Some of you brave souls will have arrived in Abu Dhabi this year without knowing a single soul in the city. Making yourself a new set of friends completely from scratch can be tricky, but luckily there are all sorts of groups that are designed to help you do just that.
We’ve caught up with members of some of the most active networking groups to find out what they’re all about.
Jennifer Simon
How long have you lived in Abu Dhabi?
I have lived in Abu Dhabi since 2005, but lived in Dubai five years before that.
You help run Art Night at Café Arabia – what inspired you to set this up?
Art Night started from the romantic notion of the 1960s art scene in New York, where artists used to gather together in cafés to discuss ideas and talk about the latest events and happenings in the city. There are a lot of artists working in solitude here, and we wanted to create a support network for people; an open forum for them to share experiences and meet like-minded people.
What kinds of events and activities can people expect at Art Night?
We show art movies and then have open related discussions. We also have guest speakers, which include artists talking about their recent exhibitions, or owners of venues that provide a service to artists such as supplies or studio space. We will also be having art related workshops. Its a volunteer group and anyone is free to host or part host a night, and what’s great is people are coming forward to share their experiences or inform everyone about things of interest in Abu Dhabi.
Would you recommend this to people as a way of making friends?
I have met many great people through Art Night, and it is a chance to meet like-minded people. You don’t have to be an artist, but just be an enthusiast. Writers, photographers, designers and filmmakers have all rocked up to Café Arabia, which is inspiring. Its very informal and welcoming to all, and is also a nice way to mix with different nationalities and learn about new cultures.
Frank Purtill
How long have you lived in Abu Dhabi?
I moved here in January 2011. So, just about nine months.
Which social networking groups are you a member of?
I am part of a few meet-up groups, including Internations Meetup: AD Unattached, Abu Dhabi Adventurers, Escape Dubai, Movie Lovers in AD, and Trekkers of UAE and Oman.
What kind of activities do you meet up for?
Each meet-up is designed for different things. Unattached is for people who moved to Abu Dhabi without any friends or family, and they do activities as diverse as concerts, beach volleyball, archery, pool parties and jet skiing. It’s a very active group with two great organisers who like to do a variety of different things.
What’s been the best experience you’ve had through the meet-up groups?
I have been to some amazing parties, and the one camping trip I managed to make it to was fantastic. I can’t wait until it cools down so I can get back out to the desert and spend some time under the stars.
How easy did you find it to make friends?
I would like to think I was a pretty social person before I got here, but these groups allow you an ‘in’ that you never have in almost any other social setting. It makes everyone approachable and levels the playing field. No one should think it’s weird at a meet-up to walk right up to someone and introduce yourself. The better groups have organisers who are good at trying to integrate the newbies and wallflowers.
Any downsides?
I have heard there have been some creepy guys that message girls unsolicited, but I think they get axed pretty quickly if too many girls complain. Sadly, I have yet to have the same problem with women. Haha! Oh, another downside is the email notification system. Dear meet-up geniuses – not everyone cares that you are going to be five minutes late to volleyball. Four hundred members don’t need this email. Also, pretty sure no one cares if a date or time doesn’t work for you. Get over it. RSVP ‘no’ and catch the next one.
Any tips for meeting people?
Approach people and be approachable. The easiest question anyone can start with is what’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been here? It can get old, but we all do it and the answers can lead in surprising directions. ‘Hey, I’m from California too!’ or ‘I’ve always wanted to go to India! Any travel suggestions?’ The big thing I’ve realised here is that the majority of people here are open to meeting people because we are nearly all expats. Everyone had to be a newcomer once, and it takes a certain personality to leave the comfort of friends and family and move somewhere new. The majority of people here are friendly, and I have had way many more good experiences than bad.
Sandra Cameron
How long have you lived in Abu Dhabi?
A year and a month.
How did you get involved with social groups in Abu Dhabi?
I heard about Meetup.com just through word of mouth, and diverting from my school group of teachers I work with. The first one I went to was a spirituality meet-up group about The Secret. I met three guys and a girl all of different ages, and we’re still in touch after that first meeting. I’d still consider them friends – after all, they did help me move house!
Which social networking/meet-up groups are you a member of?
I’m a member of AD Unattached. I met lots of interesting people and it definitely suited what I was looking for. It had a great mix of ages, and wasn’t at all like a pick-up event or anything like that. Meetup.com is really the best thing that has happened to me here because there’s such an acceptance of age difference, and so many options to do different things at the weekends..
What kind of activities do you meet for?
A few house parties, hosted by people who are leaving or just want to throw one – we had one huge pajama party, also brunches, jet skiing, volleyball… I don’t manage to go to everything, though!
What’s been the best experience you’ve had through the meet-up groups?
Ooh it’s hard to say. But jet sking is a blast! To be out on the water looking on to Abu Dhabi is great. A grape and cheese night stands out too!
How easy did you find it to make friends?
Oh, 100 per cent easy. The other members really welcome you, and there’s usually one person who’s very organised, remembers everyone’s name and introduces you.
Any downsides?
Sometimes the weekends are so busy you forget you have to work as well! Honestly, though, I’ve had no negative experiences.
What are your tips for using meet-up groups?
Find one that really suits you then join some others too – there’s no charge! It’s good to jump out of your little box, even though it can be very nerve-wracking arriving in a new place.
Where to join?
Meetup.com: All sorts of interests and hobbies are catered for under this banner. The emphasis is on outings and events – all you have to do is track down a group with interests similar to yours (anything from kayaking to drinking), request membership and, pending approval from the group’s admin, you’re free to get involved with any of the events you fancy.
Internations.org: A site aimed purely at expats, InterNations prides itself on being a touch more exclusive than your average online community. Membership is by invitation only, so you’ll either have to know someone who’s a member (send an email round your office – you’ll be surprised by how many of your colleagues are already on board) or hope your invitation request convinces the site’s moderators you’re worthy of a profile. From there, you’re free to contact members as you see fit, and take the opportunity to explore both social and professional opportunities.
Socialcirclesuae.com: A group that’s designed for folks who are eager to get out into the city and meet new people. The various activity groups aside, the forums could be the most useful part of the site, with plenty of threads covering pretty much any query you could ever have about life in the capital.
Art Night: Art Night is held on the first Monday of every month at Café Arabia, starting at 7.30pm.
For more information, email info@jennifersimon.co.uk.
