Shelders

Hi everyone

I'm moving out to Dubai to teach in a small primary school next week. Would love some advice on getting to know other expats and wondered if there are any regular get togethers organised? apologies if this is something already discussed in a previous thread. I'm 31 year old girl from England and slightly terrified/excited! Cheers.

Millhouse

you're gonna be fine.. roll with the punches, don't expect anything and join a club of some sort... off-roading, dragon boats, sports etc. If you party everynight you'll be bored of it and want to go home sooner rather than later.

hang around here for pervy, but free, advice. Oh, and be nice to the service people please...

Shelders

Cheers Millhouse!
Don't reckon I'll be able to afford to party every night anyway!

More interested in surfing and water sports. Also trying to find if there are any places where there are gigs? Interested in music like Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Neil Young, Beastie Boys, PJ Harvey.. Is there much of a live music scene?

commander

Swimming/running??

Live music, not really sure apart from pinoy tribute bands..

Isn't there some cool place for local talent in Al Quoz somewhere? Sure I read about it in an article.

auzdafluff

Watersports, you're set for. There are a lot of activities out here for that sort of thing. It's still a little bit too warm for it at the moment, but by the time you've settled in, you'll be fine.

As for live music, you've got lots of options. You've got the local scene (check out things like Time Out and http://www.metalityuae.com/ – The latter tends to be for more heavy stuff, but they do cover rock as well.

As for big professional events, you've got Sandance which has begun to introduce more rock bands to balance out the DJ/dance music they play. You also have a shit fight between Dubai and Abu Dhabi over who is the 'live music capital of the Middle East' which only benefits us.

For example, I have it on good authority that the Foo Fighters will be playing the F1 this year. But only because there was a cash fight between the main promoter in Dubai and the main one in Abu Dhabi, with twofour54 (the Abu Dhabi media investment body) stepping in and throwing a huge wedge of cash to push Dubai out the picture.

So basically, you'll be set.

Shelders

Ah thanks gents for the advice.. Sounds like there may be some opportunities to hear some live music. May even check out metalityuae... Anything to avoid cover bands!

Cheers!

Millhouse

I like watersports too.

Autonomy

Best indie club in town is Loaded with Andy Buchan.

http://www.facebook.com/events/427355200644750/

Live music is a bit thin on the ground but there are the occasional good gigs. The Streets played on a beach to about 300 people last year. It was bloody brilliant.

Welcome by the way. Dubai is what you make it.

Shelders

Ooh an indie night? Brilliant. Thanks for that Autonomy!

auzdafluff

You dirty old bastard. She didn't mean that sort of watersport.

Shelders

Don't be so sure.

Spugsy

Check out 'Step On', the better of the two indie clubs

auzdafluff