Finding Your Community: Expat and Student Groups in Dubai

Dubai is home to people from over 200 nationalities. Middlesex University Dubai alone has students that represent over 120 different nationalities! Moving to a new country, particularly if you don’t know anyone else in your new country, can be intimidating but with some time and energy, there is a community for everyone here in Dubai! You’ll easily find social and professional groups tailored to your background and interests, or who speak your language. In fact, there are so many opportunities right here on campus at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai!

So, what are you waiting for? Do your research before you travel, and you could land already part of a community that relates to you.  

University Student Communities

These organised groups and networks are where students connect around shared interests, backgrounds, or goals. Our communities enrich campus life by offering social support, professional development, and a sense of belonging. Student life at MDX Dubai  is vibrant, inclusive, and has a huge number of student-led societies and clubs. Here’s an overview of the main types of student communities you’ll typically find:

MDX Gym

Boost your fitness at the MDX Dubai Gym with free personal training available to all MDX students. Our expert trainers offer personalised workout plans and nutrition guidance to help you achieve your fitness goals. Once you begin to go to the gym regularly, it can be easy to meet like-minded people who might want to work out with you, or may know of other gyms or clubs in the city that you could join, too!

Student Council 

The Student Council is all about enhancing the MDX Dubai experience through strong representation, creative initiatives, and making sure every student’s voice is heard. Our diverse team provides exciting leadership opportunities to shape an inclusive campus life, with key objectives focusing on fostering community connections, improving the student experience, supporting student welfare and promoting engagement through events and activities. If you feel like you’re a future leader, this could be a great way for you to be part of a community of proactive students, with frequent meet-ups and strategy sessions (while boosting your CV at the same time!).

Social Clubs

Middlesex University Dubai  is proud to offer a fantastic selection of social clubs, from book club, to culinary club, to STEM and chess club. Whatever your interests, you will be sure to find something that works for you! You can also look at starting new clubs to add to our extensive list! Joining a social club is one of the best ways to make friends, as you already know you have something in common! Being part of these groups allows you to go on days out, participate in regular meetings, and get involved in university activities like Week of Welcome, where you’ll meet even more people you might like!

Sports

Team Middlesex is represented at a range of different competitions, both sporting and non-sporting events as well as inter-university and open tournaments. Try-outs for competitive teams will take place shortly after Week of Welcome, and if selected, students will be able to join the official University teams to compete in inter-university tournaments and other events, however everyone else is still welcome to join the training sessions for all sports and clubs. 
Sports have historically been a great catalyst for lasting friendships and our sports community is full of thriving athletes and enthusiastic beginners coming together to enjoy their sport. If you’re sporty, you can definitely find a community you love amongst the sports teams! 
Find Your Community Outside University:

Cultural & Religious Centres

Many people find a community through religion. Mosques, churches, temples, and cultural centres, such as the Jumeirah Mosque, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Hindu Temple in Bur Dubai are abundant in Dubai. With so many different cultures and religions being represented here, you will be able to find a group that resonates with you and welcomes you with open arms.

Hobby-Based Communities

If you have a particular hobby you enjoy, this could be an ideal way to find a community to join! For example, cycling is a huge activity in Dubai, and groups meet in Al Qudra to take cycles around the famous lake area. Artists and painters will find classes and galleries in places such as Al Serkal Avenue, where they will meet other artists. Writers can consider writers’ groups where you come together to critique and advise on each other’s work. The options are unlimited!

Professional Networks

To get connected with groups that have a professional focus, search LinkedIn groups based in Dubai. The Chambers of commerce (e.g., American, British, Indian business councils) can be highly beneficial for entrepreneurs, professionals, and even students entering the business world. Lastly, consider tech, business, and startup events, see Eventbrite or Hub71.

Online Platforms

Some students find it easy to meet people via online apps and websites. Popular expat platforms we recommend you join are as follows:

Internations Dubai

An online platform and real-world community that helps expatriates connect, socialise, and settle into new countries. In Dubai, it's especially useful for newcomers looking for friends, events, networking, and advice. There are a host of weekly events such as rooftop socials, beach hangouts, and cultural tours. You can join specific groups based on your hobbies, for example hiking, language exchange, photography, dining out, fitness, or career growth. There are also opportunities for professional networking along with guides and forums giving you access to expat-specific advice on residency, housing, banking, and more.

Meetup.com (Dubai section)

If you're looking to connect with people and explore your interests in Dubai, Meetup.com is a fantastic platform to consider. It hosts a wide array of groups and events tailored to various hobbies, professions, and social activities.

Meetup offers a diverse range of groups in Dubai, catering to different interests. You will have professional networking opportunities with groups like Founders Network UAE and Dubai Business Networking organise events such as investor chats and business networking sessions. There is also the opportunity to join groups like Dubai Wine Club or Dubai Mingling Club for social gatherings and cultural events.  For those interested in outdoor activities, groups like UAE Campers Paradise! and Adventure Partners offer camping trips and adventure outings. There is even a section focused on hobbies and interests such as board games, book clubs, or language exchange.

Facebook Groups

Excellent connection groups to join include, “Expats in Dubai” “Dubai Social Events” “[Your Nationality] in Dubai” (e.g., “Filipinos in Dubai”, “British Expats in Dubai”). Simply review pages when you land on them and join those you think suit you and your interests best.

So, whether you're into robotics, poetry, fitness, or just good food and great conversations, Dubai is your playground, and our campus is your launchpad. With over 200 nationalities in the city and endless student communities at your fingertips, you’re never alone here. If you try joining 2-3 Facebook or WhatsApp groups right away, and go to a few casual meetups or coffee socials, you can make the most of everything on offer in Dubai and at MDX Dubai, don’t be afraid to go solo- expat groups are full of people looking to connect and it will make your student experience much more enjoyable!