Writing

### No pressure. No judgment. Just books, curiosity, and good company. **What to Expect** This is a relaxed, judgment-free book club created for people who love books, are getting back into reading, or simply enjoy being around curious minds. There is **no assigned book** and **no expectation to finish anything**. Read at your own pace — whether it’s one page, one chapter, or a book you’re still thinking about months later. Come share what you’re currently reading, something you’ve read before, or even a book you hope to start someday. The focus is not on how much you’ve read, but on the conversations, perspectives, and connections that unfold. We’ll begin with casual mingling, ease into a light icebreaker, and then let the discussion flow naturally. Expect thoughtful conversations, diverse viewpoints, and a welcoming mix of readers — fast, slow, and somewhere in between — all while enjoying coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage. **What to Bring** • Yourself • A book you’re reading, have read, or want to read • Curiosity and an open mind **Location** Art & Dine @ The Springs Souk (Near Emirates Hills, Springs, Meadows, Lakes, Hattans) **Policy** • Attendees are required to avail any item from the menu • Please be respectful and listen when someone else is speaking **Parking** Free mall Parking **Contact** Rinku — WhatsApp +971 50 558 2680 This is a warm space to slow down, meet new people, exchange ideas, and feel inspired — without pressure, deadlines, or judgment.

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [MeetNtrain](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball on soft sand** 🌴🏐 This session is designed for **intermediate-level players** who already know the basics and are ready for fast rallies, good energy, and competitive fun. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the beach atmosphere with a great group of people! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **[Book Now](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** **Noah : 0504746210**

Southwest Kazakhstan, called **Mangystau, is a land of vast, wind-whipped deserts and stunning limestone mountains** that form the bottom of deep depression basins. The area boasts an unparalleled variety of desert landscapes and geological wonders, making it a hidden surprise of a **truly extraterrestrial character,** **in a remote Kazakh corner.** At first glance, it may appear as a remote desert wilderness, but take a closer look and you’ll see something more profound: a vast, **natural geometry curved by time**, offering a journey not just across space, but deep into Earth’s prehistoric past. **Here, the nature played an inspired architect** and created colorful canyons, peaks and towers, which are translated today into rainbow castles, yurt mountains or tiramisu valleys. The northern part of the peninsula is covered by fields of limestone concretions and fossils of ancient sea creatures. These fossils provide evidence of the region's connection to the prehistoric sea, housing remnants of fish, sponges, corals, and even whales. You are standing at the shores of Sarmatian Sea, remnants of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, and the Paratethys, that 250 to 50 million years ago covered the Caspian and Black Seas, to the Aral Lake. **Mangystau is also known for its sacred places**, making it famous in the region. What sets the local mosques apart is that they don't resemble typical Muslim temples with domed roofs and minarets. Instead, their facades are predominantly shaped by nature, showing little evidence of human interference. Today, standing on the ancient seabed under a wide Kazakh sky, **it’s hard not to feel both humbled and awed**. Where forms has been sculpted into infinity, there is no need for sound. **Desert speaks directly to your soul, through its vast and timeless geometry.** [See the clip here](https://vimeo.com/1015662135?share=copy) **Let’s go!** **DAY 1 // Tuesday** Direct flight to Aktau. Arrival, immigration clearance and check-in to hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. **Day 2 // Wednesday** We will kick start our 4WD expedition into wilderness with **Kapamsay Canyon** \- chalk oasis of white cliffs standing against the azure sky\. In fact it’s a bottom of a dry riverbed\, an amazing hideout with rare but resilient plants\. Further on we continue to **Shakpaktysai Canyon** where will visit first the underground mosque Shakpak-Ata. The underground mosque is carved into a chalky rock mountain. It is known that Sufis who once lived in this cave practiced healing rituals. They helped people who came here seeking a cure for their illnesses. To do this, the sick person was left in the cave overnight. It was believed that during the night, a benevolent spirit would visit the sick person and drive the illness away. Even today, people continue to come here with the hope of being healed. On our list of curiosities of the day, next one is **Valley of Balls** in Torysh. The stone formations of Torysh stretch for hundreds of kilometers on both sides of the hills, creating a unique landscape. Where the rock layers were broken vertically, long ridges made of stones of different sizes were formed. Where the layers were broken horizontally, the stones formed fields filled with round shapes that look like balls, eggs, mushrooms, UFOs, cylinders, nesting dolls, and even animals. Such unusual and imaginative stone fields can be found in the area of Torysh. We continue to **Sherkala rock**, which was once a fortress of the eldest son of Genghis Khan, Jochi. This legendary place was built in the Middle Ages, to secure the paths of Great Silk Way. “Sherkala” – by the translation from Turkmen language means “lion fortress” (“sher” – lion, “kala” – fortress). Time to wrap up and head to our camp for a night in yurts. **DAY 3 // Thursday** Today we are set to explore **Sor Tuzbair, salt flats desert** with chalky hills and limestone cliffs. After rain the salt flats transform into a reflective surface mirroring the sky and the nearby dazzling white cliffs. This sight will stun even those who are not easily impressed. Here you ll learn the names of belemnite and ammonite, while if you re lucky you may come across fossilized prehistoric shark teeth. First we head to **Airakty Mountains,** which look like a magical castle, with spires, towers, columns, and fortress-like walls. The main sights of the valley include mysterious grottos, unusual caves, and formations that resemble palaces with colonnades, temples with domes, and Gothic-style spires. A winding trail, formed by wild horses, leads up one of the mountains. From the top, there is a stunning viewing platform overlooking the distant Aktau Mountains and the fairy-tale castles of Airakty. Next, we’ll stop in **Shetpe village**, where we’ll visit a modern caravanserai and taste local food. From here we continue to **Tuzbair**, a breathtaking natural wonder. This salt flat is a place of pure beauty, defined by just two colors: the brilliant white of the salt and limestone, and the deep blue of the sky on clear days. Approaching Tuzbair from the west offers spectacular views, with three major viewpoints along the way. Today we sleep in **Bozzhira canyon**, where we set up our camp and spend a night under the stars. **DAY 4 // Friday** On the last day of our expedition, its time for well-deserved dessert in the desert! First Tiramisu layers start appearing at **Mt. Bokhty**, which in fact in Kazak means “a pie”. The road passes along the picturesque Ustyurt Plateau. Mount Bokty lies at the bottom of a dry salt flat, bordered on the north by the small hill of Golbanshe, through which a graded road leads to the Becket Ata Mosque. Bokty Mountain is remarkable for its changing appearance. From different angles, it looks completely different — from one side, it resembles a giant ship turned upside down, while from the south, it looks like a wide, multicolored pyramid stretching across the horizon. Further on, **Kyzylkup will not leave any doubts to tiramisu lovers!** Gentle layers continue their horizontal alignment as far as your eye can reach. A last stop at **Karagiye depression (-132 MUSL)** which is one of the deepest places in the world. Its time to head back to the city for farewell dinner and last overnight in the hotel. **DAY 5 // Departure** Its time to head to airport for our return back home. Bye, bye Mangystau! **Level:** Easy with limited facilities. **Activities:** off-roading, striking sightseeing, trekking, yurt and desert camping 2 nights. **Accommodation & meals:** Hotel (dbl sharing) and desert camping. Local meals included, except meals on transfers (in Aktau). **Cost: AED 2,850 excl.** **flights or 7270 AED incl. flights until MAY 20.** **Specifically excluded:** Visas, meals during transfers (in Aktau). **Visas:** cost not included in trip budget: **At the time of writing 60 nationalities are visa free:** EU, GCC, UK, USA, AUS Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine. Visa support available through third party. *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.* See yah at Mangystau x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) // Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

A cozy, no-pressure book club. **What to Expect:** Welcome to a cozy, relaxed book club built around conversation, curiosity, and community. There is no assigned book and no pressure to finish anything. Come share what you’re currently reading, a past favorite, or a book you’d love to read in the future. We’ll start with casual mingling, move into a light icebreaker, and then open the space for organic book talk and discussion. Expect thoughtful conversations, different perspectives, and a welcoming mix of like-minded and not-so-like-minded readers. **What to bring:** • Yourself • A book you’re reading (or one you love or want to read) • Curiosity and an open mind **Location:** Art & Dine @ The Springs Souk (Near Emirates Hills, Springs, Meadows, Lakes, Hattans) **Policy:** • Attendees are required to avail any item from the menu • Please be respectful and listen when someone else is speaking **Parking:** Free mall parking available **Contact:** Rinku — WhatsApp +971 50 558 2680 This is a warm, judgment-free space to meet new people, exchange ideas, and enjoy stories together.

📣 Dubai Syndicate — Business Bay Chapter \| Free Entry 🌐 www.dubaisyndicate.ae ⚠️ WhatsApp registration is COMPULSORY before attending. Please message us on WhatsApp to confirm your spot before coming. 📲 WhatsApp: +971557133786 📍 When & Where ⏰ Time: 4:00 PM onwards (arrive on time — doors open at 4:00 PM for check-in & early intros) 🏢 Venue: Dimos Cafe, Business Bay, Dubai 🗺️ Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7t3BNiSTpr9EnYgk6 👥 Who: Entrepreneurs • Investors • Deal-makers • Service Providers ✨ Why attend: ✅ 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 (Name, Company, Offer & Ask). 🎯 Warm, curated connections — meet partners, clients, and collaborators. 🧭 Run of Show 🕟 4:00–4:30 — Doors open, check-in, name tags & early networking 🕔 4:30–5:00 — Peer introductions + new attendee intros (Offer & Ask) 🔗 5:00–6:00 — Open networking & curated matches 📝 6:00–6:30 — Wrap-ups & next steps 🧾 Bring: 🪪 Business cards • ✍️ 1 clear Offer • 🎯 1 clear Ask 👔 Dress: Smart casual 💸 Entry: FREE — please support the venue by buying your own tea, coffee, drinks or food. 📝 RSVP — Compulsory: 🟢 Step 1: Tap Attend on Meetup 💬 Step 2: WhatsApp us at \+971557133786 with your Name \| Company \| Offer \| Ask to confirm your spot\. You will NOT be admitted without prior WhatsApp registration\. ⚖️ House rules: 🤝 Give-first • 🚫 No hard selling • 🔒 Share contacts only with consent

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)

Come and have tea, meet new friends and engage in an open conversation about life's purpose, our collective responsibility towards humanity, our existence on this planet, diverse religious perspectives, spiritual insights, the interconnectedness of all people, gender equality, the convergence of faiths, and current world issues. Location: Burj Crown Building - Lounge Room on the 7th floor. Above "Baba Roma" restaurant. Free parking is available in the Dubai Opera House parking. 15 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai [https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5NH1VNXSHCJC7bq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5NH1VNXSHCJC7bq5) Time: 19:30 for an 20:00 prompt start

Love stories, but never find the time to read? Always wanted to start reading but don’t know where to begin? **A Few Good Pages** is a weekly short story circle where we slow down, read together, and have thoughtful relaxed discussions. No pressure, No prep! We meet **every Saturday** to read and discuss **one or two short stories**—quick reads that stay with you. Whether you’re a **wannabe reader** looking to get started, a **busy book lover** who wants to rebuild reading habit, or someone who enjoys **sharing perspectives on a great story**, you’ll fit right in. You don't need to prepare anything in advance - Just show up. Over the past year, we've read and discussed over **200+ short stories,** building a warm, reflective community that values attention, curiosity and consistency. Join our WhatsApp Group for updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IpIMc6c87W49FJIg1cRDJk?mode=hqrt2 **Cost & Membership** * First session : **Free** * Drop in : AED 30 per session * Membership options available for those who want to build a consistent reading habit. **Location** Location : L'eto Cafe, 1st floor, Mall of Emirates (D7 is the closest parking Entrance) Please update the RSVP if there's any change in your plans :-) Come for the stories, stay for the discussions!

This is an event for those interested in improving and testing their English language skills... through exams! The exams are intended to be FUN and CHALLENGING. An 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 within seven days. 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. **Whatsapp link**: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FytQQgS85I61vS6nkduLm5

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPwYiB48lTz8Ud3pVdrGAc)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPwYiB48lTz8Ud3pVdrGAc) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball** on soft sand! 🌴🏐 Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, this fun and friendly game welcomes all skill levels. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the energy! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPwYiB48lTz8Ud3pVdrGAc) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **Noah : 0504746210**

Join us for the very first gathering of the Bookends Business Book Club. This opening meetup will be a relaxed introduction to the new club. No specific book has been chosen, this session is all about getting to know each other, sharing ideas, and shaping the direction of the club together. We’ll talk about: * What kind of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth books members are interested in * How the club will be coordinated going forward * What everyone hopes to gain from the discussions * Books we’ve already read and would recommend to others * Possible themes and book choices for future meetups Whether you enjoy biographies, leadership lessons, startup stories, strategy books, or practical business reads, this is a chance to help build a thoughtful and engaging business book community from the start. Come ready to share what you’ve been reading, what inspires you, and what you’d like this club to become.

A more refined way to spend your Wednesday evening. **The Wednesday Social** is a curated gathering for those who enjoy intelligent games, effortless conversation, and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. Set in Jones Social, expect a mix of strategy and social games — from chess and cards to Codenames and Deception — designed to spark connection without the chaos. *** 🕗 **Wednesday \| 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM** 📍 Embassy Suites by Hilton, Business Bay 💳 **Entry: AED 100** ✨ **20% off with advance reservation** *** A space for professionals, creatives, and those who prefer quality over noise. **Limited spots. Early booking recommended.**

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.