For those who’d like to assist with fun and enriching activities with people of determination, you can join Al Noor Dubai or Dubai Autism Center.
Volunteering not only allows you to meet people who share a passion for giving back but also provides a meaningful way to connect on a deeper level.
Pro tip:
Many volunteer organizations host follow-up events or reunions after large initiatives. So staying connected through social media or volunteer networks can help you maintain these relationships and expand your social circle.
6. Take Part in Cultural and Language Classes
Learning new skills and languages provides excellent social opportunities in Dubai’s diverse cultural environment.
You can enroll in language courses at institutions like the British Council or The Arabic Language Centre, where you’ll find classes in Arabic, English, and other languages.
Beyond languages, you can connect with like-minded people through various cooking and art classes. These activities offer a dual benefit – you’ll develop new abilities while building meaningful connections.
Whether you’re mastering Middle Eastern cuisine or exploring creative skills, you’ll find a relaxed and welcoming environment for meeting new people through these classes.
Pro tip:
- Actively engage with both your classmates and instructors outside of class hours. Join study groups, attend cultural events or language exchange meetups organized by the class.
- When learning a new language, practice your new skills with native speakers or fellow learners in a casual, social setting.
7. Engage in Online Communities and Social Media Groups
Social media and online platforms have become key to meeting new people in the digital age. Join local Facebook groups based on your interests, such as cycling, running, gaming, music, art, cats/dogs, and more.
You’ll also find opportunities to participate in social events, or simply chat with others who share your interests.
Meanwhile, apps like Bumble BFF and Tandem also offer excellent ways to meet people who are looking to make friends. These platforms allow you to form connections from the comfort of your home and transition them into real-life friendships over time.
Pro tip:
It’s good to actively participate in discussions in these online communities, but remember to avoid being overly self-promotional. Building rapport takes time, so be patient and consistent in your interactions.
8. Attend Networking and Professional Events
For those looking to combine socializing with career growth, Dubai is home to a wide range of professional networking events.
Conferences, workshops, and expos in fields such as technology, real estate, finance, and entrepreneurship are frequently held throughout the year.
Events like Step Conference, GITEX, and Arab Health not only provide valuable industry insights but also offer ample opportunities to meet new people.
These events are particularly beneficial for professionals seeking to expand their business networks while building lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.
Pro tip:
- When attending networking and professional events, focus on building genuine relationships rather than just exchanging business cards.
- Take the time to engage in meaningful conversations by asking thoughtful questions about people’s roles, projects, or experiences.
- Be a good listener, as this will make others feel valued and more likely to connect with you.
9. Connect with Fellow Expats
New to the city? Dubai is home to a large expat community, making it easy to find others who understand the unique experience of living abroad.
Joining expat groups and online communities, such as Dubai Expats or Dubai Expat Community can provide a great platform for meeting fellow expats.
These groups often organize social events, meetups, and activities. And you can connect with others who are in a similar situation, whether you’re new to the city or have been living here for years.
Many expats form close-knit communities based on shared nationalities or interests, which can help ease the transition and provide a support system.
Engaging with fellow expats offers a great way to expand your social circle and share valuable tips about living in Dubai.
Furthermore, building friendships with expats from different parts of the world can help you feel more connected to Dubai and its international environment.
Pro tip:
When connecting with fellow expats, be open-minded and embrace the diversity within the expat community.
While many groups may be centered around shared nationalities or languages, it’s important to also engage with people from different backgrounds.
10. Explore Dubai’s Coffee Culture
Great news for coffee lovers! Dubai’s coffee culture is thriving, with cafes scattered across the city that offer not only great coffee but also a relaxed environment to meet new people.
Whether you prefer the vibrant Alserkal Avenue or the chic ambiance at The Coffee Lab, coffee shops are excellent places to strike up casual conversations. Other must-visit cafes are Arabica and Stomping Grounds.
Many cafes host regular events like open mics, art exhibitions, or book clubs, which provide natural opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests.
Don’t be afraid to approach people, as the coffee culture in Dubai fosters an open and friendly atmosphere.
You can also join “coffee meetups.” Here, professionals or hobbyists gather to chat about specific topics over a cup of coffee, making it an ideal spot for networking or making friends.
Pro tip:
When enjoying coffee in Dubai, it’s important to respect local customs and etiquette. While Dubai is very cosmopolitan, being mindful of cultural practices is appreciated, so it’s good to take the time to learn their traditional coffee practices.