AbDabz

Me & the Mrs arrived in Abu Dhabi a few months ago and have been working hard at getting settled and putting in some long hours at work.

Things are now calmer and we'd like to get out and about and socialise a bit more. We're mid-30s, no kids, from London, normal interests like restaurants, bars, sports, DVD watching etc. It'd be good to hear of any tips for meeting similar people in Abu Dhabi. Nothing dodgey, just to go out for a beer now and then, go watch football in one of the bars, get some good grub.

If anyone else is at a loose end or just arrived, please let us know - we're average to good company!

Arcadia

You could always try joining The club..lots refer to it as The British club. You can call them and ask for a tour which will give you an ldea of what's on offer..basically very British, pub grub, sports etc. Membership can be difficult for families but you should be okay as a couple.

csdf

Some ideas based on what we did (same situation as you):
- Network through your friends in the UK: when we moved out we were introduced to a bunch of people who were friends of friends in the UK. Social norms are different here - nobody minds if you email a friend of a friend of a friend and say "hello, just arrived, don't know anyone!".
- Join a hash club (see Time Out); you don't even have to run if you pick the right one
- Join an outdoor club: plenty to pick or I can PM you one or two

raining

If you get invited to something that really isn't your cup of tea (keeping it clean of course!), just go - you might meet some people who are on your wavelength and who you wouldn't mind meeting again and getting to know better.

Meow

Good advice. You never meet anyone until you actually go and interact with people. Also, don't assume that the people you meet when you first arrive will be friends forever. They might be, but keep expanding your circle, be open-minded and open to new experiences.

Even the odd person from forums turns out to be OK

busybee2

well long time no hear

AbDabz

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll get in touch with The Club, though I think it's quite a bit of money for the facilities and we already have a pool etc. Might be worth it on the social side though.

The hash may be good too (even quite keen on the running part!) so I'll give that a go.

Interested to hear about the outdoor clubs so yes, grateful for the PM.

Cheers everyone and if anyone else has further ideas or wants to meet up pse let me know.

raining

If you play football, I think there's a pay as you go set up at Yasmina School, you don't need to turn up every week. I'll ask my husband, he plays there on a Tuesday evening although I might be getting mixed up with his work's football team.

Abu Dhabi Striders for running too - all abilities welcomed, I hear. I keep meaning to join but may be moving from AD to Dubai very soon. Any excuse, eh...

Your wife may want to look at stuff organised by posters on AbuDhabiWoman - regular nights out, lunches, coffee etc. Whilst a vodka morning is more my thing than a coffee morning, I have met some lovely friends by going along to the odd one.

flares

Booze and Grub is very cheap especially when compared to hotel beach clubs. Very good quality too.

stevieb143

I have been in Abu Dhabi for 5 months now, and have managed to meet no one outside my work for socialising. I am here on my own with my wife and children back in the UK. Happy to meetup for people for thursday nights at PJs Bar or meals etc.

csdf

Join a group - running, walking, natural history, whatever. You'll meet a bunch of people that way.

Meow

What have you done or where have you gone in order to meet people?

stevieb143

So far I have joined a few clubs but the groups have been to clicky and not that welcoming for newbies. But Now my wife us gone back to UK I need to do something rather than looking at the asylum white walls in my apartment.

At the moment my social circle is work based and the evening tend to end up with work related topics. The last thing I want is an extension to my working day.

AbDabz

Hi Steve. Sounds like we're in the same boat. Was gonna send you a message about meeting up for a beer, but I don't think I can until I've posted three messages on here. This is my third...

Rhino1

I'm in that same boat..