People of Dubai (Yes, I've noticed it mostly with Dubaians). What's this fascination with the 'Hey, let's catch up for coffee' out of the blue. It's becoming too much. Especially when it comes from random strangers. Why? What's on the agenda? Who will pay for my petrol and time?

@TalibHashem Coffee -> Starbucks -> startup ideas -> investment ..

In my opinion, I think such sittings derive from Arab culture when meeting over a coffee. We have seen countless of Majlis Meetings back in the day where topics are discussed over a coffee. Also, in a globalized world we live in… strangers aren’t as strange / alien anymore (which has its pros and cons).

Hey! Let’s catch up for coffee 😂 In all seriousness, I agree with you it’s more extreme than in other places. My guess is a) there are a lot more transients so people are building (or RE-building if their moving back) their networks and b) there’s a lot more self-imposed pressure to keep up networks here because they are so important to getting good work done. There’s a c) as well but it’s touchy and requires extra info. Do you get that question more from expats than Emiratis? I have noticed among my former students who are Emirati that, if they regularly engage with expats in their jobs/lives, they are suddenly flooded with these requests from expats. I have ideas for why that might be the case but nothing solid. Just something I’ve noticed.

@TalibHashem 😭

@TalibHashem What if I don’t like coffee? Also, I need a minimum of 4 days notice to prepare myself for this

@TalibHashem Your Higness... Just save your valuable time and money...and say NO!! Though you clearly have time to moan about it on social media... Your excellency ..