Professors

**\* Please note: RSVPing on Meetup does *not* guarantee entry. To secure your spot, kindly register through our website — priority is given to website sign-ups.\*** **Fast-paced, unpredictable, and hilarious.** Ten of Dubai’s virtuoso actors converge for a night of scenes, songs and games based on audience suggestions. You score the players on a scale of 1 to 5, and after each round, the players with the lowest scores are eliminated. When only one remains, they are crowned the Maestro! ★★★★★ *“A hidden gem in Dubai, laughs are guaranteed and it’s always unexpected and different. The performers are incredible. And the venue just invites you to have a good time! Love it love it” – Dora Murgu* [Register here](https://courtyardplayhouse.com/event/wednesday-night-improv-maestro-wed-8-apr-2026/)

House of Thinking Big: Ideas × Coffee Have you ever dreamed of being part of the early dot-com energy — when ideas were raw, ambitious, and conversations could spark entire movements? Welcome to House of Thinking Big: Ideas × Coffee — inspired by the spirit of early founder circles, when bold ideas spoke louder than decks. We gather a small circle of creative and tech leaders who think beyond borders, value authenticity and intelligent dialogue, and believe that growth begins with people and their ideas. No presentations. No ads. Just caffeine-fueled thinking. ☕ When: 6:30 PM 📍 Where: Starbucks, Emirates Towers Boulevard, Dubai 🎙️ Host: Kate Adiyak — Founder of House of Thinking Big Join the House and think bigger — together. Thinking Big Strategy Timeline 6:30 PM — Arrival & Networking 7:00 PM — Personal Problem Statement 7:30 PM — Resource Mapping 7:50 PM — Action Planning 8:00 PM — Closing No rush — Dubai traffic does Dubai traffic things. Join whenever you manage to escape the roads You will find me with a laptop and a cup of coffee [To keep in touch join my WhatsApp group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lnu5UhRArdXJTengnhqLhB?mode=hqrt3)

This event is designed for founders, where[ Ajinkya Tanpure](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajinkyatanpure/), Founder & CEO- [CrossVal,](https://www.crossval.com/) [Levi Lewandowski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilewandowski/), Head of UAE of [Brinc ](https://brinc.io/) and [Zohare H](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zohare/), Founder of [Jalebi.io](https://jalebi.io/) come together to tackle the two most critical areas when markets shift: financial preparedness and resilience. This focused, practical session will equip you with actionable frameworks you can apply immediately and offer the chance to connect with fellow founders navigating the same headwinds. Walk away sharper, steadier, and ready to lead your business through all business cycles.

**🎾 Elevate Your Padel Game!** Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the ropes or a seasoned player aiming to polish your skills, our lessons cater to all levels of expertise starting from just 120 AED onwards per person. 🌟 Why Choose Us? 🌟 * **Learn from the best:** Our coaches bring years of experience and a passion for Padel straight from the heartlands of Argentina and Spain, renowned for honing the skills of numerous professional players. * **Tailored packages:** Schedule your lessons according to your preferred timing. * **Affordable rates:** Starting from just 120 AED onwards per person. * **Multiple venues:** Danube Sports World, ZY Padel & Fitness Hub, Champs Sports Club, and Padel Art. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your Padel skills! Feel free to reach out for any further information or to book your spot today. **💬WhatsApp us at +971585129190**

Toastmasters meeting

JOIN US FOR LEARNING AND GROWING IN BADMINTON SKILLS WITH ADVANCED PLAYERS AND PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS. Contact - 0563749353 Fees : Court + Shuttle Cost + Training Transportation Support is available.

**Strong Business Leads Coffee Networking Event (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)** **Job seekers are not allowed.** This is a business-focused gathering for peer-to-peer discussions, collaboration opportunities, investment conversations, and solving real business challenges together. It is not a job fair or recruitment event. **Event Schedule & Agenda** * **6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Welcome & Introductions** (30 minutes) Arrive, settle in, and join quick introductions. Everyone gets 30–60 seconds to share their name, business/role, and one key focus right now. * **6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Coffee & Light Refreshments** (30 minutes) Enjoy coffee and snacks while connecting casually with others at your table. * **7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Problem Discussion** (30 minutes) Interactive discussion on real challenges business owners face today and practical solutions. Bring one real issue you are working on and get quick input, ideas, and proven approaches from the group. * **7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Networking & Connections** (60 minutes) Open networking time! Exchange contacts, explore collaborations, meet partners/suppliers/investors, and build strong business relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. **Why join?** * Get fresh perspectives on solving everyday business hurdles * Meet like-minded business owners, investors, freelancers, and consultants * Leave with 2–3 valuable contacts, potential collaborations, or actionable ideas Spaces are limited — RSVP early! Looking forward to seeing you there and making meaningful connections. **Our WhatsApp group:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EAYWgmpDGM296DoDvhn54I](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EAYWgmpDGM296DoDvhn54I) **For any questions, please feel free to contact:** Mr. Ibrahim +971 54 330 7993 Mr. Abdurrahman +971 58 571 2590

A chill hangout for deep thinkers, curious minds, and lovers of raw, real conversations—with or without a drink in hand. No strict rules, no set topics—just a bunch of interesting people talking about life, beliefs, and everything in between. **Event flow** * Intro & icebreaker * One-on-one discussions * Group discussion * Mini activity **Who shows up?** Open-minded folks from all walks of life. Expect friendly debates, weird tangents, occasional cranks, and surprisingly smart convos. **Who is NOT invited?** * narrow-minded people (racists, sexists, judgmental, ...) * anyone trying to sell something * anyone looking for a hookup 💵 Fee: AED 30 - pay by [clicking here](https://pay.ziina.com/dsh/e73sWOArW) For details message us at [+971 50 355 1536](https://wa.me/+971503551536) **Quick etiquette tip:** Disagree freely, but respectfully. We’re here to learn from each other—not win arguments.

Hey passionate marketers in Dubai! We are organizing a casual Friday evening meetup for marketing folks who want to connect with other professionals in the city. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for years, come through. CONFIRM YOUR RSVP BY JOINING THE WHATSAPP GROUP HERE: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BfCV1ec1vLz6tqPfEJc01W?mode=wwt **What to expect:** * Single Topic Deep Dive: Expert's presentation followed by Group Discussion * Sharing wins, challenges, and maybe some interesting stories * Meeting like minded people **Who should come:** * Anyone working in marketing (digital, Product, brand, content, performance - doesn't matter) * All industries welcome - whether you're in tech, retail, hospitality, finance, healthcare, you name it * Freelancers, agency folks, in-house marketers * Junior to senior levels welcome **The details:** 🗓️ **10th April - Friday** ⏰ **7:30 PM - 9:00 PM** 📍 Caribou Coffee - Dubai Mall-Level 2 https://share.google/mVHjR8Ifwq5om0thf 💰 Completely free - just buy your own coffee Be ready to meet some cool people doing interesting work in this city

Building on the magic of **DDX Dubai**, the Human Centred Design UAE Meetup is bringing together a special evening of lightning talks from some of the standout voices from the conference. DDX has quickly become one of the region’s most important gatherings for **design, product thinking, and innovation**. For those who attended, you know the energy. For those who missed it, this is your chance to experience some of that thinking and inspiration. This edition will also be **broadcast live internationally**, allowing the global design community to join the conversation. We are also excited to host the meetup in a **new venue for our community: Dtec at Dubai Silicon Oasis**, one of the region’s leading hubs for startups and innovation. 📍 Dtec, Dubai Silicon Oasis 🗓 9 April ⏰ 6:30 PM 🎥 In-person + Live Broadcast * Google Meet joining info * Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uij-fzca-ebu * Or dial: ‪(US) +1 408-909-8769‬ PIN: ‪588 196 874‬# * More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/uij-fzca-ebu?pin=8224850544892 ## What to Expect Across a series of fast-paced lightning talks, our speakers will explore a shared theme that runs through DDX: **How design is evolving in an era of AI, startups, complex systems, and new forms of leadership.** From product research and venture design to philosophy, enterprise design, and UX leadership, the evening will explore how designers can: • Shape better products and services • Navigate uncertainty and emerging technologies • Influence strategy and decision making • Design responsibly for people and society Each speaker will deliver a concise version of their DDX talk followed by networking with the community. ## Speakers **[Ana Sofia Gonzalez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anasofiagonzalez/)** Principal Product Designer, Microsoft **[Leopold Ajami](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leopoldajami/)** Chief Influence Officer, Novel Philosophy Academy **[Joumana Mahmoud](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joumana-mahmoud/)** Head of Design, frog **[Chris Downes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/crash-s-downes-009852113/)** CoFounder, Scaleable Capital **[Arya Dris](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arya-d-s/)** Lead UX Designer, Mashreq Together, they bring perspectives from **big tech, fintech, venture capital, philosophy, product research, and design leadership**. ## Why Attend • Learn from leading designers and thinkers shaping the region • Get a taste of the ideas presented at **DDX Dubai** • Connect with the growing **UAE design and startup community** • Meet designers, researchers, founders, and innovators • Experience the HCD UAE Meetup community in a new venue ## Hosted by **Human Centred Design UAE Meetup** ## Venue Partner **Dtec – Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus** One of the largest tech startup campuses in the region. ## Sponsor Proudly supported by **aspexx.** ## Join Us Whether you are a designer, researcher, product manager, founder, or simply curious about the future of design, this will be a fantastic evening of learning, conversation, and connection.

**\* Please note: RSVPing on Meetup does *not* guarantee entry. To secure your spot, kindly register through our website — priority is given to website sign-ups.\*** **PowerPointless, the hilarious antidote to dull corporate presentations!** Each season, fearless speakers step into the unknown, presenting slides they’ve never seen before on a topic chosen at random by our infamous Wheel of Destiny. From a high-stakes Movie Pitch to an over-the-top Motivational Speech, they’ll have to think fast, impress our panel of judges, and battle it out for the title of PowerPointless Champion of the Month! Join us for an evening of laughter, surprises, and great company—because presentations have never been this much fun! Stay after the applause ends for some snacks and an opportunity to mingle with the presenters, volunteers, our team and other audience members . ★★★★★ *“What a fabulous evening! The whole cast did an amazing job and a big applause for the team at Courtyard for putting all of this together. So great to have something like this in Dubai!” – Deepika Dudeja* [Register here](https://courtyardplayhouse.com/event/networking-night-powerpointless-the-improvised-powerpoint-presentation-thu-9-apr-2026/)

### **This is not a public event.** On April 5, we’re gathering a **small, curated circle** of entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals in Dubai. No mass invites. No open access. No random crowd. **Why people come** Because most networking events don’t work. Too loud. Too superficial. Too many people who shouldn’t be in the room. We do it differently. **What happens here** No pitches. No сцен. No forced conversations. Only a carefully selected group where connections happen naturally — through presence, not performance. **Chess & backgammon?** Just an excuse. The real value is the room. And who is sitting across from you. **Event details** 📅 April 5 🕖 19:00–22:00 📍 Dubai (location shared after confirmation) 💎 Limited capacity 🔒 Approval required **Contribution** 💎 **100 AED — charitable contribution** This is not a ticket. It’s a filter. It ensures the right people in the room. **Important** We do not aim for quantity. We protect the quality of the circle. Once the list is full — registration closes. **If you feel this is for you — apply now.** **If you hesitate — it’s probably not.**

We’ll be listening to a selected podcast /talk beforehand and then gathering to discuss, dissect, and share insights with like-minded people about the episode. Whether you’re actively working on your listening skills, love learning through podcasts, or simply enjoy exploring topics around design thinking, productivity, art, and culture, we are more than happy to have you. Podcast for this session: In our first session we’ll be breaking down our thoughts for the the following podcast. [Decoding Design Wisdom: 35 Years of Lessons from Apple, Disney & Beyond](https://youtu.be/X-83gvgVaWc?si=hOugsMYeJpU9xe6p) *Please note that RSVP’ing and listening to the podcast is mandatory before attending. Walk ins will not be allowed

**“Therapy is expensive… so we’re jumping into a pool instead.” 🌊** Welcome to **São João: The Art of Letting Go** — where chaos is encouraged, flower crowns are mandatory, and your problems don’t survive the jump. **🎉 What’s going down:** * *🌸 Make a* kopel (flower crown)… and show it off * 🍹 Create a cocktail and name it something dramatic like “Ego Death” * 🎤 Play Antakshari… but somehow end up discussing Plato * 📝 Write what you’re holding onto… then destroy it **🌊 The Main Moment:** * Group countdown * One shared decision * Everyone jumps into the pool together **🎶 Then?** * Music gets louder * Energy gets wilder * Strangers become friends **✨ Picture this:** Fairy lights, tropical vibes, music in the air, people laughing, shouting, dancing… and then— a countdown, a scream, and a full-body leap into water with everyone around you. You don’t think. You just jump. **The Vibe** Our previous trips: [Desert trip](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSEGdB7D-uw/) [Mountain trip](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSr_DuFDyIV/) **Details** * We’ll officially start around 4 PM but make sure to arrive by 3 pm * Location: Ras Al Khaima (car pooling will be available) * Entry fee: AED 200 (includes food and drink) * **Dress Code:** Floral, linen, beach casual - get your swimwear and towels too! **📝Register by filling out the [form here](https://forms.fillout.com/t/t2PfdKiguaus)** **Spots will fill fast. Register now or watch the stories later wishing you were there.** If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us on: [+971 50 355 1536](https://wa.me/+971503551536)

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

...and speaking of breakthrough roles: who can forget the first time we saw Tom Cruise singing Bob Seeger in his underwear? Often considered an updated 1983 version of The Graduate, the movie sparkles with memorable lines and original music. I only regret that I was never told that "Princeton could use someone like Bob..." See the movie first and join us for some "Cruisin'"