Developing a professional network as an expat in Abu Dhabi is easy as long as you are open to meeting new people. Here are some tips for getting started inside and outside of the office space.
Joining professional learning workshops in Abu Dhabi
There are a lot of available workshops to help improve your professional skills. These workshops give expats excellent learning opportunities as well as chances to establish a professional network that can be useful in forthcoming projects. Mingle, chat with people, and open yourself to new experiences.
The Atton Institute is a great place to start, offering a wide range of workshops and courses.
Gather contacts as you meet people along the way in Abu Dhabi
As you meet new people in your line of work, you get to know a lot of professionals in the same industry as you are. Get to know them and keep them in your address book. You can then use them as contacts for your growing professional network.
While exchanging business cards has traditionally been the way to connect professionally, adding newly made contacts on LinkedIn gives more of an opportunity to reconnect, as you can constantly interact through online posts.
Maintain a professional relationship with all your previous employers in Abu Dhabi
If you are transferring to another company, maintain good terms with your former employers so that they can write you a reference letter in the future. You never know, they may also move on to something new and keep you in mind for different opportunities.
Socializing in Abu Dhabi
If you do not socialize much, let yourself learn to change that and start mingling with people. Participate in activities that will benefit your professional growth and enjoy while doing it. Depending on the industry you work in, you'll find that there are constant events happening in the UAE. Ask your employer if they're aware of any upcoming events that may be useful to you professionally.
Step out of your comfort zone
Just because you belong to one department does not mean you should only connect with people from there. Step out of your comfort zone and build rapport with others in the same organization. You'll never know when their help will come in handy. If your office has a kitchen space or pantry area, this is usually a great way to start small talk with others in the office. You can also take advantage of lunch breaks to get to know others in your company.
Ask for help
Reach out to people who can help you with your questions or dilemmas. This will help you establish potential connections and make your job easier as you navigate the ropes. Remember, no one expects you to know everything as soon as you arrive, and asking around for help could show others that you're willing to learn.
Socialize outside the office in Abu Dhabi
It is a common culture for workmates in Abu Dhabi to hang out outside the workplace. Join them and socialize outside the work environment. It is a healthy way to establish a professional network and take a load off after a long day's work.
While retreating to your home and keeping to yourself may be tempting for some, establishing professional networks is imperative if you want to thrive in expat life, especially in a city like Abu Dhabi. Adjust to your new role and make friends along the way to live a balanced life. Living away from loved ones and from home is not easy, but when you do it with people beside you, it gets easier and makes expat life a breeze.
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