So you’ve touched down in Dubai, unpacked your case and just about got your bearings. Next challenge – how to make friends in Dubai?

The thought of trying to ‘make friends’ as an adult might make you cringe a little inside – but fear not, the days of playground politics are long gone.

In fact, Dubai is one of the most welcoming cities for expats to arrive into, as most residents will have gone through the same themselves at some point.

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There are lots of ways to make friends in Dubai pretty naturally outside of work that won’t feel awkward at all – trust us.

So if you’re searching for your social circle, check out our suggestions on how to make those connections and actually enjoy it at the same time.

How to make friends in Dubai

Running clubs

It’s not just about getting that 10km in. In fact, there are a selection of running clubs in Dubai that welcome new joiners each week, and are all about the social aspect too.

Chat as you pace along the likes of Kite Beach or around the Palm, and get to know some new faces as you grab an iced latte afterwards. Interested? Check out clubs such as Jumeirah Johns, Dubai Creek Striders or the Desert Road Runners to learn more. Although a little more difficult in the warmer months, there are still some (very) early morning sessions and some other social events outside of running you can get involved in.

@jumeirahjohnsrunningclub, dubaicreekstriders.com, desertroadrunners.com

Have a kickabout with Dubai Football

Desperate for a game of football? Dubai Football is an ideal way to meet some new friends who are just as mad about the game as you are. The organisation runs a series of leagues you can get involved in, scoring some new mates as well as a few goals. Catering for all abilities, you can join up with an 11-a-side, 7-a-side or casual league, just by downloading the app on your phone.

dubaifootball.com

Get pedalling with Dubai Roadsters Cycling

These guys are veterans in Dubai cycling, and have been hitting the tarmac for over 20 years. If you love clocking in the miles on your bike, the group are open to all abilities, and head out at different timings throughout the week. If you want to start easier, the group’s shortest route is on a Sunday morning, covering a steady 85km.
Get your workout in and meet some like-minded people, all you need is a helmet and a good working bike.

dubairoadsters.com

Try a Barry’s Class

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A post shared by Barry’s United Arab Emirates (@barrysuae)

You might not be able to talk much during the session, but if you’re into fitness, getting down to a class at Barry’s is definitely where you’ll meet people who love the same. The HIIT (high intensity interval training) is a huge hit in Dubai, so get yourself booked in for a mixture of cardio and strength training. Finish off with a cold protein shake and get chatting to your classmates afterwards as you get your energy levels back up.

From Dhs85. Various locations, barrys.com

Get networking

Join the Female Network

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The Dubai based group is an opportunity for women to network for both professional and social connections in the UAE. Not your usual conference-room affair, the group choose some pretty incredible settings for their meetups, think afternoons on yachts, breakfasts and stunning spots and even the occasional crystal sound healing. Offering new events every month, be sure to try and fit one in the diary.

thefemalenetworkdubai.com

Become part of a mum’s group

If you’ve moved to Dubai with the little ones, it’s even more important to make some friends who can offer advice and support.

There are a host of mum and parents groups specifically for Dubai expats, so try having a search on Facebook for a community you can join. Once you’re a member, there are lots of events ongoing specifically to meet new people. For example, check out the British Mums monthly workout and wellness morning, or sign up for a playdate event with Dubai Mums Meet.

britishmums.com, dubaimumsmeet.com.

Try a sip and paint class

If you fancy getting crafty, there are a range of workshops and classes you could get chatting to some like-minded artists. Don’t be afraid to book a ticket at somewhere like Sip N Paint DXB for example, which throws a Friday night event to the sound of some old school RnB. Throw some brush strokes on a canvas or even decorate a tote bag as you enjoy some food and drinks during the class. Bringing the vibes during the evening, you’ll likely end up having a dance with the rest of the group after unveiling your masterpieces.

Dhs179. Every Fri, 7.30pm-10.30pm, DoubleTree by Hilton, Business Bay. sipnpaintdxb.ae.

Meet some furry friends

Who thought that volunteering could be so much fun? If you’re an animal lover, sign up to become a volunteer with K-9 Friends and meet both four-legged and two-legged friends through it.

If you’re over 21 and can commit to a few sessions a week then you’ll start by meeting the group for a coffee and introductory session, before heading out dog walking or helping out in the kennels. Entirely volunteer-run, you can do some good as well as making some new connections here in Dubai.

k9friends.com

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