There are plenty of Facebook groups out there to help newcomers and even long-term residents of the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National
There are plenty of Facebook groups out there to help newcomers and even long-term residents of the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Eight helpful Facebook groups to join if you're new to the UAE



For those who have just moved to the UAE, staying connected with friends and family back home and integrating into a new community is easier than ever, thanks to social media and online platforms.

If you're looking for advice, resources or just social connections, there's a group out there for everyone, whether you're a newcomer or long-term resident. Here are the ones to check out.

Abu Dhabi Q&A (By Freya)

Wondering where to get the best gifts for someone who lives abroad? Or do you have a friend visiting and want recommendations on where to get dinner with a view? Abu Dhabi (Q&A by Freya) has more than 84,000 members who are active when it comes to asking questions (anonymously or not) as well as sharing their insights and experiences. No matter how specific a query, there's always someone who seems to have the answer. There is also a women-only group created by the same founder Freya Jaffar called Freya’s Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Community that follows a similar format.

Dubai Expat Community (by Katie Jones)

At the other end of Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai residents can join this group for similar advice and suggestions. Dubai Expat Community has more than 103,000 members and was created as a place to help connect the many different nationalities in the emirate. Members are also encouraged not only to ask for advice but also to share their experiences living in Dubai.

Dirham Stretcher

If you're looking for the best deals in the UAE – whether it's clothing, furniture, health and beauty or children's toys – this is the group for you. Dirham Stretcher currently has more than 100,000 members who share sales they come across or hacks they know that could help save a few dirhams. It’s also a good space to ask questions about where to get the best deals. The founders have also expanded to renting a warehouse in Al Quoz where they sometimes use a community space to host regular warehouse sales.

The Real Mums of Dubai

A social platform for women in Dubai, and the UAE at large, the group has more than 29,000 members. It was created by former teacher Megan Al Mazrooqi. Whether you are a mum, currently pregnant or trying for a baby, this ladies-only group has something for you. It seeks to provide support and information on all things motherhood, as well as offer a platform to laugh (and vent) about the challenges that come with being a mother – from fussy eaters to absent-minded partners.

Dogs in Dubai

If you want to know where to take your dog for a walk or which groomer does the best job, this group is must-join for both new and experienced owners. It has more than 36,000 members who post about animals in need, as well as exchange information about how to best care for canines. The group is a strong resource for helping stray dogs and also caters to those simply looking for tips on how to best pamper their pooch.

Dubai Cats

Are you looking for a feline friend to add to the family, or unsure where to take your sick kitty? Dubai Cats has 39,000 members. The primary aim is to assist stray cats in need, but the group also offers advice to pet owners on all topics cat-related. Members can share their thoughts on which is the healthiest food to give their felines or post about things such as pet adoption days.

Best Bites Abu Dhabi / Dubai

Do you want to know where to get the best karak chai, truffle pizza or authentic fish ‘n chips? Or do you know of a restaurant that has spectacular service or value for money that everyone should visit at least once? Depending on which emirate you live (and eat) in, Best Bites is the group for you. The Abu Dhabi chapter, with more than 56,000 members, is particularly active and members are dedicated to sharing their best (and worst) foodie experiences.

Style ME Interiors Dubai

Inspiration can be hard to come by but this group is aiming to change that. The 18,600 members share tips and inspiration on how to liven up the home interior. From remodelling to designing to asking questions about where to find a certain type of marble, the group is great for helping those looking for a change.

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
MAIN CARD

Bantamweight 56.4kg
Abrorbek Madiminbekov v Mehdi El Jamari

Super heavyweight 94 kg
Adnan Mohammad v Mohammed Ajaraam

Lightweight 60kg
Zakaria Eljamari v Faridoon Alik Zai

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Mahmood Amin v Taha Marrouni

Light welterweight 64.5kg
Siyovush Gulmamadov v Nouredine Samir

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Ilyass Habibali v Haroun Baka

Star%20Wars%3A%20Episode%20I%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Phantom%20Menace
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Big%20Ape%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20LucasArts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20PlayStation%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

U19 WORLD CUP, WEST INDIES

UAE group fixtures (all in St Kitts)

  • Saturday 15 January: UAE beat Canada by 49 runs 
  • Thursday 20 January: v England 
  • Saturday 22 January: v Bangladesh 

UAE squad:

Alishan Sharafu (captain), Shival Bawa, Jash Giyanani, Sailles
Jaishankar, Nilansh Keswani, Aayan Khan, Punya Mehra, Ali Naseer, Ronak Panoly,
Dhruv Parashar, Vinayak Raghavan, Soorya Sathish, Aryansh Sharma, Adithya
Shetty, Kai Smith  

Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
SQUADS

India
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur

New Zealand
Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, George Worker, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

The stats

Ship name: MSC Bellissima

Ship class: Meraviglia Class

Delivery date: February 27, 2019

Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

Passenger capacity: 5,686

Crew members: 1,536

Number of cabins: 2,217

Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

MO
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Updated: August 24, 2024, 12:16 PM