A calendar of the best social and professional gatherings where African and Caribbean expats can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
Networking is a crucial part of professional and personal growth, especially for expatriates navigating new environments. A variety of networking mixers in the UAE provide African and Caribbean expats with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and thrive in their respective industries. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate professional, or creative, these events offer a platform to build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and explore business opportunities.
1. Professional Tribes
Overview:
Professional Tribes was established to create a platform where diverse professionals across generations and cultures can engage in meaningful discussions essential for their success as expats or within expat-led organizations. The initiative collaborates with venues owned by like-minded entrepreneurs, ensuring safe and comfortable environments for open dialogue and self-expression. 
Objective:
The primary goal is to help professionals not only navigate their careers but also thrive. The initiative aims to dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions that often segregate professional communities by fostering unity through open dialogue.
Attendees:
A diverse range of professionals, including CEOs, law firm partners, medical doctors, award-winning entrepreneurs, fashion designers, musicians, and young professionals from various sectors.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 2 May 2025, 09:00 – 11:00
Professionals Tribes will host The Fundamentals of Mastering Public Speaking women-only event, curated to build confidence in public speaking and presentation skills. This event is designed for entrepreneurs, established and emerging leaders as well as professionals looking to establish their executive presence. Register here.
Recent sessions include discussions on fertility strategies for professionals balancing career aspirations. Future events will cover public speaking, presentation skills, and a series of TalkShops.
Instagram: @professional_tribes
LinkedIn: Professional Tribes
2. UAE Africa Networking Group
Overview:
A platform dedicated to fostering business and professional relationships between the UAE and Africa. The group connects African professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors with key stakeholders, making it one of the networking mixers in the UAE essential for business-minded people.
Objective:
To enhance business opportunities, trade, and collaboration between Africa and the UAE through networking events and business forums.
Attendees:
Business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals engaged in UAE-Africa trade and commerce.
Upcoming Events:
Regular networking mixers, business summits, and panel discussions on investment opportunities.
Instagram: uae_africa_networking_group
LinkedIn: UAE Africa Networking Group
3. UAE Black Professionals
Overview:
A dynamic community supporting Black professionals in the UAE by providing networking opportunities, career development resources, and industry insights. This non-profit throws some of the best networking mixers in the UAE, that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Objective:
To empower Black professionals by facilitating mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and business collaborations.
Attendees:
Executives, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and creatives seeking to expand their networks and career prospects.
Upcoming Events:
Industry-specific networking sessions, mentorship programs, and leadership development workshops. We hear the end-of-year party is one not to be missed.
Instagram: @uaeblackprofessionals
LinkedIn: UAE Black Professionals Network
4. Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC)
Overview:
A premier organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals in Dubai.
Objective:
To support the professional and business growth of women through mentorship, networking, and skill-building initiatives.
Attendees:
Female entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals from various industries.
Upcoming Events:
Workshops on business leadership, networking brunches, and forums on women’s economic empowerment.
Instagram: @dbwc_uae
LinkedIn: Dubai Business Women Council
5. UAE Africa Connect
Overview:
A networking initiative that bridges African expatriates and businesses in the UAE to foster collaboration and professional growth.
Objective:
To strengthen the African business community in the UAE by creating opportunities for partnerships and investments.
Attendees:
Entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and investors interested in African markets.
Upcoming Events:
Monthly networking events, investment summits, and cultural exchange programs.
Instagram: @uaeafricaconnect
LinkedIn: UAE Africa Connect
6. The Africa Debate
Overview:
A thought-leadership platform that brings together business leaders, policymakers, and professionals to discuss key economic and social issues affecting Africa and its diaspora.
Objective:
To facilitate informed discussions on Africa’s economic future, trade, innovation, and policy-making while connecting industry experts.
Attendees:
Policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and business professionals interested in Africa’s economic and social landscape.
Upcoming Events:
Panel discussions, roundtable debates, and networking forums focused on Africa’s global impact.
Website: The Africa Debate
7. Women Who Thrive
Overview:
A networking and empowerment initiative aimed at supporting and inspiring women professionals and entrepreneurs in the Gulf region.
Objective:
To create a supportive community that fosters mentorship, career growth, and entrepreneurial success for women.
Attendees:
Female professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and aspiring leaders.
Upcoming Events:
Workshops on personal development, business networking events, and leadership seminars.
Instagram: Women Who Thrive
8. Success Community DXB
Overview:
A professional networking and mentorship community that connects ambitious individuals seeking career growth and business success in Dubai.
Objective:
To provide mentorship, business development opportunities, and professional growth strategies.
Attendees:
Entrepreneurs, career professionals, and aspiring leaders.
Upcoming Events:
Mentorship programs, business networking meetups, and career development workshops.
Instagram: @successcommunitydxb
LinkedIn: Success Community Dubai
9. Life in DXB
Overview:
Life in DXB (LID) is a vibrant and inclusive expat community that embraces people of all nationalities, backgrounds, and genders. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident of Dubai, LID offers the perfect environment to connect, unwind, and thrive.
Objective:
To create authentic opportunities for connection and community-building among Dubai’s diverse residents through weekly social events, networking experiences, and cultural gatherings that promote friendship, fun, and support.
Attendees:
The LID community includes a dynamic mix of expats—young professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and culturally curious individuals—all seeking meaningful connections and memorable experiences in Dubai.
Upcoming Events:
- LID Social Nights – Signature weekly meet-ups designed for good vibes, new friends, and lasting memories.
- LID Mixers & Game Nights – Fun, themed evenings perfect for unwinding and mingling.
- LID Networking Circles – Intimate gatherings for professional connections and collaboration.
- Pop-Up Experiences – From brunches to beach days, LID hosts lifestyle events that showcase the best of Dubai.
(Exact dates and details available on LID Instagram and event calendar.)
- Membership:
- There are membership and non-membership options to keep things flexible.
- Members enjoy exclusive perks, early access to events, special discounts, and curated experiences.
- Non-members are always welcome to join any of the public events and enjoy the LID community!
Membership is totally optional, what matters most is being part of the experience.
Instagram: @life_indxb
The Gulf region offers a vibrant and growing ecosystem for African and Caribbean expats looking to expand their professional and social networks. These networking mixers provide invaluable opportunities to build relationships, gain insights, and collaborate across industries. Whether through structured business forums, mentorship programs, or casual meetups, these platforms help individuals connect and thrive in their careers and communities. Stay engaged with these organizations through their social media channels to keep up with upcoming events and networking mixers in the UAE opportunities.
10. Mum and Gist
Overview:
Mums and Gist Dubai started as a way to document our move, but it quickly became something more. It’s a safe space for mums and their families to connect, share advice, enjoy community events, and just gist and let their hair down.
Gist is a Nigerian word for chit-chat, jokes or friendly gossip. It’s also a British word meaning the main point and that’s exactly what this space is about. Real talk, good vibes, and getting to the heart of motherhood and family life, especially as an expat.
Objective:
To build a warm, diverse, and welcoming space where mums and their families feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Whether you’re new to Dubai or have been here for years, this is your place to connect, find support, and share in the beautiful chaos of motherhood and family life.
Attendees:
Expat mums from all backgrounds, working mums, stay-at-home mums, new arrivals or seasoned residents. This space was created with inclusion at its core. If you’re looking for connection and a place where you and your family can truly be yourselves, this is it.
Upcoming Events:
- May 2025 – Aquafit
- June 2025 – Paddle
- September 2025 – Welcome Back Breakfast
Instagram: @mumandgist_dubai
