English as a Second Language

**New participants are required to contact WhatsApp at 0501497147 before signing up for the event to confirm their slot.** Friday Badminton @ Sprigdale School Al Quoz 7-9 PM Badminton Active group plying every Friday at 7-9 pm Cleopatra sports academy Al quoz 4.( Springdale School ) Cost will be AED 40/- Per person including court rent , premium feather shuttle and average 8 games will get every plyers. New plyers confirm your slots through WhatsApp ( Rensin +971501497147) Payment is applicable once confirmed the slot and no cancellation on game day. Join WhatsApp Group ; https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUlBTloYtkrGVLb2ljK1ZV

Sierre Leone and Freetown, Liberia and Monrovia - **freedom country and freedom town** \- two destinations where slavery and emancipation take on a whole new meaning\, with one being the site of **African resettlement from Europe and the other from America**, these are lands of searing heritage. Sierre Leone’s Freetown, with its vast beaches along the peninsula, lively surfing culture, chimpanzee sanctuary among the rainforests, and nearby islands with decaying slave fortresses, or another with butterfly colonies and pygmy hippos! **Bunce Island**, where trading in gold, ivory, cane wood, and slaves in the tens of thousands was launched from a fortress all the way across the Atlantic to the Americas, where the vast majority of the slaves of the Antebellum south came from. Today it’s a ruin of old stone and rusty cannons but the memories of this place continue to haunt. Just a little bit American and kind of West African, **Liberia is unlike anywhere** you’ve been before, with mountains to climb, world’s most beautiful beaches to surf and swim, vast parks full of untouched wildlife, city scenes out of the American south, and founded as the homeland of freed American slaves, it’s a step off the map into Africa’s last frontier! Monrovia is a scene of stately ruins, like the **Hotel Ducor and it’s famous swimming pool**, or the Masonic Temple’s peeling paint, broad streets of plantation-style mansions and Antebellum architecture, a marked contrast to Freetown’s Portuguese influence. You’ll even find a few speakers of “Pidgin” English, if you listen carefully! **Let’s go!!** **Day 1 :: Arrival + Firestone, The Rubber Tree Forests** Liberia is the only country that has **never been either a colony or a protectorate**; it was founded by Krio, freed slaves who returned to Africa from the US, hence the name "**Liberia: the country of freemen"**. Krio make up 5% of the population and control a large part of the economy and politics; they are considered the creators of the nation and the modern economy. 80% of the population speaks the Krio language, which is a form of "Pidgin" English. Immigration clearance and proceed to on a rough road through a spectacular **rubber plantation forest called Firestone**, the largest contiguous rubber plantation in the world, located in Harbel, Liberia, which first opened in 1926. In the mid-1990s, former Liberian President Charles Taylor's soldiers, many of whom were children, raided the Firestone plantation for fuel and supplies. Firestone pulled its executives out and left the plantation, and many of the company's Liberian workers were later killed. After the civil war, the company revived its operations and is now back on track. After a tour of the plantation and the surroundings, head to our ecolodge for overnight stay. **Day 2 :: Libassa + Monrovia** Leisure morning in tropical idyll setting. For curious, exploration of the site in a **search for Pangolins** \- live a dream of Liberia's wild and unspoilt nature\. Later in a day\, its time to head to Monrovia city\. Check in to hotel, start exploring Monrovia, we’ll pass by many curiosities including the **Temple of Masonic Lodge**, the most significant symbol of the Krio culture and the abandoned **Ducor Palace Hotel** (or what remains of it), a former luxurious hotel with a swimming pool overlooking the ocean. We ll also learn about the Mende people and the Bundu Mask in the forests outside the city. Head back to our hotel in the evening for dinner and rest. **Day 3 :: Crossing to Sierra + Tiwai** Check out from hotel and head to Sierra Leone on slightly better roads towards the border. **Bye bye Liberia!** Further on the boats to Tiwai Island for some **monkey jumping, bird calls, and maybe a crocodile** or two. If we’re really lucky, we’ll spot the elusive Pygmy Hippo! **Day 4 :: Tacugama via Bo** After binch beans and some coffee, we’ll head out to the second capital of Sierre Leone, the bustling Bo before moving on to **Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary**, home to many chimpanzees who have become injured and need help returning to the wild. We’ll drive into the hills for a panorama of the city and charming sunset. **Day 5 :: Bunce and Tasso Island** Bunce Island, made famous for being the last stop on the slave trade before being sent off to the Americas. The island was declared a national monument in 1948. A major European commercial fort was built here during the slave trading era, serving as a meeting place for European traders and African merchants. Over 50,000 slaves—women, children, and aged men—were transited to the Americas. The trading of slaves, gold, ivory, and cane wood was prevalent during the 1800s, and many slaves sent to South Carolina and Georgia were traded on this island. See and feel the island by touching the history yourself. **Day 6 :: Banana island + Freetown City Tour** Morning set out towards Kent for Banana Island, where we spend half day **swimming and getting to know the local community**, explore the Portuguese influence, and learn the ways of the Krios peoples of this former slave island. After lunch, return to the city, start with visiting the National Museum and the Big Market, which operates daily. It is a covered market selling a range of crafts, bric-a-brac, traditional medicines, and mystical items. **Day 7 :: Crossing to Conakry** **Bye-bye Sierra Leone!** Early in the morning crossing to Guinea Conakry, check in to hotel, city tour. **Day 8 :: Isles de Los** We will end up our trip with idyllic escape to Iles de Los, tropical paradise of 3 islands, for some swimming, relaxing or just playing beach football with the kids. **Day 9 :: Departure back to Dubai** Its time to head to airport for return flight home, Bye Bye West Africa! **Grade:** Easy - available for everyone. **Activities:** Trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing. **Accommodation & meals:** hotels and lodges - double sharing, meals excluded. **Cost: 9,200 AED** excl. flights. Cost valid until DEC 10th. **Flights, approx. 5000 AED:** Day 1 DXB-ROB Ethiopian Day 9 CKY-DXB Emirates **Specifically excluded:** flights, visas, restaurant meals, single room supplement. **Visas:** **Sierra Leone:** E-visa 85 USD **Liberia:** Pre-arranged visa 110 USD **Guinea Conakry:** E-visa 85 USD See yah in West Africa x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

🏋️‍♀️ Open Gym Access — Metrofitt Studio, DAFZA W8 Building Your strength, your pace. Metrofitt Studio is opening its doors for a limited-time Open Gym Access! From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, enjoy full use of our free weights area and strength machines — completely free for new visitors. This is your chance to experience our premium gym space, lift freely, and explore what Metrofitt has to offer before you commit to a membership. 💪 What You Can Access: • Dumbbells, barbells, and squat racks • Cable machines and plate-loaded equipment • Spacious strength training area • Air-conditioned environment with upbeat gym music 📍 Where: Metrofitt Studio, W8 Building, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) 🕓 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 🙌 Open to: Everyone — beginners, gym-goers, and office professionals nearby ⸻ **Join our Whatsapp Group for Quick Updates** https://chat.whatsapp.com/BZPGSXZUhvg1oMKqdeIDXG?mode=hqrt3

📍 **Venue:** Al Manara Sports Hall Jumeirah https://maps.app.goo.gl/EDUZJdcZ4cbJ9eLMA *Friday, 7-9 PM.* Join our [Al Quoz/Jumeirah Group WhatsApp here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FUaEchwklSPFUyeJnSb52W?mode=ac_t). **👋 First time joining?** [Click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) and confirm your slot. **📝 Key Info** This is a session open for players who are Intermediate or above (Or they are our regular players). *Cost per session: 40AED (Special Price for this session)* *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

I'll see my sisters, have coffee, go for a walk, and chat.

Meet amazing people, discover new cultures, and have an unforgettable conversations 🎉🥂 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** We’re bringing together curious minds, language lovers, and fun-seekers for a social evening like no other. 💬 Meet new people 🌎 Exchange languages 🎶 Enjoy music & vibes 🥂 Make new friends Let's meet, chat, and sip on their your drinks 🍷🍹 while smooth background music sets the mood. **🎉 What’s happening?** * Social hour 🕒 * Chat, mingle & sip drinks 🍷🍹 * Fun icebreakers 💬 * Practice English, Spanish, Arabic + more 🌍 * Connect with curious, open-minded people 🤝 Think bold conversations 💬, big energy ⚡, and friendships waiting to happen. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** 🎉 One magical night. One elegant lounge. Countless connections **🌟 Why join?** ✔ Meet people from all over the world 🌍 ✔ Practice & improve your language skills 💬 ✔ Discover new cultures & perspectives 🌸 ✔ Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with drinks, music & views 🍸🎶 ✔ Leave with new friends, new words, and new memories 💛 **Come practice your favorite language, explore new ones, or simply enjoy great company — you’ll walk away with something special. 💫** 👉 Come alone, leave with friends. 👉 No apps. No pressure. Just real people, real fun. 🎉 Drinks + Conversations + Music = One unforgettable night. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** 📅 Save the date & join us for this unforgettable cultural and social evening!

🤗 We sincerely invite you to attend the opening ceremony of the **"China-UAE International Cultural and Art Exchange Exhibition**" This exhibition celebrates the poetic spirit and **artistic heritage** of the East while building bridges with the world. 👉 Click ATTEND and contact the host on **☎️ +971-58-208-4392 (Rodrigo)** 🎨🎨👨‍🎨👩‍🎨Over 100 works by Chinese calligraphy and painting artists! 🍵Chinese tea 🎁 Souvenirs provided **🗓 20 December 2025** **⏰️ 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm** **☎️ +971-58-208-4392 (Rodrigo)** **📍 [Dragon Mart 2 atrium in front of Nesto Hypermarket](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GrTWscoKwyXKxk7Y7)** **💰 FREE!** **Supporting organisation:** International Exchange Working Committee of China Association of Trade in Services **Hosts**: **🐲Dragon Mart Chinese Tenants Trade Committee in Dubai** **🏮CHINESE SOCIAL CLUB** **Organisers**: Beijing Chengyouxuan Culture Communication Co., Ltd., Beijing Chuangyiyuan International Culture Center, and Silk Road Danqing Culture Co., Ltd. **Co-organisers:** ArtChain Global Culture & Art Financial Investment International Group Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Kuangshi International Auction Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Hanhai International Auction Co., Ltd. US Global International Auction Co., Ltd.

The PERSIAN FESTIVAL Shabe Yaldā is coming up this week! It's the longest and darkest night of the year, when friends and family gather to eat, drink and read poetry! Join **Mr. Rodrigo** and friends for an evening of engaging conversation and cultural exchange with authentic Iranian food, live Persian music and a true Persian atmosphere! 🦜🥘👨🏻‍🍳🎻 **About [SHABESTAN RESTAURANT](https://www.gaultmillauae.com/features/discover-shabestan-dubais-most-revered-persian-restaurant/):** 🏛 **Established in 1984** (Second oldest Persian Restaurant in Dubai!) 👨🏻‍🍳 **Persian** **Family-Run** (3 generations! 👴🏻👨🏻👦🏻) 📷 **Unique views** of Historic Dubai Creek and Old Dubai 🏅**Awards received** \*😋 **MICHELIN** Bib Gourmand 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 \*⭐ **Gault & Millau** selected Restaurant **TO PARTICIPATE:** **👉CLICK "ATTEND"** ☎️ **MESSAGE** the host on +971-58-208-4392 📅 **Saturday, 20 December** **2025** ⏰ **7:30 PM – 9:30 PM** 📍 [Shabestan Iranian Restaurant,Baniyas Rd, Dubai](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DvYyZG6LDAmN6p9P9) You can choose among the following options: **👨‍🍳 YALDĀ** **SPECIAL MENU (AED 250)** **STARTER** Trio of the famous aubergine and spinach with hint of garlic and kashk **SABZI KHORAN** Seasonal vegetables with feta cheese **SALAD SHIRAZI** A refreshing plate from Shiraz -- cucumber, tomato and onion with zest of lemon **FESENJAN BA MRGHABI** Succulent roasted duck breast with pomegranet Sauce **DESSERT** Fresh fruit Platter Tea & Iranian Sweat 🍽️**SET MENU 1**🐑🍖 (**AED 250)** \*IRANIAN SALAD AND MASTKHIAR \*KASHK- E- BADEMJAN (Aubergine puree prepared with lamb meat, onion and kashk) \*PERSEPOLIS (Combination of meats, kebabs and chicken Served with three kinds of Iranian rice) \*FALOODAH WITH PERSIAN ICE CREAM \*PERSIAN SWEETS \*TEA / COFFEE / SOFT DRINK / MINERAL WATER 🍽️**SET MENU 2🐟**🦐 (💰 **AED 300)** \*IRANIAN SALAD AND MASTKHIAR \*BOORANI SPINACH Sautéed spinach topped with fried onions, yogurt and saffron \*SHABESTAN Seafood Specialty with kebabs chicken Served with three kinds of Iranian rice \*FALOODAH WITH PERSIAN ICE CREAM \*PERSIAN SWEETS \*TEA / COFFEE / SOFT DRINK / MINERAL WATER 🅿️ Free Parking 🎻 Live Music! ⚠️ **ALLERGIES**: ***Please inform us of any food allergies when registering. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions*** 🚶‍♂️🌴 **WALK**: After the meal, those who wish can stay for a relaxing walk along the Dubai Creek waterfront💦, and enjoy magnificent views of the Dubai Creek with its cruises⛵🚢 and Al Seef, the old Emirati-style village with its characteristic lights and traditional architecture. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 This is a **Family Friendly event**, so we encourage you to bring your children: 👀 please look after them at all times to ensure their safety 📢 Tell all your friends! 🚭 Smoking inside the restaurant is strictly forbidden. 🙋🏻‍♂️**About the host**: [Rodrigo Vásquez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigovasquezofficial/), MPhil (Cantab), is a Spanish/Guatemalan maths educator, entrepreneur, and business networker residing in Dubai for 7 years. He is the founder of Vine & Fig Tree Real Estate, LLC and Vine & Fig Tree Tours (FZE). He speaks 10 languages and enjoys organising events to meet like-minded people.

This is a group for those interested in improving and testing their English language skills. The exams are intended to be fun and CHALLENGING. The exam shall test your reading, writing and listening skills, and the interesting post-exam discussion shall test your speaking skills. The answer key shall be shared after the exam, and the exam results shall be announced the following week. The highest scorer shall get a prize if his grade is above 90%. Please note that this event has a fee of AED 30. Also, please arrive on time. Due to the nature of this event, it is not possible to provide additional time to latecomers.

Marhaba! Dubai brings the world together — and so does our meetup. [Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join](https://l.gourl.es/l/983f7bb5624fc23f9f8eb48753944c27c6822226?u=7709345) Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a mix of global minds, mostly in their 20s and 30s. If you’re craving culture, company, or conversation in any language, you’re home. We talk, we laugh, we learn — together.

**Under the stary night!** Escape the city and endless scrolling on the phone, lose yourself in the mountains for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Gather under open skies for a night of camping, crackling bonfires, sizzling barbeque, flowing drinks, and music that keeps you dancing till dawn. Surrounded by peaks, stars, and good vibes, this is where nature meets celebration and enjoy lighthearted games that bring out the childlike joy in all of us. A full list of activities will be shared in the WhatsApp group. We’ll officially start around 5 PM. Camp location: Will be announced in the whatsapp group **📝Register by filling out the [form here](https://forms.fillout.com/t/wsyg6Y6wq8us)** Come dressed casually And do bring a cozy sweater…the desert night has a way of getting cool enough to make the fire feel even more enchanting. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us on: [+971 50 355 1536](https://wa.me/+971503551536)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Jennings Java Artisan Coffee Roasters](https://www.jenningsjava.com/)!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

# **Band: Firefly Trace, caller Kenny Greer** Beginner lesson at 7:30, regular dancing begins at 8:00 **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.