The saying “there’s something for everyone” is banned in the ShortList office (no really, it is), but never has a phrase been more appropriate than when discussing networking events. There are meetups for salesmen, restaurant owners, beauty experts and even those who just want to get together and be positive.
With that in mind, we’ve put together our pick of some of the most interesting meet-ups in Dubai.
Media Mingle
Doing nothing to buck the stereotype, Dubai’s Media Mingle is a weekly meetup… in a bar. The social event, run by The Media Network, offers media professionals complementary drinks between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, plus 25 percent off food.
Meets: Weekly
Details: Monday evenings, China Grill, The Westin
Startup Grind
This event for entrepreneurs is ‘powered by Google’, with chapters all over the world. The Dubai contingent is 1,500 strong, where local innovators get together to inspire, help and learn with each other. As well as local mixers there’s an annual conference.
Meets: Monthly
Details: Check the website for a full schedule.
Business in Heels
This touts itself as a global community for professional women who are bored of the standard networking format. The focus is fun rather than formal, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded career women to share tips or simply make new friends. Members receive special discounts and can join the online message boards for advice.
Details: Check the website for upcoming events
Hoteliers Industry Night
Who said networking meetups were all about learning? This industry night at Zinc nightclub has shunned speakers in favour of a DJ churning out commercial house classics. Best of all there’s 50 percent off all drinks when you show a valid hotel employee card.
Meets: Weekly
Details: Saturday from 10pm until 3am, Zinc Nightclub.
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Fit for Business
As a networking community for sports professionals, Fit for Business is more of a club than a meetup. As well as industry leaders, members include sportsmen making the transition into business. The group’s talks, events and workshops have proved hugely popular, and they even won an Arabian Business Start Up award last year.
Details: See website for membership details.
Website
Dubai Beauty Business Group
Whether you’re a freelance therapist or own your own salon, this group has plenty of members who can offer support and advice. There’s a Facebook page where you can connect with each other, as well as regular meetups so you can network offline.
Meets: Monthly
Details: Sign up to be notified about the next event.
Dubai Restaurant Industry Meetup
From food truck ownders to fully-fledged restaurateurs, this event welcomes all foodies. It’s relatively new, with just one event under its belt, but the series promises a range of interesting speakers.
Details: Sign up to be notified about the next event.
Law of Attraction
Though many of the people who attend this networking event are in the business of making people happy (therapists, holistic healers etc.), the group is open to anyone who wants to spread positive vibes. The idea is that like-minded people can get together and learn about the power of the mind, through speakers and mixer events.
Meets: Monthly
Details: Sign up to be notified about the next event.