Lonely Expat in Dubai: 5 Engaging Activities to Connect and Thrive in the Emirates

Being a lonely expat in Dubai is more common than you might think. With over 85% of Dubai's population consisting of expatriates, many newcomers find themselves navigating the initial challenges of building social connections in this bustling metropolis. The good news is that Dubai offers numerous opportunities for singles to meet like-minded people, explore new interests, and create meaningful relationships. Here are five carefully selected activities that can help transform your solo experience into an engaging social adventure.

1. Join a Hiking Group for Weekend Adventures

Location: Various locations including Hatta, Wadi Kub, and Ras Al Khaimah mountainsCost: AED 200-310 per person (including transportation from Dubai)

Dubai's hiking community welcomes beginners and experienced trekkers alike, making it perfect for lonely expats looking to combine fitness with social interaction. UAE Trekkers, established in 2015, specializes in guiding beginner hikers and organizes regular weekend trips. Their professional guides provide wilderness first responder training and emergency gear, ensuring safety while you explore the stunning Hajar Mountains.

AFT (Arabian FiTrekers) is another licensed hiking group that operates across all Emirates, offering adventures from beginner to advanced levels. These groups typically meet at Times Square Mall for transportation to hiking locations. The community is particularly welcoming to solo participants, with many members initially joining alone and forming lasting friendships through shared outdoor experiences.

Dubai's hiking community welcomes beginners and experienced trekkers alike, making it perfect for lonely expats looking to combine fitness with social interaction.

2. Explore Dubai's Thriving Book Club Scene

Location: Various locations including cafés in Dubai Mall area, JLT, and Marina

Cost: AED 30-50 per meeting (including refreshments)

Dubai's literary community offers several book clubs perfect for intellectually curious expats. Safar Book Group, with over 5,000 members, is the largest book club in Dubai and meets on the third Sunday of each month. They organize discussions through the Meetup app and maintain an active Goodreads shelf for members to track current selections.

For a more intimate experience, consider A Few Good Pages - Short Story Book Club, which meets every Thursday at Soul Side Wellness in JLT. This club focuses on short stories that can be read in one sitting, making it perfect for busy expats. The Book Cellar Dubai offers monthly sessions discussing both fiction and non-fiction over coffee, while the Dubai Ladies Only Book Club provides a supportive environment for women to socialize over literature.

3. Get Active with Beach Volleyball Communities

Location: Kite Beach and JBR Beach

Cost: AED 37-100 per session

Dubai's beach volleyball scene thrives at Kite Beach, where multiple courts are available and usually free to use during weekday evenings and weekend mornings. Local players organize regular pickup matches, and informal leagues are posted through online groups, making it easy for newcomers to join.

Esperia Volleyball Academy near Al Sufouh offers structured training programs for serious players, with rental courts available at AED 100 per hour. For organized games, Come And Play hosts beach volleyball matches at Kite Beach for AED 36.99 per person, organizing 6 vs 6 team games. JBR Beach also features courts along the main walking boulevard, where the atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for casual players looking to meet people.

4. Unleash Your Creativity with Pottery Workshops

Location: Al Quoz, Zaabeel, and various studios across Dubai

Cost: AED 150-450 per session

Dubai's pottery scene offers an intimate way to meet fellow creatives while learning a new skill. Bedia Pottery Studio provides Dubai's only luxury pottery experience with private workshops perfect for individuals. Their sessions include choice of clay types, with air-dry clay creations taken home the same day with a free paint set, or ceramic clay pieces ready in 4-5 weeks.

The Mud House Studio welcomes absolute beginners to seasoned potters in their community of "Clayers". They offer both hand-building and wheel-throwing classes, with various membership options for regular participants. Studio CLAY in Al Quoz provides a beautifully designed space for classes and workshops, often hosting specialized events beyond ceramics. Yadawei Ceramic Studio, also in Al Quoz, offers programs from beginner to advanced levels and occasionally hosts visiting pottery experts.

5. Experience Dubai's Art Scene Through Walking Tours

Location: Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Bastakiya Quarter, and various galleries

Cost: AED 200-300 per tour

Dubai's emerging art scene provides cultural enrichment and social interaction opportunities. Dubai by Foot Art Tour offers small group walking tours through the Alserkal Avenue area in Al Quoz, exploring galleries, artisanal craft shops, and trendy cafés. The 3.5-hour tour costs approximately AED 260 and provides historical context while showcasing the diversity of Dubai's creative community.

The Bastakiya Quarter (Al Fahidi Historical District) offers self-guided exploration opportunities, with the Majlis Gallery serving as a peaceful cultural hub where solo visitors can enjoy contemporary art exhibits in a traditional courtyard setting. Dubai Museum in this area costs only AED 3 for entry, making it an affordable cultural activity. The M.A.D Gallery features fascinating kinetic sculptures and levitating art pieces, providing unique conversation starters for art enthusiasts.

Additional Social Connection Resources

Dubai offers extensive expat community support through platforms like InterNations Dubai, which organizes monthly professional networking events and special gatherings for international residents. The Expats Club operates multiple Dubai groups with over 10,700 members, specifically designed to help newcomers establish social circles quickly.

Many activities can be easily accessed via Dubai's efficient Metro system, with single trips costing AED 3-7.50. For areas not covered by metro, Careem and Uber provide reliable transportation with costs ranging from AED 8-150 depending on distance.

Dubai's welcoming international community, combined with these diverse activities, ensures that lonely expats can quickly transform their solo experience into meaningful social connections. Whether you're drawn to outdoor adventures, intellectual discussions, creative pursuits, or cultural exploration, the Emirates offers numerous pathways to build lasting friendships and discover your place in this dynamic city.