How to Make Friends on Group Trips in the UAE

Blog written on 26-08-2022

Group trips in the UAE can be a lot of fun. You can explore the beautiful beaches and landscapes of the Emirates and take some breathtaking photos together. If shopping and urban sightseeing sound more appealing to you, you can all hit the sprawling cities of Dubai or Abu Dhabi–and maybe even experience the exciting nightlife as a group.

Self-planned group trips in the UAE take quite a bit of work–but booking a curated travel experience will save you the headache. When booking a travel experience, you’re creating an opportunity to meet new people with similar interests. To create the best possible group experience, follow these nine Golden Rules:

Show up on time

Nobody likes delays! By showing up on time, you’re showing that you respect everyone else’s time just as much as your own. You wouldn’t expect the plane to wait for you if you are late for a flight, right? Being that intentional to be on time for activities with your fellow group members –whether it’s to go dune-bashing in the desert or a night about the town - will win you the respect of your new friends.

Speaking of dune-bashing, there’s a ton of fun in the UAE’s deserts! Check out my article if you want to learn more.

Bring a checklist

If you’re going kayaking or hiking in the UAE (and you really should!), you’ll likely have to pack a bit of extra gear. Make sure to have a checklist for everything you’ll have to bring. You wouldn’t want to burden your friends by always asking to borrow their stuff, would you? When you book one of our Experiences, we provide you with a checklist to ensure you have all the gear and supplies you need. 

Do your research

Some hiking trails in the UAE are a lot more challenging than others. If it’s someone within the group’s first time hiking, you should consider signing up for an easier, more forgiving hike trail instead. Likewise, if you’re not an experienced hiker, you shouldn’t force yourself to go on a challenging hike just because that’s what the group wants.

This tip doesn’t just apply to hiking, but during the group trip in general! You shouldn’t do something you know you won’t enjoy. Group trips in the UAE should be a way for old friends and new friends alike to bond, and not feel like a chore!

Generally, before going on the trip, you and your group must set expectations for each other. That means you all agree on a travel itinerary and what to do or not do. This should also be flexible, as unforeseen circumstances can (and will definitely) happen during the trip! Including other people in your solo plans is a great way to make new friends in the group.

Take group photos

Traveling with other people is a shared experience, and you’ll definitely want a way to commemorate your trip. Group photos are a great way to remember your best moments–and show your friends on Instagram what you’ve been up to.

Looking to up your travel photo game? Check out my article on how to take the best travel photos.

Have a group contacts list

When traveling with friends, it’s convenient to have everyone’s contact information and emergency contact information all in the same place. Before your trip, why not try making a sheet that has everyone’s information just in case something happens? Having a sort of “Masterfile” will help out quite a bit in case you need to update someone’s family during group trips in the UAE.

Get some alone time when you need it

You shouldn’t feel forced to be with the group the whole time during the trip. Sometimes, you won’t be in the mood to interact with other people–and that’s okay! If, or when, this happens, excuse yourself and take a walk, read a book, or do whatever you need to find some peace. 

Figure out your lodging situation

You’re probably not just heading to the UAE for a day trip, so you’ll need to figure out where everyone will rest their heads. The Emirates have a ton of lodging options for all kinds of budgets, ranging from hostels to five-star hotels. 

One of the most popular questions about lodging is whether to stay at a hotel or an Airbnb. If you need some guidance deciding where your group will be getting a good night’s rest, be sure to read my article on the topic!

Mind your hygiene!

If you’ll be roaming around the hot and sunny UAE, you’ll likely end up quite sweaty. While it will definitely be an uncomfortable affair for yourself, it’ll be all the more so for your traveling companions. Take the time to freshen up and ensure that you are respecting your fellow travelers. 

Book a group trip

Don’t want the hassle of having to plan out group trips in the UAE yourself? Have an expert do it for you! Booking a group trip instead of painstakingly handling everything is a luxury you deserve. 

If you’re looking for a curated travel experience in the UAE, we offer all kinds of Adventures for you to try. You can check them out on our Experiences page! Once you’re done, check out the rest of the articles in our blog and our Instagram for more updates.