Explore Facebook communities perfect for first-timers in the UAE
In the vibrant cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, newcomers and long-term residents alike can find a wealth of online platforms to connect, ask advice, and share experiences. These digital communities offer a valuable resource for expats navigating life in these bustling emirates.
Abu Dhabi
Expats in Abu Dhabi can turn to various online groups and social networks for friendship, advice, and social connections. These platforms often organise events such as art fairs, poetry nights, volunteering, and leisure activities, including beach clubs and cultural events. TikTok and Facebook groups dedicated to making friends and socializing with both locals and expats in Abu Dhabi are also popular choices.
Dubai
Expat-focused apps and communities in Dubai emphasise social and professional networking beyond dating. Bumble, with modes for friendship and networking, and Twinby, which matches users based on language and interests, are examples of such platforms. Dubai also boasts popular dating and social apps with additional community features like OkCupid, Happn, Her, and Grindr, offering inclusive and safe spaces for diverse expat groups to connect socially and romantically.
Community Groups in Both Cities
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer a variety of online groups catering to specific interests and lifestyles. The Best Bites Abu Dhabi and Dubai groups, for instance, are dedicated to sharing foodie experiences, with members discussing the best (and worst) restaurants, food, service, and value for money in each emirate.
For pet owners, the "Dogs in Dubai" group serves as a resource for dog owners, offering information about dog walking locations, groomers, and tips for caring for canines, as well as helping stray dogs. The "Dubai Cats" group, aimed at cat owners, offers advice on cat-related topics, including food, health, and adoption, and assists stray cats in need.
Tenants of Abu Dhabi (TOAD) is an online group that serves as a starting point for those looking to rent an apartment in Abu Dhabi, where members can discuss amenities, issues, and even find estate agents. Abu Dhabi Q&A, founded by Freya Jaffar, is an active online community with nearly 93,000 members who ask questions and share insights.
The Style ME Interiors Dubai group focuses on home interior design and remodelling, providing tips, inspiration, and a platform for asking questions about various home decor topics. Dirham Stretcher, a group with over 108,000 members, focuses on sharing sales and saving money on various items in the UAE.
Supporting Expats through Life's Challenges
The Dubai Mums Club fosters a caring environment for members to help each other through sleepless nights, parenting dilemmas, and everyday life, aiming to build friendships and a strong support network among women navigating motherhood in Dubai. The "Abu Dhabi | Girl Gone International" group, a volunteer-powered community for women living abroad in Abu Dhabi, specifically designed for making friends, finding social connections, joining events, and supporting each other in navigating life in the UAE capital, is not mentioned in the provided text.
It's clear that the UAE provides numerous online platforms for newcomers and long-term residents to connect, ask advice, and share experiences, making it easier for expats to integrate into local life and build strong, supportive communities.
- In Abu Dhabi, expats can find friendship, advice, and social connections through various online groups and social networks.
- TikTok and Facebook groups dedicated to making friends and socializing with locals and expats in Abu Dhabi are popular choices.
- Bumble, with modes for friendship and networking, and Twinby, which matches users based on language and interests, are examples of expat-focused apps in Dubai.
- The Best Bites groups in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are dedicated to sharing foodie experiences and discussing the best restaurants.
- For pet owners, "Dogs in Dubai" and "Dubai Cats" groups offer resources and help for dog owners and stray dogs, respectively.
- The Style ME Interiors Dubai group focuses on home interior design and remodelling, providing tips, inspiration, and a platform for asking questions about various home decor topics.
