How to Make Friends in Dubai as an Expat
Making friends in Dubai as an expat works best with the right apps, regular meetups, and active community groups that match your interests.
Start with shared interests
Dubai’s social scene runs on hobbies. Joining a group that meets weekly gives you repeated contact with the same people. Try running clubs at Safa Park on Friday mornings, book clubs at Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall, or photography walks along the Marina. These cost nothing beyond transport and create natural conversation starters.
Use apps that actually work here
Download Internations and Meetup first. Both list dozens of Dubai events every week. Bumble BFF and Hey! VINA work well for women. Time Out Dubai’s app also posts daily listings. Set your location to Dubai and filter by language or nationality to match your comfort level. Most events charge between 50 and 150 AED for entry or activities.
Join established expat communities
Facebook Groups remain active. Search for “Dubai Expats”, “British in Dubai”, “Filipinos in UAE”, or “Ladies Who Brunch Dubai”. Many groups organise monthly brunches or quiz nights. The InterNations Ambassadors also run monthly mixers at hotels across JLT and Downtown, usually 75-120 AED per ticket including one drink.
Volunteer or take classes
Regular commitment builds friendships faster than one-off events. Sign up for beach clean-ups with Emirates Environmental Group or teach English through Dubai Cares programmes. Language schools in JLT and Al Barsha run evening Arabic or French classes for 800-1500 AED per term. Fitness studios such as F45 and Barry’s often create WhatsApp groups after the first month of attendance.
Attend free public events
Check Dubai Calendar for free weekend activities. The monthly Global Village season, art nights at Alserkal Avenue, and free outdoor cinema at Emirates Golf Club all draw mixed crowds. Arrive 30 minutes early, introduce yourself to people already seated, and exchange numbers before the event ends.
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Frequently asked questions
Which app is best for making friends in Dubai?▾
Meetup and Internations list the highest number of weekly events in Dubai. Both are free to browse and join.
How much do expat meetups usually cost?▾
Most social events range from free to 150 AED, covering venue hire or one drink.
Are there groups for non-English speakers?▾
Yes. Search Facebook or Meetup for Arabic, French, Russian, or Hindi-speaking communities in Dubai.
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