How to find your social circle when moving to Dubai?
A lot of people are moving to Dubai and the growing population of expats in Dubai is evident of that fact. Although there is a large expat community of various nationalities here, living in Dubai can be challenging and even lonely if you are new and don’t know anyone. If you have recently moved and are feeling a bit homesick in Dubai, we have a few tips on how to deal with homesickness as an expat in Dubai, as well as, tell you how you can meet new people in Dubai.
how to find your social circle to overcome homesickness in Dubai
Moving away from home can be difficult, especially if you have spent a majority of your time in your home country, with your friends and family. Adjusting to a new place can seem daunting, so here are a few tips on how to overcome the feeling of being homesick in Dubai.
take your time
When you to first move to Dubai it may seem difficult to find a friend as everyone is busy in the fast-paced life of the UAE. There will be moments of crushing loneliness and you may often find yourself asking, “why did I ever consider moving to Dubai?” Nevertheless, you need to remember that settling into a new place will take time. It is normal to feel out of place and homesick in Dubai, so allow yourself the time to move in and settle into your new home and get accustomed to your routine. It may take a few weeks, a month, or even longer, and that’s completely fine, as everyone adjusts at a different pace. Just remember not to rush yourself into finding a social circle.
Join a club
Once you’ve settled into your home, adjusted to your routine and feel comfortable in your own space, you can begin exploring the social circle in Dubai. Dubai has a multitude of opportunities to interact and meet new people. A great way to overcome the feeling of being homesick in Dubai to join a fitness club, which also has the added advantage of helping you stay trim and fit in a city that has an overwhelming number of culinary outlets. Try visiting these yoga spots in Dubai or participating in these indoor sports activities in Dubai. If you are a sports and fitness enthusiasts, this is a great way to meet people with similar interests
You don’t always have to rely on fitness events or clubs to meet new people in Dubai. A great way to find people with similar interests is through the app ‘Meetup’. This app allows its users to create groups for people with similar interests and schedule events. The app has a wide range of categories that range from books to technology. All you need to do is download the app, select your interests and you will be presented with groups that match your interest.
Involve yourself in the office events
Another great way to find friends in Dubai is to get yourself involved in events happening at your workplace. Many companies in Dubai have team building activities and events where colleagues can interact and have a bit of fun. Since, your colleagues are the people you will be spending the most of your time with, try to participate as much as you can in your office events. It is a great way to build friendships within your workplace and build your social circle in Dubai.
participate in community events and volunteer programs
Dubai is known for its large expat population and is home to a diverse group of people. With the continuously growing number of expats in Dubai, you will surely find people of the same nationality, community, or religion. Dubai is known for its religious tolerance – let it be for Eid, Diwali or Christmas, the streets will be decorated with lights, and fireworks will light up the sky. All the mosques, churches and temples in Dubai celebrate their respective festivals and have activities and events; getting yourself involved in these activities will help you feel more at home. There are also many charity and volunteer programs in Dubai, which you can take part in, giving you another fantastic opportunity to meet new people in Dubai
Get a pet
If you are more of a recluse and don’t particularly enjoy being part of large gatherings, a great way to get free from feeling homesick in Dubai is to get a pet. This works great for residents who love animals and have long-term plans for living in Dubai. There are many pet-shops and adoption centres in Dubai where you can find a furry companion or even a goldfish, for yourself. These companions will help get rid of the feeling of loneliness if you live alone, as you will always have someone waiting for you at home. There are also many pet-friendly places in Dubai where you can take your pet and meet other pet-owners in Dubai.
STAY CONNECTED
The last and best way to overcome homesickness in Dubai is to stay in touch with your family and friends back home. Many residents, get caught up in the fast-paced life and tend to lose touch with family and friends after moving to Dubai. Set time apart, a few times a week to make a call and catch up with your loved ones back home. Carrier services like Du and Etisalat offer great calling plans alongside approved VoIP services for expats in Dubai, looking to call back home.
Those were a few tips on how to deal with homesickness as an expat living in Dubai. Once you find your friend circle in Dubai, take a visit to these amazing beaches in Dubai or visit these water-themed activities in Dubai.
We hope you found this article helpful in your journey to beating homesickness after moving to Dubai. Looking to explore some new areas in Dubai? Try visiting these trendy Instagram-friendly spots in Dubai or try out these free things to do in Dubai. Are you new to Dubai? Which country have you moved from? Let us know in the comment section below and stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles like this.
