Older, school age children will bring home names of other children they like and don’t like. ” If you think so, go right ahead, but it’s not my scene. The bar scene in Dubai may be a great way to meet casual contacts, but few meet soul mates or good friends that way.

If it’s practical (and don’t underestimate how far some children travel to attend certain schools), after-school invitations home are points of contact with the parents. I’m thinking more about groups, primarily of expats, where a common interest in some aspect of UAE life, or an interest with a UAE focus brings a diverse group of people together.

If you are considering moving to the United Arab Emirates or are soon to depart, you can find helpful information and advice in the Expat Briefing dedicated the United Arab Emirates section including; details of immigration and visas, Emirati forums, Emirati event listings and service providers in the United Arab Emirates.From your safety to shopping, living in the United Arab Emirates can yield great benefits as well as occasional drawbacks.Find your feet and stay abreast of the latest developments affecting expats in the United Arab Emirates with relevant news and up-to-date information.…Or maybe you don’t want the high-roller lifestyle, but something more “normal,” even though you’re thousands of miles or kilometres away from wherever home is.How, as an expatriate, do you forge a new network of friends and acquaintances to provide the social contacts you need to perform your work in an effective and productive way? Whatever is bugging that person, it’s not your concern. Accept whatever kindnesses and invitations are on offer, because in the coming weeks and months, you will pass through the various stages of that disconcerting feeing of alienation known as culture shock (in the case of Dubai and the UAE, you can prepare yourself in advance by reading this.) Workmates and colleagues can be very helpful in passing on all those vital tips to settling into your new home: practical stuff like “do this, but don’t do that,” “it says you need this but actually, you don’t,” and the like.