More and more expats are staying in Dubai for the long term and the interest in starting or building a family here is correspondingly high. To do this, you need a partner for life. But is it even possible to find one in Dubai and what is the best way to go about it?
This article is about dating in Dubai, all the answers to the above questions and clarification of various myths.
Are there only gold diggers in Dubai?
Gold Digger means gold digger and refers to people, mainly women, who are only out to find a rich man and secure themselves financially. As there are many rich men in Dubai, this prejudice is very persistent.
But there is actually some truth to this. Dubai is very expensive and if you (as a woman) want to start a family, you need a man who can provide for the family. School, health insurance, housing etc. all have to be paid for privately and there are no subsidies such as child benefit or similar for expats here.
Accordingly, many women are not motivated by money, but see it as a basic requirement that a man is financially secure and earns very well.
Of course there are women here whose demands go beyond the basics and want to live in pure luxury or demand it. However, this does not apply to everyone.
What is the dating market like in Dubai?
In this respect, Dubai is probably unique. Hardly any other city offers as much diversity as Dubai. Statistically speaking, 80% of the city is made up of exapts. Accordingly, the choice and variety is huge. You can meet and date people from a wide variety of countries, cultures, religions and income levels in one city.
You should be aware of this when looking for the right woman or the right man. There's a lot to choose from, so you shouldn't just blindly go after different people. But more on that later.
Tips
Here are a few practical tips on dating and finding a partner in Dubai. These are based on years of experience as an expat living in Dubai.
Know your "target group"
The first point sounds a little unromantic and is familiar to many from marketing, but it applies very well here: know your target group. As described above, there are many different women in Dubai. Accordingly, you should be clear about what you are looking for.
Because only when you have a clear goal can you take further steps and focus your search accordingly. At the same time, you can exclude a lot of women by selecting the target group, which saves time and money for both sides.
For example, it makes little sense to date a woman from India if you can't relate to her religion and culture.
Avoid dating apps
Dating apps are not only largely banned, they are also usually a waste of time. By using a VPN, you can of course use various services such as Tinder, Bumble & Co. but it is often a waste of time. In general, you can find over 50% escorts on these apps and on the other hand, it is very time-consuming to actually find a real date.
Be authentic
A piece of advice that makes sense in many areas of life and also applies very well here. Authenticity is the key to success in the long term. Anyone who pretends to have a lot of money and rents various cars or wears fake watches will not only attract the right women, but will also quickly lose them if they see through the game. The same applies to women.
Use your existing environment
If you have already been in Dubai for several weeks or months, then you will probably already have an existing social environment. You should also "use" this and look around or introduce yourself to your extended circle of friends. For example, you should accept invitations to parties, meetings or events, as there is always the chance to meet new people.
Avoid high-end locations
Certain places in Dubai attract certain people in Dubai, that should be clear. If you want to have fun, you can definitely visit the Penthouse at Five Palm, the rooftop bar at Amazonico or Nikki Beach Club. However, these are also the places where most of the escorts are "stationed".
That means you probably won't find the woman for life here.
Sport connects
Probably the best dating advice is sport. The saying "Sport unites" sums it up very well. After all, if you are sporty and take care of your body, you will have many positive character traits such as discipline, stamina and, ideally, team spirit.
In addition, you already have the first common interest, the sport itself. It's also very easy to meet new potential partners in sports clubs. Personal recommendations are:
- Tennis
- Padel
- Golf
Even if you are an absolute beginner, you can join a club and get to know the sport. Of course, this only applies if you are really interested in the sport. If you only go to golf clubs to find rich partners, you won't find any appeal.
Summary
Dating in Dubai can definitely work, and not just for short-term adventures. If you understand the city and the dating market, take a targeted approach and have a clear strategy, you can definitely find the right person for life. The existing social environment, sports clubs and associations that you join are the most suitable.
