Making friends in Dubai
 

Don't really know what the point of my post is going to be, guess it's just me moaning and venting in a relatively safe space where nobody actually knows me and therefore I won't feel too embarrassed about having a moan. Two months into my new life as an expat in Dubai, this topic is bothering me.

I've joined a couple of random groups in Dubai that have regular meetups and I've met some nnice people, hung out often etc.. but there seems to be this ratio of like 10:1 of men to women. Therefore most new 'friends' I'm making are all men, and then it turns out that some of them were only interested in one thing. I'm a girly girl and I'm craving female company and friendship, but it seems hard to come by. They hide away, they're cliquey, or they don't want to go out and do things (ie my female flatmates just want to sit at home and watch tv on the weekend..)

Is this just how it is here?!:( Rant rant rant...

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

Hi Saff,

It can be really hard. It took me about 6 months to build some solid girlfriends here. Completely agree about men here. I have no straight male friends here (apart from friends husbands) which is really sad as I miss my male mates and the banter you have. :( But anyway it is what it is here. You will make girlfriends, it just takes time, mine are mostly through work and here, and then meeting friends through friends. Chin up chick. My social life is utter shit at the moment otherwise I'd invite you out with us.

KC

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

It must be you're on BE in BRUNCHTIME!

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

Thank you for that, Yes I am a loser. Actually I'm enjoying a well deserved day off, I'm full of a cold and the sofa has a lot of appeal today.

I'm off out tonight though- 3rd night in a row as well- this is the most I've been out all year!

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

:( well I guess you're here with us too, mr popular!

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

I'm in Germany at work Ms Saff.

Back in GCC for my third stint next friday.

And (seriously) can't wait.

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

I never had trouble meeting women in Dubai. It helped that my first office had a lot of female employees although funnily enough most of my female friends were from outside the office.

What really got my social life going was joining a dragonboating team. There's several around and it's good exercise plus you meet a lot of expats mostly in their 20s and 30s. The teams are generally 2/3 men to 1/3 women but that's better than a 10:1 ratio.

Despite its reputation as a party town Dubai has a lot of athletic women so looking at the various sports/work out clubs is probably a good route to finding proper friends.

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

Can I just point out that I'm a man who is not just interested in 'one thing'? I'd be happy to meet Saff, Kitty, and any other women who might be interested for a few drinks, and would not expect 'anything' at the end of the evening....... men also welcome........... come to think of it, one of our nights out would be a good time.............

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

Would your other half be comfortable with such a rendezvous? Just curious.

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

Well as I met him with a Ukrainian hooker (and a mate's girlfriend) that I took there, I'm sure it's not an issue.

The thing is, if your relationship is good, why shouldn't your wife/husband have male/female friends.

It's sounding more like "When Harry Met Sally" every post on here.

Now where's that burger joint...

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

She was Ukrainian?? Hmmm.......

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

you're so cool...

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

Saff - we have a few girls in my office who moan about this sort of thing too. Sports is one good way, or maybe something like salsa if you don't fancy the sporty side.

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

The Ukrainian hooker WAS my mate's girlfriend!

Now ex.

Re: Making friends in Dubai
 

Decided to erase my last comment as I couldn't make it say what I was trying to say. Lol