Are people friendly in Dubai?

[dubaiguy]

How friendly are the people in Dubai? Is it easy to make friends? Have you met any since you moved to Dubai?

[burnt berry]

Good question,
I am hoping someone proves me wrong! Been in this town for abit and dont even know my neighbours! Eachtime when we run into eachother after a decent "hello" they are in a hurry to run off......am i scary or what?
The longest conversation i ever had with a fellow neighbour was unpleasant cos he tried to be smart on my designated parking slot; I kinda think that got me a scary tag in building.
By the way the 2 friends i made in Dubai were at the desert/dune safari (unfortunately not resident here).
I was kinda giving up until i found a church and then this forum.
i guess i have blabbed enough!!!!

[mayotom]

Originally Posted by dubaiguy

How friendly are the people in Dubai? Is it easy to make friends? Have you met any since you moved to Dubai?

We all bite.............




its no different than anywhere else, if you make an effort to get out and meet people then you will make friends,
if you sit at home been a recluse and avoid people then you'll be lonely

Dubai offers everything possible, things for all tastes and cultures, where you will meet people, join clubs etc

there are tons of people in the same situation as you, and pretty much everybody was new here at some stage in time

[burnt berry]

I get your point but it's quite difficult as a female cos you dont want to send wrong messages........
Would join a club or something then.

[dubainess]

I got here at the beginning of March, and my general impression is that most expats (Indians, Pakistanis, Philipinos, westerners) are naturally friendly. The locals, however, are not. I feel as if they don't want to be bothered and will remain arrogant and rude - just look at their driving as well as their need to talk on their cellphones during movies.

Hopefully someone can disagree with me and prove me wrong... but sadly this is my impression at the moment.

[klaus3974]

Originally Posted by dubainess

I got here at the beginning of March, and my general impression is that most expats (Indians, Pakistanis, Philipinos, westerners) are naturally friendly. The locals, however, are not. I feel as if they don't want to be bothered and will remain arrogant and rude - just look at their driving as well as their need to talk on their cellphones during movies.

Hopefully someone can disagree with me and prove me wrong... but sadly this is my impression at the moment.

I work mostly with locals and arabs and I was quite surprised by their friendliness. I do have to agree that their driving and the talking in the movies drive me nuts.

[burnt berry]

Maybe we should start by meeting your colleagues! I havent had close interractions with arabs or other nationalities as my job (with just few colleagues: 4) keeps me indoors and after that i head back home.
Usually feel out of place going out alone except when i go shopping. I guess 'with time' they say, i'd be singing a new song.
T'ma

[Suey]

that is so true!! talking on their cell phones during movies, that just does my head in!!
As regards, rudenes, trust me my job requires me dealing with many of them and the highly educated ones at that, they can be rude sometimes!!

However, i want to differ and agree with u guys 50-50, we just cant stereotype them all, I have met some who are quietly friendly.
I guess it also comes down to the number of foreigners in their country, i guess it is only natural for any nationals in a country to react that way if a biggest percentage of the population in their own countries is made up of foreigners......

[mayotom]

Originally Posted by burnt berry

I get your point but it's quite difficult as a female cos you dont want to send wrong messages........
Would join a club or something then.

yes. for example I enjoy kayaking and have joined the local club and meet a lot of great people there, there are both men and women involved..

same can be said about many other clubs and societies,

What do you like to do in your spare time? how have you met people in the past?

[Taz Mulan]

Originally Posted by burnt berry

Good question,
I am hoping someone proves me wrong! Been in this town for abit and dont even know my neighbours! Eachtime when we run into eachother after a decent "hello" they are in a hurry to run off......am i scary or what?
The longest conversation i ever had with a fellow neighbour was unpleasant cos he tried to be smart on my designated parking slot; I kinda think that got me a scary tag in building.
By the way the 2 friends i made in Dubai were at the desert/dune safari (unfortunately not resident here).
I was kinda giving up until i found a church and then this forum.
i guess i have blabbed enough!!!!

I live in Greens and no one talks to me. LOL