Your non-cringe guide to making new friends in Dubai
But what if we told you expanding your social circle and finding some new mates doesn't need to be cringe?
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Of course, some might not come naturally to you, but there are plenty of methods to meet people in Dubai that won't cause you to want the ground to swallow you up.
How to make new friends in Dubai
Through fitness:
Find a new team
If you're a sports fanatic, find a group to team up with through DuPlays Dubai. From football to basketball and even netball, this online sports platform will help you to connect with other sports enthusiasts.
DuPlays also hosts fun social events where you can meet people, so keep your eyes peeled to their social media pages for upcoming meet-ups.
duplays.com
Join a run club
(Credit: supplied)
If you've been in Dubai for a while, you'll know that run clubs are the 'it' girl of social events, and it's a perfect place to meet mates.
Not only are you surrounded by super-friendly endorphin-fuelled joggers, you can all natter away as you run, jog or walk a stunning route along the beach or elsewhere.
For example, the free Spartan run club runs every Saturday at 6.15am with a new location each week, and there's usually a free coffee included at the end of it, so you and your new pals can refuel together.
Free. Sat, 6.15am. Various locations, @spartanmiddleeast.
Try a hyrox session
Becoming somewhat of a sensation across the world, the hyrox competitions have huge community groups that love to train together.
If you're in the mood for a challenge, or just want to be social, there are plenty of training classes and gyms you can sign up to, where you're guaranteed to get chatting to people.
Need a suggestion on where to go? Try the hyrox class at KO8 Fitness in Dubai Marina, which has a lot of energy and a great community around it.
Class timings vary. Dusit Princess Residence, Dubai Marina, ko8.fitness (054 995 6484).
Through networking
Find a Facebook group
Dubai is all about the Facebook groups (seriously).
As well as your local community groups, there are plenty of pages dedicated to meeting new friends (everyone's in the same boat when they first arrive).
If you're looking for a new group of gals to hit up Pilates with, join the likes of That Dubai Girl and ATB Dubai.
If you're looking for home comforts, try joining a group of your nationality, for example Brits in Dubai.
Or if you're a parent looking to meet up with likeminded parents and organise a play date or two for the little ones, try the likes of Just The Mums UAE, Real Mums UAE or The Dubai Mums Club.
Try a networking event
In Dubai, networking events aren't always held in function rooms with everyone in a suit. They're usually far from it.
From matcha meetups to Pilates classes or dreamy lunches at gorgeous locations, these don't feel like networking (they actually feel like fun).
If you want to meet like-minded women, try out one of the events hosted by The Female Network, or to meet people in your industry, try the Dubai Young Professionals group instead.
Through volunteering
Help out with a charity
Want to pay it forward while meeting people? There are plenty of places in the city looking for volunteers all-year round, making for a rewarding way to meet people that care about the same things as you do.
If you need some guidance on where to start looking, check out opportunities at the Al Noor Training Centre for people of determination, Dubai Autism Centre and Make a Wish UAE.
Visit an animal shelter
(Credit: Canva)
Animal-lovers can also foster a homeless pet through 38 Smiles or volunteer their time to dog-walking with K9 Friends.
You'll meet like-minded people and help those in need, two birds with one stone. And even if you don't make besties for life, you'll make a difference, which is always a win.
k9friends.com
Through an adventure
Head out on a mini-break
Taking a solo escapade may sound daunting, but it's a great way to meet loads of people. Companies like Adventurati and Gulf for Good organise such trips.
Check out upcoming trips online and sign up to explore vast deserts and breathtaking mountains with a load of new mates.
Take a day trip
Credit: Supplied
Push yourself a little out your comfort zone and explore some new locations at the same time and join a day trip group like The Trail Tribe UAE.
From hikes in Hatta to desert days out, this team of explorers even organise adventures around the world together, so it's a great community to be a part of.
@trail_tribe_uae
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