Often the holidays can be a little lonely if you’re an expat, but fear not, TOAD is on the case. Here’s a run-down of the best social groups in town so you can make new friends who are in the same boat.
Abu Dhabi Circle
Best for: Making new friends.
Abu Dhabi Circle is one of the younger groups in the city. The Facebook group is designed for connecting like-minded people together. As well as hosting sporting events and community initiatives such as dragon-boating, it organises activities like bowling and nights out. All ages and nationalities come together for a bit of fun and recreation.
abudhabicircle@gmail.com
Aussies Abroad
Best for: Social days/nights out.
A collective of more than just Australians, Aussies Abroad organises easy going get-togethers, brunches, days on the green and different tasting-themed evenings. Membership costs Dhs100, which gives you great discounts on social and corporate events. This not-for-profit group also donates any left over money from memberships to a chosen charity at the end of each year.
www.aussiesabroad-abudhabi.com
French Alliance
Best for: Cultural experiences.
The French Alliance, or Alliance Français, is a cultured group that organises dinners, French classes, art workshops, concerts and parties to celebrate French events. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn a new skill plus meet some fun people. It’s not-for-profit so all costs get channeled back into the activities.
www.afabudhabi.org (02 666 6232).
Irish Society
Best for: Busy weekends.
The Irish Society organises fundraising and, you guessed it, Irish events. It celebrates special dates and supports Irish expats and friends of Ireland in Abu Dhabi – so this year, the group sponsored an Irish expat in Abu Dhabi so she could take part in the Irish beauty contest, Abu Dhabi Rose of Tralee. It also organises Irish dancing classes for children, fun! You don’t have to be Irish to join, and members get discounts.
www.irishsocietyabudhabi.com (056 710 7883).
Royal Society of St George
Best for: Philanthropic activities.
As British as you can get, the Royal Society of St George organises fundraisers and local and international philanthropic projects such as the funding of a school in Malawi.
www.rssgauh.com (050 821 3518).
Abu Dhabi Speaks
Best for: Learning languages.
This group of unassuming residents meets regularly to practice languages. It’s a social affair with around 30 to 40 taking part in each meeting. Attendees group up according to the language they want to use and practise conversing. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, great for chatting over coffee. There is also a regular ladies-only morning every Sunday. It’s free, fun and easy-going.
www.facebook.com/ADspeaks.
Abu Dhabi Unattached
Best for: Singles.
This Meetup group is 800-plus strong and created for people in the capital who have no family or friends here. Unattached gives you the opportunity to socialise with people from all walks of life. It organises regular outings on the weekends such as parties, dinners, movie nights and sporting activities.
www.meetup.com/AD-unattached.
Abu Dhabi Mums
Best for: Parents and families.
Despite its name, Abu Dhabi Mums also welcomes fathers. Founded in 1994, it organises community and fundraising events and offers support to parents around the city, as well as coordinating playgroups and outings for parents and children. It has a membership of more than 600 people from 70 countries.
www.abudhabimums.ae
Scottish St Andrew’s Society of Abu Dhabi
Best for: Dancing.
This group hosts one of the most entertaining evenings in town, a ceilidh – a traditional Scottish dance. The event is open to all; it’s a great ice-breaker and members are keen to help teach new dancers. It’s a fun way to interact and get a bit of exercise. You don’t need to take a dance partner either. The group also hosts ceilidh dance classes, charitable community projects and three balls a year for those of you who love dressing up.
www.adscots.com (050 646 6558).
Ladies first
Abu Dhabi Woman
This online group of women offers advice, information and solutions to women around the capital. There are regular discussions and posts for things for sale. It also hosts occasional social coffee mornings and community events. There are various sub-groups, such as cultural and special-interest groups, so there’s something for everyone (well, every woman).
www.abudhabiwoman.com.
CBD NOW
Central Business District Network Of Women is a group of professional women based in Maryah Island’s Sowwah Square. The group was launched early in 2013, and organises community events and networking meetings. They currently have more than 150 members and membership is open to women working in Sowwah Square.
Email Info@cbdnow.org.
