As UAE is home to citizens from more than 115 nationalities, almost every embassy and consulate has clubs, business councils and welfare associations. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for a list of useful resources. Apart from this, there are various alumnae and alumni networks that bring together people from various walks of life. Furthermore, members of sports clubs, drama groups, art lovers associations, religious groups and other networks also provide excellent leads for people who are new and wish to get to know people, explore options and become involved in the community. Listed below are a few such opportunities.

Business Organizations

British Business Group (BBG) Dubai and Northern Emirates
http://bbg.olasoft.com
The British Business Group (BBG) Dubai and Northern Emirates was established to encourage the development of British business in the UAE. It undertakes a wide range of activities, from communicating with decision makers to sharing best business practices and arranging networking events for its members. BBG membership consists of more than 1,600 individual companies interested in promoting trade and business development between the UK and the UAE, most specifically Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It is recognized by the authorities of the UAE as the representative body of British companies and individuals operating in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

British Business Group
The David May Building, British Embassy
Al Seef Road, Dubai
PO Box 9333
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 397 0303
Fax: +971 4 397 0939
Email: rachel.kaur@britbiz-uae.com

Indsutry Organizations and Councils

Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA)
http://www.gpca.org.ae/
The GPCA is a non-profit association founded in Dubai to promote the petrochemicals and chemicals industry in the Gulf and to provide a variety of data, technical assistance and resources required by its members (global petrochemical producers and service companies).

GPCA
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 321 7444

Networking Groups

Toastmasters International
http://www.toastmasters.org/
Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. By learning to effectively formulate and express one’s ideas, an entirely new world of possibilities emerges. One becomes more persuasive and confident when giving presentations and is able to improve one-on-one dealings with others. There are 68 Toastmasters International Clubs listed for the UAE on the Toastmasters International main website, 40 in Dubai, 16 in Abu Dhabi and 12 in other locations.

Chambers of Commerce

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
http://www.dubaichamber.ae/
Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-profit public entity whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favorable business environment, supporting the development of business and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub. The Dubai chamber started its activities with 450 members and a 12-member board of directors. The number of members has now increased to more than 100,000, representing all economic sectors.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Baniyas Road, Deira
PO Box 1457
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 800 242 6237, +971 4 228 0000 
Fax: +971 4 202 8888 
Email: info.member@dubaichamber.ae, info.dataresearch@dubaichamber.ae

Major Trade Publications

Gulf News
http://www.gulfnews.com/
This magazine offers readers cutting-edge analysis of news and views that have a direct bearing on businesses and work, providing insights into the local and regional business domains. Covering a wide gamut of economic sectors — from oil and gas to real estate, banking to stock markets, technology to human resources, and investment to art just to name a few — the magazine is a must-read for business owners, corporate leaders, administrative or government officials, and executives.

Telephone Directories

Data Dubai Directory
http://www.datadubai.com
Data Dubai provides economic statistics, maps, resources, business services, guides, news and history about the United Arab Emirates of Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. It also publishes articles on travel, tourism, transportation, science, sports, the economy, maps, health, weather and real estate in the UAE.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete United Arab Emirates Guide.