Want to make more friends but don’t know where to start? We got you!
Let’s face it, Dubai can sometimes feel a little bit lonely
Given over 88% of the population in the UAE are expats, many of us are new to calling this country home.
It can be hard to know where to start with making friends, especially as an adult, but the best way to build authentic, long-lasting relationships is to put yourself out there, try new things and stay true to yourself.
And where better to start than with a community of girlies already doing exactly that, so I’ve put together a list of hobbies and activities to start meeting like minded people today **cue Justin Bieber’s One Less Lonely Girl
Expat Football Association
Why you’ll love it: Did you think that playing sports stopped when you hit your 20s? That doesn’t have to be the case! Reconnect with the game you used to love while meeting a community of baddies and getting a great exercise. The Expat Football Association competes every Sunday with training sessions during the week. Meet girls from all over the world coming together to defeat a common enemy – what better bonding is that?
Bonus: You’ll get one heck of a workout. I mean when was the last time you were doing full blown sprints on the treadmill in the gym? We both know you aren’t 😉
Where: Training sessions and Teams based all over Dubai
How to join: Through the forms online or their IG @efaladies
Five678 Dance Studio
Why you’ll love it: Keen to join an activity but more in your soft girl phase? Try joining a dance class. Five678 offers a range of classes at all levels from advance to beginner, you can choose from salsa, commercial, hip hop, ballet and a personal favorite – heels. You’ll be performing like Tate McCrae on tour in no time. With group classes you’re certain to meet girls who love to dress cute and leave it all on the dance floor. Not to mention, nothing makes learning a new activity easier when there are other newbies to laugh about it with
Bonus: Those new moves will definitely come in handy out in the clurb!
Where: Warehouse 24 – Al Quoz – Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 – Dubai
How to join: Buy a single pass or package online
Fable Book Club
Why you’ll love it: If your idea of a wild Friday night is staying in, cozy, with a good book, then Fable is the perfect community for you! This booking track social media app for all things reading is a great way to build a community through the shared love of storytelling. Whether you join your favorite influencers book club or start a hot topic on a crucial chapter of your book (think ACOMAF Chapter 55), Fable lets you connect with fellow bookworm girlies.
Bonus: Make your book club come alive #IRL with the perfect matcha and bookgoss date
Where: Join online at Fable.com
How to join: it is free to sign up
Irin Art Dubai
Why you’ll love it: You can not only brush up on your brushstrokes (lol) but connect with other art lovers who want to perfect their craft. Art classes can be super relaxing and a lowkey way to meet new people and make friends from all age groups. Why not swap techniques, exchange knowledge and share creations. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so what not a better icebreaker to get conversations flowing.
Bonus: Sip and paint classes also make an adorable girly date night! Crips rosé in hand, paintbrush in the other – say no more!
Where: Palm Jumeirah
How to join: Adult classes start at AED 250 online
Cosmopolitan Hot Girl Walk
Why you’ll love it: Sun shining, birds singing, coffee in hand, Cosmo’s Hot Girl Walks are the perfect excuse for a morning stroll and a yap. If you’re an avid reader of Cosmopolitan, chances are you also love all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, so this might be the perfect place to find your twin flame. Meeting every few weeks, Cosmo’s HGWs take place all over Dubai with groups of girls coming together across all different careers and backgrounds.
Bonus: Thanks to Cosmo’s collabs, you can sometimes win free merch and goodie bags at the events.
Where: keep an eye out on Cosmopolitan.com and Instagram for the next walk
How to join: registration is free! If you are the first few girlies to register, you can potentially score fun extras.
