Networking in Dubai as an introvert
I’m kind of an introvert. And I know I’m not the only one.
I’ve spoken with plenty of people who live here and feel the same - Dubai’s brunches, huge events, and loud “networking mixers” just aren’t our thing. We want to connect with the right people, especially for business, without draining our energy in rooms full of extroverts.
So how do you build real connections in a city that thrives on constant social noise, when that’s just not your thing?
1. Start online – Filter first, then meet
Online groups are a goldmine if you use them right. WhatsApp communities like Taco Stars and 24six9 are great starting points. They’re full of early-stage founders, operators, and creatives in Dubai.
Join a few, stay quiet at first and observe. Then start contributing and picking conversations with interesting people. Invite one or two people a month to grab a coffee with. You skip the loud group energy and go straight to 1:1 connection, which is where the real conversations happen anyway.
2. Hobby-Based Groups
Networking doesn’t have to start with “business.” If you like paddle, golf, hiking, yoga, or you’re a mom trying to find other working moms - there are groups for you (Padel Pro, Chicks With Sticks, Crunchmoms…)
This route is underrated. You bond over a shared activity, which makes conversation easier and more organic. It also helps you build a real local community. I’ve had more useful business intros through hobby groups than from any startup mixer.
3. LinkedIn
If I’m interested in someone’s work, or just like how they post, I’ll DM them on LinkedIn. It doesn’t need to be a pitch. Just a simple:
“Hey, I liked your recent post about X. I’m building something in a similar space, would be nice to catch up someday.”
I ignore salesy requests, but when you keep it personal, casual, and relevant, people say yes.
I do about 2–3 coffee chats per month this way. No big commitments, just 30–45 mins. Most turn into something useful: insight, intros, collaborations, or just a deeper network.
4. Conferences & Events: Survive with a plan
Big events = introvert hell. You’ll leave tired, maybe frustrated, and often with no meaningful connections.
Here’s what works instead:
Identify people you want to meet beforehand
DM them to set up a quick chat during the event (e.g. coffee during a break)
Ask in your online groups if anyone’s attending – going with one contact changes everything
I treat these events as logistics hubs - stack 2-3 planned meetings in a single location.
5. Host Micro-Dinners or Coffees
You don’t have to go to someone else’s thing. Host your own. I’ve seen people in Dubai do this well:
Invite 3–5 people from similar spaces (e.g. fintech, travel tech, creators)
Keep it casual: café or dinner, no agenda
Just make introductions and let it flow
It’s lower-pressure than a full event and builds credibility fast. You’re not just attending the network, you’re curating it.
6. Be consistent, Not social
You don’t need 100 people. You need 10–15 solid ones who get what you’re building.
One coffee per week, one dinner a month, one LinkedIn DM every few days - done consistently, this compounds.
It’s about signal, not noise.
See you soon!
Kristina
🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn - Kristina Melsova.
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