Being alone in the city can be a struggle sometimes. The expat life causes many to be alone, but one Meetup Group is looking to change all that.
Camping, cooking, partying, socialising, beaching, sports… what more could you want?
Abu Dhabi Unattached is a Meetup group that has been active in the city since its formation in May 2011. The group has expanded to include nearly 1,000 members, and today is going stronger than ever.
Organiser Jad Sibai says ‘When you join Abu Dhabi Unattached group you get to meet open-minded, fun, social, single people from different cultures. You get a mix of events whether it’s outdoors, nightlife, cultural or learning for free, so there really is something for everyone. Most importantly you get to mingle and grow your circle of friends with us once you join our family.’
The group organises various events and gatherings that engage more than 30 nationalities of unattached people aged 20 to 40 years old, it is not-for-profit and the organisers and members do everything off their own back. Jad explains, ‘We offer a variety of activities unlike other Meetup groups where activities are based on the group interest or vision.’
There have been hundreds of well attended events, including camping, parties, life coaching lessons, sporting activities and beach visits. Recently, the group hosted a ‘Fast Friends’ event where Jad says they worked to encourage members to mingle with different cultures and backgrounds. The event saw more than 60 people attend, and Jad says it was very well received.
The activities are so wide-ranging, that Jad says there is something to suit everyone, and they are open to suggestions for new events too. ‘We host outdoor activities such as camping trips, beach parties, sports, go-karting, paintball and archery. We also enjoy social activities such as our great Abu Dhabi Unattached scavenger hunt, bar-hopping, our monthly birthday party; learning activities such as life-coaching workshops, learning how to cook; holiday activities and indoor activities such as game nights (board games), puzzles and murder mystery parties.’
Long-time member, Dany Khalife is an active participant in the group’s activities. He says ‘I have been in Abu Dhabi Unattached for two years now, I can’t describe how much this group added to my life experience with meeting people from different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs. Every time I go out with them I expect something interesting and new.’
Jad says the group is easy to join, and new members are welcome. ‘New members have no problem finding their comfort zone in our group, our members are very friendly and welcoming. As organisers our job is to maintain a safe, fun environment where everyone can be themselves and have fun.’
Dany says the group has created many opportunities for him to make new friends. ‘I have made very close friendships, actually most of my close friends are from the group. Abu Dhabi Unattached feels like family now.’
So why not join the fun? ‘If you are a new to Abu Dhabi and looking to fill your plate with fun activities, meet open minded fun expats and make great friends Abu Dhabi Unattached is the group to be in,’ Jad says with a smile.
www.meetup.com/AD-Unattached
Other networking groups to try
Abu Dhabi Circle
This is a 2,000 strong group on facebook, aimed at hosting events and socialising. It’s also a great way to meet people.
www.facebook.com/adcircle
Time Out Book Club
Launching on March 1 at Dome Café in the World Trade Center Mall, our very own book-club is a great way to mix and mingle with people who love to read.
Email Caitlyn.Davey@itp.com for more info.
What’s on the agenda with Abu Dhabi Unattached
February 28:
Catamaran cruise and island escape
The group is taking a 60-person contingent out on the Abu Dhabi waters for an afternoon of sailing and relaxing in the outdoors aboard the Belevari catamaran – the largest in the capital.
March 8:
Paintball at Al Forsan
Attendees will be showing off their dips, dodges, ducks and dives at paintball!
Life coaching
One of the members is a trained life coach and offers monthly life-coaching workshops to members. The workshops fill up quickly, as demand is high.
The monthly birthday meeting
Each month the group will host a monthly birthday meeting. This is where everyone who has a birthday in that month is celebrated. This will be hosted regularly each month. RSVP to www.meetup.com/AD-Unattached
