Stay connected: 7 Facebook groups to know in Abu Dhabi

Through Facebook groups, many people can find useful resources for every day life - whether they've just moved here or are lifelong residents

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - July 19th, 2017: Dr Manal Al Mansoori at the Fish Market, Deira. The story is about how an effective TNR programme to deal with stray cats can have a positive effect on tourism and business. Wednesday, July 19th, 2017, Deira in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak for The National
Powered by automated translation

For expats and even UAE residents, social media is a good way to stay connected, not only to their friends and family, but within a community as well. Through Facebook groups, people can find useful resources for everyday life - whether they've just moved here or are lifelong residents. Here's a round-up of seven Facebook groups to know in Abu Dhabi.

This is one of the busiest Facebook groups with 42,000 members, and growing. The group allows for people to ask questions (anonymously or not) while other members give their insights and answers. Whether it's knowing where to renew a car registration or what time the opening hours of a store are, there's always someone who seems to have the answer.

READ MORE: Fifteen things to know if you've just moved to Abu Dhabi

Are you a foodie who wants to know where to get the best karak chai or know of a restaurant that has spectacular service that everyone should know about? Best Bites Abu Dhabi might be the group for you. With over 18,000 members, the group’s common goal is aimed at sharing the best foodie experience in the Emirates.

___________________

READ MORE: 

New restaurants, deals and menus: your guide to summer dining in the UAE 

Vegetarian options in Abu Dhabi have improved, but vegans still forage

___________________

Looking for a new furry friend to add to the family or unsure where to bring your sick kitty? The Bin Kitty Collective is one of the largest volunteer-run animal-welfare groups with close to 25,000 members. The primary aim is to assist stray cats but the group also offers advice to pet owners as well as other cat-related topics. Members can share their thoughts on which is the healthiest food to give their feline pets as well as post any news about upcoming pet-adoption days.

This is one of the largest sale markets on Facebook with more than 57,000 members. It’s great for those moving to the country who want second-hand items or those looking to leave and want to sell their stuff.

READ MORE: Sell, dispose or donate: A guide to getting rid of stuff in the UAE

For those who want to go with a more altruistic approach, this is the group for you. With 36,000 members, it won’t be hard to find someone to give your things to. Just post whatever item you want to part with and, in no time, you’ll be flooded with messages from people looking to take it off your hands.

Summers in Abu Dhabi can be harsh. This group aims to make it a little less so. With just over 1,000 members, it is aimed at helping parents figure out what to do with the kids once school is out. For those who choose to brave it out and stick around, this group offers tips and suggestions as well as post upcoming events for kids to head to during the summer.

The UAE has come a long way since the 1980s and 1990s. For those who want to remember the old days in the capital or those who are curious about what it was like, this is the group that will help channel that nostalgia. The 22,000 or so members are encouraged to share their old photos or videos of a very different UAE than the one we know today.