Quick answer: Plan your first month in four steps: week 1, get your bearings in your neighbourhood; week 2, join something regular like a class or sports group; week 3, meet people through networking events, community groups and colleagues; week 4, plan a big weekend with a brunch or day trip. Going back to the same activities each week is the fastest way to make friends.
If you’re new to the UAE, there’s plenty to look forward to: a new city, new job and new routine. But the first few weeks can also feel surprisingly quiet. Your colleagues go home to their families, your friends are in a different time zone, and you’re not quite sure where people actually meet. The good news: almost everyone here has been in your shoes, and the UAE is one of the easiest places in the world to build a social life once you know where to start.
Here’s a simple, week-by-week plan for your first 30 days.
Week 1: Get your bearings
Don’t put pressure on yourself to make friends in week one. Use it to get comfortable with your new city, the more at home you feel, the easier it is to say yes to plans later.
- Explore your neighbourhood. Find your nearest café, gym, supermarket and park. Going to the same places regularly is how familiar faces turn into friendly ones.
- See one big landmark. A trip up Burj Khalifa or to the Dubai Frame at sunset is a great way to feel like you’ve arrived.
- Do a free outing. Walk Kite Beach in the morning, or explore Al Fahidi and take an abra across Dubai Creek, it costs only a few dirhams.
Week 2: Join something regular
The fastest way to make friends anywhere is to see the same people more than once. One-off events are fun, but a weekly class or group is where real connections happen.
- Try a hands-on class. Pottery, painting and cooking classes are relaxed and sociable, you have something to talk about straight away. Browse our workshops and classes.
- Pick a sport or fitness group. Running clubs, padel, yoga and group fitness classes are popular across the UAE.
- Commit to going back. Book the next session before you leave. By the third visit, you’ll be saying hello to people by name.
Week 3: Meet people through work and interests
- Go to a networking event. Chambers of commerce, founder groups and business clubs run regular events, many open to non-members. See our business networking guide.
- Find your community. Check our events calendar for community meet-ups, women-only events and interest groups.
- Say yes to colleagues. After-work plans and team lunches are a great way to turn colleagues into friends.
Week 4: Plan your first big weekend
- Book a brunch. Weekend brunch is a UAE institution and a great way to bring new friends together. Our brunch guide has options from AED 195.
- Take a day trip. Head to Abu Dhabi for the Louvre and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, or to the mountains in Hatta or Jebel Jais.
- Host something small. Invite two or three people you’ve met for coffee or dinner. Being the one who organises makes it easier for others to say yes.
Save money while you settle in
Setting up in a new country is expensive. Loyalty and discount programmes can make your weekends much cheaper, from tiered discounts at Emaar attractions to buy-one-get-one-free offers. See all our partner deals.
New to the UAE: your first week, already planned
Not sure where to start? Our New to the UAE calendar fills every morning, afternoon and evening of the week with things to do. Turn on “Meet people only” to see activities where it’s easy to start a conversation on your own, then add your whole week to your calendar in one tap.
And if the first few weeks feel lonely, that’s completely normal. Read our guide to feeling lonely in the UAE for gentle, practical ways to connect.
Frequently asked questions
How do I build a social life in the UAE?
Join something regular, such as a weekly class, running club or community group, and go back each week. Add networking events and say yes to plans with colleagues. Most newcomers find their circle within a few months.
What should I do in my first week in Dubai?
Get comfortable with your area: find your nearest cafe, gym and park, see a landmark such as Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Frame, and try a free outing like Kite Beach or an abra ride across Dubai Creek.
Where do newcomers meet people in the UAE?
Workshops and classes, sports and fitness groups, networking events run by chambers and founder groups, community meetups and weekend brunches are the most common places.
How can I save money when I first move to the UAE?
Use loyalty and discount programmes such as U By Emaar, The Entertainer and Fazaa for attractions, dining and activities, and mix paid outings with free ones like beaches and heritage areas.