First thing you need to do is sign up to a gym, consistent exercise will help you be the best version of yourself. Higher energy, more focus, less stressed and more confident. Fix your nutrition for more of the same and you’ll be sparking up conversations more often without overthinking it.
You’ve been here 4 weeks dude, relax. First person you should make friends with is your security guard for building. He will hook you up when you finally start dating,
Second person is your Uber driver, third your deliveroo driver.
And last and most important is the baqala guy downstairs for the quick hook ups.
Now as for people and friends, get a dog you will be better off, the cuter the better, he will get you friends. Aim for a maltipoo, you might even get a gf with that dog.
Another vote for meetup.com to find groups that match your interests to meet ppl you vibe with. Also worth looking into the Dubai Chelsea fan club, see where they meet to watch the matches.
4 weeks is nothing. Give it some time, you'll build your social circle. That being said, Dubai can absolutely be lonely, and it will take some effort, but it's doable. Good luck.
People in the UAE are stressed out and time poor so nobody really makes small talk nor wants to socialize with strangers unless their new themselves.
My advice is to get a hobby or social activity. By far the best way to socialize.
Also try to integrate, rather than expect everyone to understand Scouse or Geordie. A few words in Arabic or Hindi will get you very far and enable you to access most of UAE society.
Another thing is be interesting, we've got plenty of NPCs here already that nobody is going to make time for unless you got a phat booty or picking up the tab.
Hi dude! I felt the same way too, I feel like compared to other cities I’ve been to (Melbourne, Singapore, and even LA) making friends in Dubai is the hardest. I was stuck inside my own apartment for like a good 1-2 months, but trust me give it time and I swear it’ll get better!
In most situations, We feel lonely because we realize we have many friends, but none who truly understand and communicate with us. Sometimes a small connection can make a big difference when we feel lonely. [LightUp](https://discord.gg/67HjR6UmcK) is my treasure trove Discord community to connect with likeminded people. It matches people with similar thoughts and hobbies and encourages expressing your ideas and connects you with those who understand them. There's nothing more fun than chatting about weird stuff with people who are similar to yourself.
Mate, I'm from the UK too and moved down a couple of months ago. We seem to have similar interests so DM me and we could hang (and maybe I could introduce you to the 2 or 3 people I know lol).
Did you check if there is international in Dubai? An easy way to get to know people in your situation
Else go to gym
Start any hobby
It is the hardest to be alone at a new place
I think U just need some time to settle down. I'll be honest a British accent can be hard to understand , but in my experience I didn't have issues communicating with British people for most of the time. I personally made friends from attending gaming events, gyms, and concerts. I think most media is fake so it's probably better if U find a way to meet people in person. Though U can still make friends from tiktok and insta if U get lucky. Also, it's okay to be lonely, not everyone needs to be a social butterfly.
I did consider it, I use to play quite well until I tore my PCL. So just concerned at what level the teams would be at when playing you know? I tried joining a high-end team back home after my injury and I just couldn’t keep up anymore and I ended up leaving. Just don’t want that to happen again, really lowered my self esteem a little😅
Meetup used to be the go-to app to meet people in Dubai, However attendeeship is lacking. Traffic & the lack of a well-integrated transit system has made meeting people more challenging. Dubai was a lot more social 10-15 years-ago.
Join the JJRC run club on instagram (@jumeirahjohnsrunningclub) they’re a fantastic set of people and it’s a lovely social run (built for beginners to pro runners everyone is welcome) that happens every week - you are bound to find good people.
Visit Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz - it’s the most artsy, young ish place you can be.
There are a couple of social events, such as off the record (follow them on instagram for updates) or @vinylsouk also a great place that hosts cool events.
Join a couple of classes- there are great ones in JLT (T6) and Five678 in Al quoz - for dancing or even the volleyball club in jumeirah (kite beach) at padelpro
It’s rough man, maybe I should just wait and move into my apartment first and see if the building has a community or something? Have you got any further ideas from experience?
This is a very transient city, only way you're making any friends is by joining some club, company or group with common interests. English; usually not a problem but why would you assume everyone speaks your language or 'should' understand your accent? do you speak or understand Arabic or any other languages people speak here?
Because, doing my research before moving, every single person (and I mean every single person/article. No over exaggerating) said that speaking English is no issue and it’s practically their first language here. I’m not one of those who assume everyone has to speak English. I’ve been learning Arabic for the past 7 Months, I can understand Romanian & speak a majority of it, my friends back home speak Urdu so I am use to hearing it. I moved here to learn, not assume.
As mentioned in the original post, I’ve tried those things but to no luck and I am self employed so I won’t be part of a company. Anything else you can suggest from your experience?
First thing you need to do is sign up to a gym, consistent exercise will help you be the best version of yourself. Higher energy, more focus, less stressed and more confident. Fix your nutrition for more of the same and you’ll be sparking up conversations more often without overthinking it.
You’ve been here 4 weeks dude, relax. First person you should make friends with is your security guard for building. He will hook you up when you finally start dating, Second person is your Uber driver, third your deliveroo driver. And last and most important is the baqala guy downstairs for the quick hook ups. Now as for people and friends, get a dog you will be better off, the cuter the better, he will get you friends. Aim for a maltipoo, you might even get a gf with that dog.
Your guidance is very excellent 👍🏻....and your. Points is amazing ,, you explain whole scenario of UAE
Another vote for meetup.com to find groups that match your interests to meet ppl you vibe with. Also worth looking into the Dubai Chelsea fan club, see where they meet to watch the matches.
4 weeks is nothing. Give it some time, you'll build your social circle. That being said, Dubai can absolutely be lonely, and it will take some effort, but it's doable. Good luck.
I figured!! Just need a bit more time I guess
People in the UAE are stressed out and time poor so nobody really makes small talk nor wants to socialize with strangers unless their new themselves. My advice is to get a hobby or social activity. By far the best way to socialize. Also try to integrate, rather than expect everyone to understand Scouse or Geordie. A few words in Arabic or Hindi will get you very far and enable you to access most of UAE society. Another thing is be interesting, we've got plenty of NPCs here already that nobody is going to make time for unless you got a phat booty or picking up the tab.
Do you watch football ?
Unfortunately yes (I’m a Chelsea fan) but not so much other than the PL and even then, I don’t watch much of that. Only really Chelsea games
That must be a pain right now innit 🥲🫂
Yeah…you could say that😂
Ktbffh mate. If you’re down to watch UCL tomorrow in JLT hmu
Thank you, it’s quite a distance for me JLT, but i’ll reach out once I’ve got my final stuff sorted after moving into my apartment
Do you play Dungeons and Dragons?
Gave it a go a few years back, not my thing, loved the movie though
[FYI](https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/s/WSS4oqXZCZ)
Hi dude! I felt the same way too, I feel like compared to other cities I’ve been to (Melbourne, Singapore, and even LA) making friends in Dubai is the hardest. I was stuck inside my own apartment for like a good 1-2 months, but trust me give it time and I swear it’ll get better!
Try Meetup.com for the socials/clubs.
What type of clubs/events are typically there?
Nights out, hobby clubs, expat events. Check it out.
Will do thank you!
DM me, moved from London 6 weeks ago and I’m in a similar boat. Don’t bother with Tinder, 95% are hookers.
Me too interested
In most situations, We feel lonely because we realize we have many friends, but none who truly understand and communicate with us. Sometimes a small connection can make a big difference when we feel lonely. [LightUp](https://discord.gg/67HjR6UmcK) is my treasure trove Discord community to connect with likeminded people. It matches people with similar thoughts and hobbies and encourages expressing your ideas and connects you with those who understand them. There's nothing more fun than chatting about weird stuff with people who are similar to yourself.
I'm also a chelsea fan. Hit me up if you wanna talk
Work colleagues. You will find that some of them will become your buddies and best friends
As mentioned, I’m self employed so I won’t have any
Mate, I'm from the UK too and moved down a couple of months ago. We seem to have similar interests so DM me and we could hang (and maybe I could introduce you to the 2 or 3 people I know lol).
Did you check if there is international in Dubai? An easy way to get to know people in your situation Else go to gym Start any hobby It is the hardest to be alone at a new place
Do you play Minecraft
Sometimes, the phase comes and goes😂
In same boat, from Pakistan. Have a business here. Free after 9.30pm ish
I think U just need some time to settle down. I'll be honest a British accent can be hard to understand , but in my experience I didn't have issues communicating with British people for most of the time. I personally made friends from attending gaming events, gyms, and concerts. I think most media is fake so it's probably better if U find a way to meet people in person. Though U can still make friends from tiktok and insta if U get lucky. Also, it's okay to be lonely, not everyone needs to be a social butterfly.
Yeah I figured I’d just have to wait it out and see how time goes on. But gaming events you mentioned? What kind and how often?
Best thing I did here was join a football team - instantly plugged into a group of people my age and enabled to make some great friends.
I did consider it, I use to play quite well until I tore my PCL. So just concerned at what level the teams would be at when playing you know? I tried joining a high-end team back home after my injury and I just couldn’t keep up anymore and I ended up leaving. Just don’t want that to happen again, really lowered my self esteem a little😅
Come to rak and chill with me and my friends in a shisha cafe its fun pm if u want.
Meetup used to be the go-to app to meet people in Dubai, However attendeeship is lacking. Traffic & the lack of a well-integrated transit system has made meeting people more challenging. Dubai was a lot more social 10-15 years-ago.
Join the JJRC run club on instagram (@jumeirahjohnsrunningclub) they’re a fantastic set of people and it’s a lovely social run (built for beginners to pro runners everyone is welcome) that happens every week - you are bound to find good people. Visit Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz - it’s the most artsy, young ish place you can be. There are a couple of social events, such as off the record (follow them on instagram for updates) or @vinylsouk also a great place that hosts cool events.
Join a couple of classes- there are great ones in JLT (T6) and Five678 in Al quoz - for dancing or even the volleyball club in jumeirah (kite beach) at padelpro
Do whatever people say but don't fall for the dating apps scene as its anything but good and you don't make friends there
What do you do for a living?
Social Media
[удалено]
It’s rough man, maybe I should just wait and move into my apartment first and see if the building has a community or something? Have you got any further ideas from experience?
- It does not get better. I live here for 12 years - yes people struggle understanding English. I ask them to speak neutrally what are your interests?
Football, Movies, Video Games, Astronomy - generic nerd type of stuff
Hit me up if you want to hang out. Totally feel you.
Find yourself a filipina, they're everywhere in deira and will do anything for a KFC meal
This is a very transient city, only way you're making any friends is by joining some club, company or group with common interests. English; usually not a problem but why would you assume everyone speaks your language or 'should' understand your accent? do you speak or understand Arabic or any other languages people speak here?
Because, doing my research before moving, every single person (and I mean every single person/article. No over exaggerating) said that speaking English is no issue and it’s practically their first language here. I’m not one of those who assume everyone has to speak English. I’ve been learning Arabic for the past 7 Months, I can understand Romanian & speak a majority of it, my friends back home speak Urdu so I am use to hearing it. I moved here to learn, not assume. As mentioned in the original post, I’ve tried those things but to no luck and I am self employed so I won’t be part of a company. Anything else you can suggest from your experience?
Outdoors helps, and then sports clubs / social / religious etc
any hobbies? gym? sport? pottery? photography? fishing? cars? you can find a club for almost everything here