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Take a Bite Out of These Cooking Tips and Find Friends in Dubai

As the cooler nights start to roll in and we opt to spend more hours outdoors here in Dubai, we also have more time on our hands to explore different hobbies and skills. 

Fancy baking a delicious treat or cooking up your most-loved dish? Cooking is an amazing social activity whether you’re hosting or it’s a joint effort all round. Check out these tips for advancing your cooking skills and becoming the chef you’ve always wanted to be…

My compliments to the chef

One of the best ways to explore new flavours and dishes is to get inspiration from your favorite restaurants. So why not get out and experience a taste of something new at one of these events in Dubai …

  • Close your eyes and let your other senses get to work. Dinner in the Dark at Fresh Basil, Bab Al Qasr, is an immersive experience where you eat in a pitch-black room. Chat with fellow diners and guess the flavours, until the end when ​​the lights get turned on and the dishes are finally revealed.  
  • Located on Bluewaters Island, The Pods give you stunning views of Dubai Marina. The Pan Asian menu includes Chinese and Japanese dishes, from dim sum to sushi – make sure to try the beef rendang curry, it’s soft, spicy and sweet.
  • If you believe that there is always room for dessert, then you will love BRIX. The restaurant creates a unique dessert experience, as it has the UAE’s only dessert-tasting menus. The wide-ranging menu includes milk cake, tiramisu, carrot cake and cheesecake.

These immersive experiences are definitely on our list of must-try ​​things to do in Dubai at night. Meet people in Dubai to share incredible dining nights with under the ASKWHO restaurants tag.

Practise makes perfect

The best way to advance a skill is by practising. Why not host your own dinner party this festive season? Showcase the food you make best while setting yourself a challenge to cook a fresh dish specially for the night. Let’s look at some dinner party theme inspiration… 

Family heritage: Have a fun night exploring your guest’s family heritage, when you invite everyone to ​​make a treasured family recipe.

Pizza for everyone: Making pizza is fun, but making pizza with friends is even better. Set up the ultimate toppings bar for your guest to customise their own. 

Decades party: Throw it back to a decade of choice and indulge in the best dishes from that era. Elevate your event by adding a dress from the decade costume element. 

Enjoy the best of fun things to do in Dubai by finding friends you can invite to any event. Reach out to fellow food lovers on our ASKWHO foodies group. 

Bon Appetite

Developing any type of skill or hobby can be incredibly rewarding and help you find a new passion. Now that we have looked at a couple of ways to boost those chef skills, we want to share with you the best cooking combo of all …

… that is sharing your journey with those who are currently doing the same and loving it.

Get cooking tips and share your top tricks with the ASKWHO foodies group. Chop it like it’s hot this November and join ASKWHO.

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Celebrating Thanksgiving in Dubai with Friends

Things are getting festive as we’re quickly approaching the holiday season. We’re here to share with you some of the best Thanksgiving events in Dubai and ways to celebrate while you’re away from home. 

Dining out right this holiday 

Exploring different cultures and traditions is a great way to indulge yourself in the rich history of a new location. As we know Thanksgiving is all about the food, but so why not try something new this year with some fantastic local cuisine straight from Dubai’s best heritage restaurants? Here are our top restaurant recommendations this November…

  • Enjoy views of the Dubai Fountain on Burj Khalifa Lake while dining and immersing yourself in authentic Emirati cuisine at Siraj Restaurant.
  • Experience Emirati cuisine in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district, Arabian Tea House offers a peaceful escape from hectic city life with its skylight-roofed dining area.
  • Al Fanar Restaurant is the place to find traditional Emirati dishes in a setting designed to immerse you into a time when Dubai was just a small desert village.

Amazing food is better enjoyed with friends. Meet people in Dubai to share incredible dining experiences on the ASKWHO foodies group.

A dinner party for all

You may have heard of bringing your own dish night, but have you heard of Bring Your Own Board night? Get everyone involved and create an evening to remember when your guests make their own board to bring along to your Thanksgiving party. Let’s look at some inspiration for your BYOB night… 

Turkey board: You can’t have Thanksgiving without some turkey. Create your own meat selection board full of your favourites to share at the table. 

Classic charcuterie board:  Mix various kinds of cheese, olives and nuts, fruit and crackers, or small slices of bread to make a colourful board your guests will love. 

Roast veggies board: Combine your top roast vegetable picks for a platter board that everyone can enjoy this holiday season. 

Let your guest’s imaginations run wild with more choices such as an All-American board, a dessert board, or even a cocktail board. Find finds in Dubai to invite to any event you throw over on our ASKWHO lifestyle group. 

Celebrating with friends and family

As Thanksgiving is all about coming together, we appreciate that all you really want is to celebrate with the ones you love this holiday season. Take the time to video call your family back at home to share what your thanksgiving looks like, or spend the day with people you care about here in Dubai.

Whatever you get up to this holiday season, we hope it’s a good one.🦃

Making friends in Dubai is made simple when you join a group filled with like-minded people near you. Stay social this November by downloading ASKWHO.

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Get Social at a Halloween Event and Meet People in Dubai

We’re confident that you will find your crowd and meet like-minded people by getting social at a Halloween event near you. Here are a few of the best things to do in Dubai at night this Halloween….

  • Immerse yourself in the theme with Halloween-esque beverages and dishes at The Croft as they bring out their most ghostly and spooky décor. 
  • Gather the kids and head down to Weslodge Saloon in City Walk for a ton of Halloween-themed activities. Get the chance to win a prize that the whole family will love.
  • We are hosting a Halloween Costume Brunch at the Claw BBQ ,JBR. Find out more!

Experiencing the thrills of Dubai has never been easier with ASKWHO, find a wide range of events that you don’t want to miss this October.

Events in Dubai this Halloween: How to make it a night to remember

What’s not to love about the Halloween season? Whether you’re a scary movie fanatic, a complete thrill seeker or you’re looking to plan the ultimate end-of-October dinner party – we’re here to give you the best ways to celebrate Halloween in Dubai. 

We want to share with you some of the best events and activities that you can get involved with this year, let’s take a look at some of our favourites… 

It’s time for a horror film night 

Between the classics and new releases, everyone has that one scary movie that they can’t forget. Here is our top selection of the most frightful horror films from the past 5 decades:

  • Nope – Jordan Peele (2022) 
  • Hereditary – Ari Aster (2018) 
  • 28 Days Later – Danny Boyle (2002)
  • The Silence of the Lambs – Jonathan Demme (1991)
  • The Shining – Stanley Kubrick (1980)

Find friends in Dubai who are fellow cinema fanatics and connect over the best of film on the ASKWHO film TV/Movies interest tag.

A dinner party to remember 

Do you want to put on an evening your guests won’t forget?

Here are some stand-out dark dishes that will impress all-

Squid Ink Pasta: Dark and ever-so-slightly creepy, with a grown-up saline edge of bitterness

Get the recipe: Seafood Squid Ink Pasta with Goji Pangritata

Roasted Black Radish & Grape Quinoa: Brooklyn Supper is making it simple with this roasted combination. It’s perfect to complement any Halloween meal!

Get the recipe: Roasted Black Radish and Grape Quinoa 

Black Licorice Ice Cream: This simple dessert by Matt O’Connor of The Icecreamists is easy to make in advance and is the spookiest of them all!

Get the recipe: Black Ice Licorice Ice Cream 

Want to invite more people? You can share activities to do in Dubai with fellow foodies by joining ASKWHO food group now.

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The Best Places to Go in Dubai with Friends This World Food Day

Here in Dubai, we’re lucky to have access to some beautiful, nutritious food. To help you (and your friends) make the most of it, we’ve rounded up some of the city’s top eateries that you need to check out. Planning to go solo? Exploring your city through food is a great way to meet people in Dubai. So, how will you celebrate World Food Day?

1762

This gourmet deli has you covered for every meal, but all-day breakfast options are really where it’s at – the zaatar Turkish eggs and saffron shakshuka are our picks. 

The team there works hard to push for organic and free-range ingredients in their recipes. Plus, paleo, wheat-free and vegan options are available, so anyone with dietary restrictions doesn’t have to miss out. 

Stay for a quick meal or chill out for a few hours, and don’t forget to share your pictures with the brunch tag afterwards. 

RAW

The RAW Coffee Company prioritise keeping their business ethical. They work closely with their farmers to ensure they’re treated fairly, and the result is a range of coffee which not only tastes great but does a bit of good for the planet. 

If you want to find friends in Dubai to go along with, the ASKWHO coffee club frequents RAW. Explore the tag in the app and see who’s up for grabbing a cup.

Aseelah

As far as cultural things to do in Dubai go, authentic Emirati food is a pretty tasty option. Combining traditional dishes with an upscale vibe, Aseelah has something for everyone. 

Get some inspiration from the culture tag in the app to plan an enriching day out. Then, stop by for the dinner buffet and sample some impressive eats from the Middle East and beyond.

Lowe

Award-winning Lowe is about as sustainable as it gets. Fire-cooked food made with a nose-to-tail ethos, in a gorgeously decorated restaurant? Check, check, and check. 

If you’re big on being eco-friendly, it’s also the perfect place to meet people in Dubai who are also looking out for the environment. Keep an eye out for their next Waste NOT series, where the entire menu is made from would-be food scraps.

Not to your taste?

Our community is always on the lookout for new recommendations – and food spots are no exception. Whether you know any great hidden restaurants or have some must-attend foodie events in Dubai to share, we’d love to know. 

Head over to the foodie group in the ASKWHO app and tell us all about them. You’ll find lots of super advice there from other users, too.

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Building Self-Esteem; How to Find Friends in Dubai and Feel More Confident

Guy Desert

Self-confidence – who wouldn’t like to have more of it? It can make you more resilient, improve your decision-making skills, and it means you play the social comparison game far less. But confidence is something everyone struggles with from time to time. The ‘fake it till you make it’ approach can only take you so far, so we’ve got some pointers to help you genuinely build up your self-esteem in the long run. 

Get active

Physique aside, regular exercise means more endorphins – the hormones responsible for mood-boosting. A better mood can help maintain a happier outlook on life, so you can avoid getting sucked into a cycle of negative thinking far more easily. You also get a real sense of accomplishment when you stick to a workout routine, whether that ‘workout’ comes in the form of gym sessions, hikes, pilates or something entirely different. 

Joining the ASKWHO fitness group allows you to connect with other active community members. They could offer class recommendations, or even become your future training partners. There are often classes posted there too, which our users will tell you are some of the best group activities in Dubai. 

Get uncomfortable

Attempting something outside of your comfort zone might be intimidating, but that’s exactly why it’s such a confidence boost when you do it. You feel like you can take on anything afterwards. There are loads of cool things to do in Dubai, just check out the posts from the ASKWHO community for yourself.

Your comfort zone is entirely personal, so pushing yourself will look different for everyone. Extreme sports may not be your cup of tea, but trying out a new restaurant might be the perfect way to challenge yourself. So, why not check out an interest tag you haven’t tried before on ASKWHO?

Get social

Expanding your social circle is one of the best things you can do to fortify your self-confidence. Being brave enough to make the first step and talk to someone new is often really fulfilling. But making new friends can be easier said than done. With ASKWHO on hand, you can meet people in Dubai from all walks of life. Our meetup group has transformed into one handy tab, so you can now find events in Dubai and make new connections in person (at long last). From blockchain to horseriding to board games, it won’t take long for you to find your new crew.

Get real

It’s important to be realistic when it comes to building your confidence. It’s not going to happen overnight, and it’s probably not going to be a linear journey. You might feel incredibly assured one day, and the complete opposite the next. The great news is, that’s totally normal. Bear that in mind, and make sure you’re being kind to yourself. Positive self-talk goes a long way to keep you feeling confident. Plus, the ASKWHO wellness group is always there to give you some self-care tips when you need them.

Try incorporating some of these ideas into your routine and see how your confidence improves over time. Make sure to download the ASKWHO app and share your journey in our supportive groups.

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Belong’s Best Autumn Events in Dubai; What to do in the City This Season

Autumn events in Dubai

Summer’s drawing to a close in Dubai, and that means three things: back to school, back to work, and goodbye to some of that intense heat. At ASKWHO, we’ve rounded up a collection of the best activities for the autumn months. Let’s take a look…

Visit the farm

Swap the mud and hay for the lush backdrop surrounding The Farm, Al Barari. Their world-flavor inspired menu and gorgeous location offer a unique dining experience away from the cityscape and desert. They also offer takeaways and delivery, for those busy days when you just can’t get away from home. Make sure you share your plate with the foodies group.

Grab your bike

If you’re planning ahead for things to do in Dubai in October, add cycling to your list. The weather will be reaching perfect conditions to enjoy a few hours out. You could head to the off-road track at Mushrif National Park, or some of the red and black trails at Hatta if you’re feeling more adventurous. Don’t want to brave it on your own? See if anyone in the cycling tag wants to take on the challenge. 

Meet people in Dubai

Making friends as an adult is notoriously tricky. Luckily, there are tons of interesting people to connect with here – it’s just a matter of locating them. Our Events tab in the app is the perfect way to find friends in Dubai. We host regular get-togethers for all kinds of activities. Whether you’re into yoga, hiking or brunch, ASKWHO is a great place to reach out and start building up your network.

Gain some cultural insight

As far as indoor activities in Dubai go, exploring the museums around the city is a fantastic way to learn about Dubai’s history and escape some of the lingering warmth. If you’ve got no idea where to begin with cultural spots, join the ASKWHO arts group. They’re sure to have some pointers for where to go. For a more interactive experience, the Museum of Illusions is the ideal place to get a few fun photo ops. They’ve got cool exhibits ranging from transforming holograms to a mind-bending anti-gravity room. It’s definitely enough to keep kids and adults entertained for an afternoon.

Reach out

Whatever you’re interested in, there’s a group to connect with on ASKWHO. If none of our seasonal suggestions quite hit the mark, check out the group pages for events in Dubai that suit you. Download ASKWHO and plan your autumn adventures with the community today.

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Wellness Tips to Improve Your Morning Routine

Mornings can be pretty hectic. Wouldn’t it be nice to start your day doing something that makes you feel great? We’ve got some top wellness tips to help bring a bit more calm to your morning routine. Let’s slow down for a minute…

1 – Fuel Up 

Start off with a delicious, healthy breakfast – it’s the most important meal of the day, after all. The ‘breakfast club’ tag features some mouth-watering inspiration.

Hungry for more? Why not ask the ASKWHO foodie group for some ideas? 

2 – Get Moving

The summer heat might make you a little reluctant to stay active, but even light exercise is super beneficial for your wellbeing. Beat the heat by heading out early in the morning. You could take a stroll along an ASKWHO-recommended route (take a look in the hiking interest tag). A sunrise surf session is another great way to cool off. Ride the waves at Sunset Beach before things get busier later in the day. See if anyone on the ASKWHO outdoors or fitness group is up for joining you. 

To ease into your day, try out some yoga. Exploring the Events page in the ASKWHO app means you can find upcoming classes near you from the community. You might even find people to go to your next session with.  

3 – Do something for you

When was the last time you actually took a bit of time for yourself? There are plenty of small ways to do this every day. You could find a quiet spot outside to read for an hour – it’s always nice to start the day without staring at a screen.

Practicing gratitude is also a simple way to become more mindful of the good things in your life. It can be easy to focus on the negatives, especially if you’re stressed. Taking five minutes in the morning to fill out a gratitude journal can help you refocus.

Meditation is another useful mindfulness habit to get into. Spending even 10 minutes each day reconnecting with your body adds up. In the long term, you’ll gain a better awareness of how you’re doing both mentally and physically, which makes it much easier to spot when you might need some TLC.

4 – Plan your day 

Setting out a plan for your day allows you to be more intentional about what you’re doing, and stops you from getting overwhelmed with to-dos. Choose just a few of your main priorities while enjoying your morning coffee. Your day will seem far more manageable once it’s broken down into smaller, clearer tasks.

The ASKWHO community are always sharing ways to take care of yourself in Dubai. The meet-up group even planned a group yoga session recently – head over to the Event page to see what else is going on.

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How Many Friends Should You Have? The Different Types of Friendship

In the world of social media, the line between ‘friend’ and ‘acquaintance’ has become fairly blurred. It’s easier than ever to connect with new people, and with ASKWHO you can turn them into friends, not just followers. But, when it comes to friends, how many is the ideal number? 

The big three

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘friends for different seasons, friends for different reasons’. It’s true, there are distinct, different types of friendship. Three, in fact, at least according to Aristotle. 

1 – Friendships of utility

Your neighbor who always cat-sits when you’re away? Likely a friendship of utility. This usually exists between people who have some use to each other. It’s a more transactional friendship, limited to the services you provide one another. There might be more of a sense of turn-taking, keeping track of who owes who the next favor. Maybe some of the very first people you met when you arrived in Dubai would fall into this category. 

These necessary bonds might sound a bit lacking, but they often act as the starting point for developing one of the other two kinds. They also make your daily life much easier, particularly when you’re starting out in a new place. The pets tag on ASKWHO is the perfect way to find that cat-sitter for the next time you’re away. 

2 – Friendships of pleasure

Put simply, these are the kinds of friendships between you and the people you like being around. Unlike friendships of utility, you thoroughly enjoy some part of these friends’ personalities, and usually share some similar interests. 

This might translate to them being your go-to activity pals. Finding this type of friend can seem tricky, though. What if you want to try something new but don’t want to go alone? ASKWHO can solve that catch-22. Whether you’re into gaming, brunching, theater or fitness, there’s a group for you just waiting to make new connections. 

3 – Friendships of the good

The longest to build, but the hardest to break. Friendships of the good arise with those you share a mutual respect with. You have the same goals, value the same things, and truly understand each other. A lot of people think these are unattainable unless you’ve been friends for life, but that’s actually not true. Meeting others who share your outlook at any stage in your life could result in this relationship. It’s especially easy when you can join groups who value what you do – that’s why ASKWHO is a great place to find this type of connection. 

There you have it

You’re going to form plenty of different types of friendships throughout your life. There really is no golden number, it’s about what works for you. Some will fit cleanly into each of these three categories, others will be more of a mix. But making friends is never a negative – every new person you meet brings you a step closer to finding those long-lasting bonds. Introduce yourself on ASKWHO today and see which types of friendships you could make.

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Cheer Up the Lonely Day: Fighting Loneliness in Dubai

We can all feel alone from time to time – especially if you’ve just moved to a new country. It’s hard to know where to start with making friends, and keeping in touch with old ones can get tricky too. If you’re keen for some connection, we’ve got some ideas that might help… 

Try something new 

Meeting fresh faces in a new environment might be just what you need to kick loneliness to the curb. On ASKWHO, you can find events and activities near you, and meet others who are up for giving it a go too. Keep it as chilled or extreme as you like. Whatever you want to try out, somebody will be happy to join you.

Pencil it in 

A simple chat with friends can go a long way to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Although we’d all love to just have catch-ups as and when, busy lives mean that’s not always possible. Scheduling one in may feel formal, but it gives you something to look forward to. A set time also means it’s less likely to fall by the wayside.

Start the conversation

Even online, it can be scary to put yourself out there. ASKWHO makes it easier to connect with new people with similar interests to you. Whether you’re searching for fellow art fanatics, techies, or keen sports people, get chatting in groups that match your interests. Why not check out our meet-up group? You’ll find all the information you need to know about upcoming ASKWHO events where you can meet the amazing community. 

Friends don’t have to be human

Some of us are introverts, and the idea of meeting new people doesn’t appeal so much. That’s fine too, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for feeling alone. If you’re able to, adopting a pet means you get constant companionship from a 4-legged friend. They’ll bring a new source of energy to your life, plus plenty of love and cuddles (depending on the animal, of course). 

Pay it back 

Cheer up the Lonely Day on July 11th is all about uplifting those who are struggling. Even if that’s not the case for you, you can still get involved by helping others. Find a volunteer group to lend a hand to, and help support your local community. Plus this is a great way to meet new people. Reach out in the ASKWHO lifestyle group for some recommendations to get you started. 

Share your ideas

The ASKWHO community would love to know if you’ve got any other tips for tackling loneliness. Head to the app and share your thoughts with us. 

Your lonely days are gone. Connect with other locals looking to meet new people in our relaxed, friendly meet-up groups. Download ASKWHO today and get started – maybe we’ll see you at the next one.

Will you be at the next ASKWHO meet-up?
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Where do you get your news? How belong can keep you up-to-date

Thanks to the abundance of screens in our lives, information is available 24/7, wherever you are. Convenient, yes, but what does it mean for how we get our news? According to a survey by Ofcom, 50% of adults say social media is their primary source. Here’s why ASKWHO should be part of your daily newsfeed…

It’s Personal

You don’t have to waste time wading through reels of irrelevant updates anymore. Joining special interest groups and following their tags means your news is always (and only) what’s important to you.  

Whether it’s… 

  • Art
  • Gaming
  • Travel
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fashion
  • Property

…or something else entirely. Whatever you want to know about, we’ve got it covered. 

It’s Authentic

No ulterior motives here, just our inclusive community sharing their insights on the latest with like-minded others. Our users post the things that matter to them, not just what matters to reporters. You don’t need to head to multiple different places to cover all your interests either, so it saves you a job too. 

Sunset Beach surfers can head out safely as soon as the weather allows – member Jacques lets them know when conditions are prime. 

It’s Current

Forget waiting a month for your round-up; with ASKWHO you can catch up with what’s happening in your groups on a daily basis. Leo went from sharing their involvement in an automotive project to inviting the Knowledge group to test out their newly-acquired robotic arm this week. 

It’s Social

Having a personalized news source to keep you in the know is great. Having friendly faces to share it with, is even better. We can all learn from each other, and joining an ASKWHO group means you get a supportive space to voice your thoughts on whatever’s going on in the world.  

Our Meet Up group is always being updated with events around Dubai, from Ladies’ Nights to pool parties to buffet breakfasts. And when you find a cool new event, you’ve already got people on hand to go with.   

It’s by you, for you

Once you become part of the ASKWHO community, you become a source too – you can share news from your end that you think the other members will enjoy. 

Stay connected to what matters to you, without all the overwhelming extra information. Download ASKWHO and join us today.

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