Networking Tips for London Expats in Dubai
The focus of this paper is to explain and discuss the experience of relocation from London to Dubai from the perspective of an expatriate with respect to social and career reentry. The following are some helpful ideas that the London expatriates should consider to help them get started in the process of networking and integration in Dubai.
1. Join Professional Associations and Business Councils
British Business Group (BBG) Dubai and Northern Emirates:
The BBG is one of the most effective organizations that helps British businessmen and companies in Dubai. It provides a service of networking, business meetings, and social functions. Membership gives one an opportunity to be associated with other business people, improve on their career, and a chance to listen and share ideas.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and industry holds business forums, seminars, and business workshops and meetings. Such events are great for business people to engage themselves with local and global business people, grasp market conditions and build contacts.
2. Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms
One can also find many professional groups that are specifically related to the Dubai market on LinkedIn, so join them in order to be in contact with other professionals, discuss recent trends and find out about Facilitates in developing a professional contact list and job hunt, and also to exchange ideas and information relevant to the field.
Facebook Groups
Join British Expats in Dubai and other groups in order to share stories, seek information and plan meetings. Serves as a social networking site, community and a cultural resource.
3. Attend Networking Events and Conferences
InterNations Events
InterNations is a website which unites expatriates and offers them business and social events and activities to attend. Aids in friend making and getting a support system and also aids in locating the expat community.
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Events:
DWTC is home to many international conferences, trade shows and exhibitions that are great places to build connections. It allows for meeting with the representatives of the industry, finding out about the tendencies in the field, and searching for the business contacts.
4. Engage in Cultural and Social Clubs
British Embassy and Consulate Events:
It provides cultural events such as business forum and cocktail party to its nationals in the British Embassy and Consulate in Dubai. These events help the expats continue with their culture and also get other people of Britain origin.
Sports Clubs:
Participate in extracurricular activities for example rugby, soccer or cricket. Expats can find a lot of sports teams to join, and being the member of the team is the best way to get acquainted with people. Is good to health, cooperation and communication with people.
5. Leverage Educational Institutions
International Schools:
If you have children you can easily get involved in schools or become members of parents’ associations to meet other expatriates. Aims at helping in the establishment of support network and improves on the camaraderie amongst the expatriate families.
Higher Education Institutions:
Attend the conferences, presentations and business meetings conducted in the universities and colleges in Dubai. It is also a possibility to improve one’s position at the workplace and to communicate with representatives of academic and practical spheres.
6. Volunteer and Participate in Community Services
Charity Organizations:
It is wise to support local charities and volunteering services in an attempt to give back to the community. Dubai Cares for instance has several programs that enable people to be part of the society. It help in one way in giving back to the society and also get to interact with other like minded people and be able to make friends.
Community Centers:
Participate in such activities and programs which are offered in the community centers. Takes you into the community, assists with forming relations and gives one a feeling of being accepted.
Expats need to work on their network in order to easily fit in the new society and even get better job opportunities. By becoming members of professional organisations, using social media, attending events and social and cultural and events, engaging the educational institutions and volunteering, the London expatriates can easily create a strong network in Dubai.