UAE

Building on the magic of DDX Dubai, the HCD UAE Meetup is bringing together another special evening of lightning talks in Abu Dhabi 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. 📍 The Bridge Welness Hub, Abu Dhabi 🗓 23 April ⏰ 6:30 PM 🎥 In-person + Live Broadcast Google Meet joining info Video call link: [https://lnkd.in/dW627NEg](https://lnkd.in/dW627NEg) If you’re in Abu Dhabi, be in the room. ## 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 **Elizabeth Churchill** Professor & Department Chair, MBZUAI **Erik Spiekermann** Founder, MetaDesign, FontShop, Edenspiekermann **Jue Lu** Director of Visitor Experience, Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi **Jonathan Steingiesser** HCD Founder / Innovation Lead at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority **Chris Clark** HCD Co-organiser / Innovation Lead at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority **Luis Fehre** Design Advocate, Figma Together, they bring perspectives from big tech, government, design leadership, product and research, cultural experience, and global design advocacy. ## 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 community** • Meet designers, researchers, founders, and innovators • Experience the HCD UAE Meetup community ## Hosted by **Human Centred Design UAE Meetup** ## 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.

Running a business in the UAE is exciting — but **accounting, tax, and compliance mistakes can quietly cost you money, time, and penalties**. Every Thursday, **PREMA Consulting** hosts a **free, in-person discussion** for founders, SMEs, and business owners who want clarity on **UAE accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, and upcoming compliance changes** — without jargon or sales pressure. This is **not a seminar and not a sales pitch**. It’s a practical, open conversation where you can ask real questions and learn from common mistakes we see across UAE businesses. You’ll also get time to **network with other founders and professionals** in a relaxed setting. ### **Who Should Attend** * Business Owners & Founders * SME Owners & Managers * Startups operating in the UAE * Anyone responsible for finance, tax, or compliance ### **Why Attend** * Understand what actually matters in UAE compliance * Avoid common accounting, VAT, and Corporate Tax mistakes * Stay updated on upcoming changes (including e-Invoicing) * Meet other founders and SME decision-makers ### **Location** 📍 **Boulevard Plaza Tower 1, Suite 1401, Downtown Dubai** ### **Important Notes** * Limited to **10–15 participants** to keep discussions meaningful * Free to attend, **registration required** * Please arrive on time to get full value ### **Hosted by** **PREMA Consulting** Accounting, Tax & Compliance Advisors for UAE Businesses

📣 **Meetup Event Downtown Chapter)** **🏷️ Title:** *Dubai Syndicate · Fahidi Chapter (Free Entry)* RSVP https://wa.me/971557133786?text=Hello%20Sir%2FMam%2C%20I%20am%20%5BYour%20Name%5D%2C%20Owner%2FDecision%20Maker%20of%20%5BYour%20Company%5D.%20I%E2%80%99d%20like%20to%20join%20Dubai%20Syndicate%20to%20network%20with%20other%20business%20owners%2C%20share%20leads%20and%20references%2C%20and%20help%20one%20another%C2%A0grow%C2%A0together. www.dubaisyndicate.ae **📍 When & Where** ⏰ **Time:** **4.30 PM – 7:00 PM** *(🚪 doors open **4:30 PM** — check-in & early intros)* 🏢 **Venue:** VB World Restaurant, Al Fahidi ( Sharaf DG ) 🗺️ **Google Maps:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/L14T6yjjgPdF1D5W7 **👥 Who:** Entrepreneurs • Investors • Deal-makers • Service Providers **✨ Why come ):** ✅ **Real intros, not speed networking** — you’ll leave **knowing everyone** in the room. 🤝 **Peer introductions** — returning members introduce people they already know; 🌟 **new attendees** introduce themselves. 🎯 **Warm, curated connections** — meet partners, clients, and collaborators. **🧭 Flow** 🕟 **4:30–5:00** — Doors open, check-in, name tags 🕔 **5:00–5:30** — Peer introductions + new attendee intros *(Offer & Ask)* 🔗 **5:30–6:45** — Open networking & curated matches 📝 **6:45–7:00** — Wrap-ups & next steps **🧾 Bring:** 🪪 Business cards • ✍️ 1 clear **Offer** • 🎯 1 clear **Ask** **👔 Dress:** Smart casual **💸 Fees:** **Free entry** *(☕🍵🥤🍽️ Buy your own tea/coffee/Drinks /Food and support venue providers)* **📝 RSVP ( Compulsory ):** 🟢 On Meetup: tap **Attend** 💬 Or in WhatsApp Community: post **“ATTENDING – Name \| Company \| Offer \| Ask”** **📲 Stay connected (always include these):** 👉 **WhatsApp Community:** https://wa.me/971557133786 📸 **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/dubaisyndicate](https://www.instagram.com/dubaisyndicateoffical) **⚖️ House rules:** 🤝 Give-first • 🚫 No hard selling • 🔒 Share contacts only with consent

📍 **Venue:** Sportsbay - Al Karama We play badminton here every Thursday, 7-9 PM. [Al Karama Venue: Google Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RdqEivDhapk7wTL99) Join our [Join the Al Qouz/Jumeirah Whatsapp Group 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 group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. \*Cost per session: 40 AED *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.**

**PLAY : 🎧The‎ Biggest‎ THURSDAY ‎ Party** **THURSDAY \| FREE ENTRY \+ OFFERS** **OFFERS FOR ALL💥** * **Free‎ Entry on‎ Guestlist till 12AM** * **Ladies Free Drinks till 1AM** * **4‎ Drinks + 1 Shisha‎ Men‎ : 99** * **4‎ Drinks +‎ 1 Shisha Ladies : 69** 📍**OUD METHA DUBAI** **📞 Reservations:‎ 0543231214** (Special Note : Reservations to be made through WhatsApp : 0543231214)

Players in and around Dubai, Sharjah can participate in my hosting. Host Name : Jeevan Host Mobile : +971563749353 Weekdays : Mon to Fri 7am to 9am and 10am to 12pm [Morning] Weekdays : Mon to Fri 7to 10pm [Evening] Weekends : Sat and Sun 9am to 11am [Morning] Weekends : Sat and Sun 4pm to 6pm and 6pm to 8pm [Evenings] Amount: **30AED for 2 hours ( FEATHER)** Game Skills : Beginner, Amateur, Intermediate, Advanced players can join. NOTE : Water and Transportation\*\* is arranged for FREE on need basis (\*\*With minimal charges if distance is too far) ***Special Discounts for players*** : \> During their Job Hunt\. \> Who Lost Job recently\. \> Students \> Very Low Salaried Men \> Low Income Women who are Breadwinners in a family\.

📍 **Venue:** Al Manara Sports Hall, near Onpassive Metro Station *(pick up and drop off available from Onpassive Metro Station) [(Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3f3BmtB6s3SN4na6).* We play badminton here every Thursday, 8-10 PM. Join our [Join the Al Qouz/Jumeirah Whatsapp Group 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 group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. *Cost per session: 40 AED **(5AED discount if RSVP+Payment done 24 hours before the 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.**

Marhaba! Dubai brings the world together — and so does our meetup. [[[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/I0OyqZO7w4r1sCwWwm4R0v) ]] 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.

**This hike is in UAE Wadi Al Arrar is name given by locals to this valley
Hike Description:
This hike was done by us last year and we were mesmerised by the sheer beauty of this valley. Located between mountains, this valley has free flowing water and a lot of greenery. It is a thoroughly enjoyable hike.
A 4x4, AWD, Crossover or a SUV is needed to enter this valley, although sedans can be parked a few KMs from the start of the valley and passengers can then get into a SUV/ 4X4 having space.
Total elevation gain: 100 meters
Total distance of the hike: Approximately 8-9 KMs (around 3 hours of total walking time at slow/ normal pace** **The final meeting point will be advised on WhatsApp group after we leave from Dubai and Participants from Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, RAK, Fujairah, Mirdiff & Deira etc. may drive there directly without coming to Dubai meeting point.
Carpool: Will be made available and advised to confirmed participants via WhatsApp group.** **Hiking Hub will provide** **1- electrolyte drink** **2- Banana** **3-Protien Bar** **4- biscuit** **5- apple** **6- gloves
Cost: AED 100 participant via cash on event day.
What to Bring:
• Hiking boots/ shoes or trainers with good grip
• 2-3 liters of water and/ or electrolytes drink such as Gatorade or DIY Electrolyte tablets
• Sunscreen
• Hat/ cap
• Light snacks( optional )
• A full stomach along with a good night’s rest** **. Slippers and extra tshirt ( optional )
Anyone with basic fitness level who is used to walking/ exercising for 1 hour at least twice a week should be able to do it. If you’re not used to any kind of physical activity, this hike isn’t for you. Only you know your fitness levels and if you’re too slow, please don’t expect the whole group to wait for you.
While there are several experienced & helpful hikers in the group, your participation in the hike implies you clearly understand and agree to any unforeseen risks of injury or exhaustion, caused due to the inherent nature of such outdoor activities, and indemnify the organizers of the same.
Feel free to message me if you have any queries/ comments.please contact me 0566821209** **Tarek**

**Saturday\, 25th April 2026 \| 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM** 📍 *Inside Oman — no passport or visa needed to visit this enclave* **Details** Moderate trek · Rugged Mountain & wadi scenery Ages 15\+ Distance: 6\-8 KMs \| Duration: 4 hrs **The Plan** Weather's heating up, so we're hitting the trails before sunrise — push hard early and power through the heat as the sun climbs! 🚗 **Early AM** Depart Dubai — leave early to arrive fresh. 🕕 **06:00 AM** At the trailhead — lace up and hit the trail! 🏁 **10:00 AM** Back at the cars. 🏖️ **Post Hike** Heading straight to the beach for camping — the adventure doesn't stop here! 🤿 **Coming Soon — Snorkelling Event!** Limited seats available. Stay tuned on Meetup for updates — you won't want to miss this one! **What to Bring** * 👕 **Clothing** Light, breathable long-sleeves and pants to protect your skin. * **There is usually flowing water in the wadi, you may want to bring suitable sandals/ change of clothes if you want to enter water pools.** * 👟 **Footwear** Sturdy hiking boots — no sandals. * 💧 **Water** At least 2–3 litres. Staying hydrated is non-negotiable. * 🍎 **Snacks** Fruit, nuts, or anything light and energy-sustaining. * 🩹 **First Aid** A small personal kit, just in case. **Getting There** * 🚗 **Any vehicle** No 4x4 required — the trailhead is accessible by any car. * 🙋 **No car?** Let the organizers know — we might be able to help you find a seat with someone else. **What We Provide** * 🧭 An experienced trail leader to guide the group. * 🤝 Support and assistance throughout the entire hike. **Fitness Check:** · This is a moderate hike. Please make sure the trail suits your current fitness level so you can enjoy the experience comfortably. **Disclaimer** · Participants are responsible for their own safety and well-being. Adventure Emarat / Adventure Eagles and its leaders cannot be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage sustained during the event.

Escape Dubai's summer heat and spend the weekend with us camping in beautiful weather at Jebel Jais (@1770m altitude), the highest summit in the UAE, and rejuvenating with a sunset short hike, meditation and a sunrise yoga class. You won’t believe it, but yes, in the UAE, only on top of Jebel Jais and specifically in Camp 1770, you can be outdoors in the middle of summer without air conditioning, with temperatures expected to go down to 16 degrees at night. The private venue offers a 180 panoramic view of the hajar (rocky) mountains covering Oman and Ras Al Khaimah. **Day 1: Road trip, sunset hike & meditation, BBQ, games, bonfire & camping** We will leave Dubai at **2:15 p.m.** and Sharjah at **3:00 p.m.** and Ras Al Khaimah at **4:00 p.m.** *(Timings might shift a little with sunrise and sunset. Don't worry we'll share the exact plan with you in a Whatsapp group before the trip)* to head on a beautiful 2 1/2 hours road trip to Camp 1770, Jebel Jais, the highest camp in the UAE @ 1,770m altitude where the temperature is \~12 degrees less than the city. Upon arrival, we will have a beginner friendly hike from to Camp 1770 where we will have a meditation session and watch the sun as it sets in the Arabian Gulf's Sea. We will then have the usual best bbq in town, drinks, campfire games, music, have some melting marshmallows on camp fire and camp under the clear skies full of stars. **Day 2:** Sunrise walk, sunrise, yoga & breakfast We will start the day with a walk to the top of Jebel Jais to see the sun rising from the Indian Ocean from the highest point of Jebel Jais. Then, we will do a sunrise yoga session, to give the day a blissful start. After yoga, breakfast will be served, after which we will head back to Dubai to start the week. **Price without transport**: 600aed **Price with transport**: 760aed **Including:** * A total of 2 meals, including the famous best BBQ in town for dinner (mixed grill with meat and chicken, falafel, hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh salad, fattoush salad, bread, and snacks) and breakfast. * Beverages (Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water) * Exclusive access to the top of Jebel Jais * Accommodation in Camp 1770. 2 toilets are available. * Camp setup (Chairs, lights, private tents, mattresses, Fire pit & wood for bonfire) * Campfire games * 1 meditation session * 1 yoga session * 1 sunset hike * 1 sunrise short hike * Adventure leaders - fun guides who know the ins and outs of Jebel Jais * Great people and great fun! **Available Extras:** * A sleeping bag with a temperature rating that is 5 degrees less than the expected lowest temperature or a heavy comforter is required, we recommend to buy a high quality one from Adventure HQ to have a good night sleep or you can rent one from us for 50aed (available upon checkout) * Transportation from Arabian Wanderers' meeting point in Dubai to Jebel Jais and back (Available optionally for 160aed if you choose the option with transport) **Notes:** * **Important note**: Your booking will only be confirmed once you've completed the process on the following link: https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/jebel-jais-camping-weekend-getaway-from-dubai-s-heat-on-uae-s-peak RSVP on Meetup serves as an expression of intent to attend the event and does not guarantee your place, as spots are limited and tend to fill up rapidly. * **If booking our transport**: * Dubai at 2:15pm: [Artisan Bakers - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5) in Al Barsha. RTA parking is available if you want to come with your car. * Sharjah at 3:00pm: ADNOC Service Station \| Al Sharjah \(564\) \- [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MqvsZgiraPLjhRzB8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MqvsZgiraPLjhRzB8) * Ras Al Khaimah at 4:00pm: ENOC \| 1444 \| Ras Al Khaima \- [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BKeFyt4jZ9AbQHH6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BKeFyt4jZ9AbQHH6) * **If not**: * Jebel Jais at 5:00pm: [Jebel Jais - https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1cdkoCmDLebnm4b7?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1cdkoCmDLebnm4b7?g_st=ic). Any car can reach the meeting point in Jebel Jais where you will follow us in a convoy until our camp (10 mins drive) and free parking will be available. There is no need for a 4x4 vehicle. * **Physical rating:** Beginner level - Light physical activities are included. * **Group size:** Small group experience - Avg. 12, Max 25. * **Nature calls:** Toilet will be available in the camp * **Solo & women friendly:** Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women. * **Not pet-friendly:** Due to the sensitivity of the area near Oman's border, Camp 1770 does not accommodate pets or animals. * **Health and travel insurance**: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain one [here](https://explore.safetywing.com/nomad-insurance-complete?referenceID=26286700&utm_source=26286700&utm_medium=Ambassador) ! * **Tipping Information:** If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guide, please bring cash in AED for tipping. * **Instagram:** Follow us on instagram for our latest adventures: [arabian.wanderers](https://www.instagram.com/arabian.wanderers/) * **Sunset Hike details:** * Duration: \~1 hour * Distance: \~2kms * Elevation gain: \~100m * Difficulty level: Beginner For further info, you can WhatsApp message by clicking on this link [https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1](https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1) or call us on: [+971522067219](+971522067219)

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

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. 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."

**Optional movie afterwards**