How To Make Friends In Dubai

We've been assisting women to make friends for the last 15 years, and our coffee morning meet-ups and monthly events are the perfect place to do this.

If you’re nervous have some topics of conversation ready- ask people why they moved to Dubai, how long they’ve been here, for advice and tips they can pass on to you for settling in and you’ll soon find the conversation flowing. Be brave and admit you’re lonely or missing your friends and family- you’ll find so many people feel exactly the same! If you click with someone why don’t you suggest meeting up again or swapping numbers to keep in touch. You have to be proactive to start to grow your social circle.

There is a social group for near on everything in Dubai and meeting people with similar hobbies and interests is a great way to make new friends. There is everything available from country groups to sporting teams and everything in between. Be brave and go along- if you don’t like it you can always leave! Better to have tried than to have stayed at home being lonely. You can find a whole bunch of Dubai social groups with our guide, here.

There are some very worthwhile causes in the UAE that could need a helping hand from you. You can volunteer your time and expertise helping a cause that is near and dear to you. There’s everything from general volunteering opportunities through to specific causes including the local animal shelters and helping kids with special needs and so much more.

Just make sure that you're supporting a registered charity and support group, as the UAE has strict laws surrounding charitable work and volunteering here.

Lots of the different living areas in Dubai have get togethers whether it is family fund days or craft fairs. Keep your eye on the notice boards in your local supermarkets- there are quite often flyers posted there with things going on for you to join in with. We have charity and community events listed on our events page too.

We often hear stories of people making firm friends in the most unlikely of situations! It could be by the garbage chute when you’re in your pyjamas! Dubai can seem like an unfriendly place sometimes but maybe by you smiling or saying a cheery hello you may brighten up someone else’s day and strike up a conversation.

So many people have made friends in the supermarket, coffee shop or at the school gates just from smiling. It often appears people in Dubai are in the own little bubble but maybe they are feeling just as lonely as you and are putting a brave front on it.

If you are feeling a bit out of sorts don't worry! It's completely normal feeling to have as an expat. You've been removed from everything that is familiar to you- country, family and friends so you are going to feel a bit wobbly! It's perfectly natural. Most of us have had friendships in the past that have evolved over long periods of time from school, university, our home town and work and now you have to start all over again whether you're single or in a family situation.

To keep you connected make sure you are keeping in touch with your loved ones at home- Skype is such a great way to see the people you miss. If you are feeling home sick don't beat yourself up about it- have a little wallow, then pull your socks up and try something new!