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Celebrate San Francisco Pride with belong

It’s that time of year to get loud and proud! San Francisco is the epicenter for Pride celebrations – a month long-extravaganza filled with parades, parties, and cultural events. As we embrace diversity and equality, let’s take a closer look at the top Pride events in San Francisco for this year’s festival…

San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration

The San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration is the cornerstone of the city’s Pride festivities. Held 24-25th June, this iconic event attracts over a million participants and spectators from around the world. The colorful parade winds its way through the city’s heart, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and exuberant participants. Following the parade, the celebration continues at the Civic Center Plaza, where live performances, food vendors, and community booths create an unforgettable atmosphere of unity and pride. Grab some ASKWHO friends, some bright feather boas, and sparkly outfits, and hit the parade. 

Frameline LGBTQ+ Film Festival

The Frameline LGBTQ+ Film Festival, the largest showcase of queer cinema in the world, is an integral part of San Francisco’s Pride Month. Running for over ten days, this event features a diverse range of films that highlight LGBTQ+ stories and experiences. From groundbreaking documentaries to heartfelt dramas and light-hearted comedies, the festival provides a platform for established and emerging queer filmmakers. There will be some movie lovers in the Arts group over on the ASKWHO app – check in with them and see who’s going to the festival.

Pink Saturday

Pink Saturday, a lively street party held in the iconic Castro District, is a must-attend event during San Francisco’s Pride festival. Traditionally taking place on the Saturday night before the Pride Parade, this vibrant celebration fills the streets with music and dance. Pink Saturday captures the essence of the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, activism, and celebration of diversity. Get ready to dance the night away – the ASKWHO lifestyle group will be the perfect bunch to get in those margaritas. 

Dyke March

The Dyke March is a powerful and inclusive event that honors and celebrates lesbian, queer, and transgender communities. As a grassroots, community-led march, it emphasizes visibility and amplifies the voices of those often marginalized within broader Pride celebrations. The Dyke March takes place on the Saturday of Pride weekend, as participants flood the streets with banners, flags, and a spirit of empowerment. March together with your ASKWHO friends and show your support. 

Trans March

The Trans March, one of the largest transgender events in the country, takes place during San Francisco’s Pride festivities. Focused on highlighting the experiences and struggles of the transgender community, the march advocates for transgender rights, visibility, and acceptance. This inclusive and empowering event welcomes people of all gender identities, allies, and supporters. By centering transgender voices, the Trans March showcases the resilience and strength of the community while fostering unity and understanding. At ASKWHO we have a huge community of like-minded people that will join the march with you. 

Celebrate Pride with the best people

San Francisco’s Pride festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, history, and progress. As San Francisco comes alive with color, music, and activism, the Pride festival offers an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate diversity, and continue the ongoing journey toward equality and acceptance. Be sure to head to the ASKWHO app to find other members to celebrate with.

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How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2023 in San Francisco

Cinco de Mayo is a special day that celebrates Mexican heritage and culture. Good news – there are plenty of ways to join in the festivities in San Francisco throughout the month of May! Let’s take a look…

Mexican cuisine galore 

San Francisco is home to some of the best Mexican cuisine in the country, with many amazing restaurants and bars to visit such as…

  • La Taqueria – This Mission District institution has been serving up delicious tacos and burritos since 1973. Try their famous carnitas or al pastor tacos for a truly authentic Mexican experience.
  • Nopalito – With two locations in San Francisco, Nopalito offers a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant – Tommy’s has been serving up classic Mexican dishes and some of the best margaritas in town for over 50 years. If you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, this is the place to be.

Whether you’re a die-hard food lover or just looking for a great place to grab a bite, these restaurants are sure to impress. Make sure to extend the invitations out to the rest of the foodies group on ASKWHO!

Dance the night away

California loves to party, and throughout May there is no exception. Here are some amazing events to attend…

  • Carnaval San Francisco – Although it takes place after Cinco de Mayo, Carnaval San Francisco is an annual festival that celebrates Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Featuring live music, dancing, and a grand parade that winds through the Mission District.

For those who love to socialize and experience new things, these events are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to connect with the lifestyle group to find more celebrations happening near you.

From film to music 

Mexico is home to a thriving arts community, which we believe should be celebrated! There are plenty of ways to support these artists and learn more about Mexican culture on this special occasion…

  1. Located in the Yerba Buena Gardens, the Mexican Museum is dedicated to showcasing Mexican American art and culture. 
  2. San Francisco is home to many talented Mexican musicians, from traditional mariachi bands to contemporary Latinx artists. Check out local venues like The Chapel, The Fillmore, and The Independent for upcoming shows.
  3. Mexican filmmakers have made some of the most iconic films in cinema history, from classic directors like Luis Buñuel to contemporary filmmakers like Alfonso Cuarón. Gather some friends and have a movie night featuring films like “Y Tu Mamá También”, “Roma”, or “Pan’s Labyrinth”.

For those who appreciate art and culture, learning about Mexico through the arts is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. You could always host your own appreciation night with the ASKWHO arts group.

Whether you’re a foodie, socialite, or art enthusiast, San Francisco is packed full of experiences and events for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to share your Cinco de Mayo fun on ASKWHO, and connect with other like-minded individuals to make the most of this special day. Viva Mexico!

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The Best Places to Go in Dubai with Friends This World Food Day

Here in Dubai, we’re lucky to have access to some beautiful, nutritious food. To help you (and your friends) make the most of it, we’ve rounded up some of the city’s top eateries that you need to check out. Planning to go solo? Exploring your city through food is a great way to meet people in Dubai. So, how will you celebrate World Food Day?

1762

This gourmet deli has you covered for every meal, but all-day breakfast options are really where it’s at – the zaatar Turkish eggs and saffron shakshuka are our picks. 

The team there works hard to push for organic and free-range ingredients in their recipes. Plus, paleo, wheat-free and vegan options are available, so anyone with dietary restrictions doesn’t have to miss out. 

Stay for a quick meal or chill out for a few hours, and don’t forget to share your pictures with the brunch tag afterwards. 

RAW

The RAW Coffee Company prioritise keeping their business ethical. They work closely with their farmers to ensure they’re treated fairly, and the result is a range of coffee which not only tastes great but does a bit of good for the planet. 

If you want to find friends in Dubai to go along with, the ASKWHO coffee club frequents RAW. Explore the tag in the app and see who’s up for grabbing a cup.

Aseelah

As far as cultural things to do in Dubai go, authentic Emirati food is a pretty tasty option. Combining traditional dishes with an upscale vibe, Aseelah has something for everyone. 

Get some inspiration from the culture tag in the app to plan an enriching day out. Then, stop by for the dinner buffet and sample some impressive eats from the Middle East and beyond.

Lowe

Award-winning Lowe is about as sustainable as it gets. Fire-cooked food made with a nose-to-tail ethos, in a gorgeously decorated restaurant? Check, check, and check. 

If you’re big on being eco-friendly, it’s also the perfect place to meet people in Dubai who are also looking out for the environment. Keep an eye out for their next Waste NOT series, where the entire menu is made from would-be food scraps.

Not to your taste?

Our community is always on the lookout for new recommendations – and food spots are no exception. Whether you know any great hidden restaurants or have some must-attend foodie events in Dubai to share, we’d love to know. 

Head over to the foodie group in the ASKWHO app and tell us all about them. You’ll find lots of super advice there from other users, too.

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Building Self-Esteem; How to Find Friends in Dubai and Feel More Confident

Self-confidence – who wouldn’t like to have more of it? It can make you more resilient, improve your decision-making skills, and it means you play the social comparison game far less. But confidence is something everyone struggles with from time to time. The ‘fake it till you make it’ approach can only take you so far, so we’ve got some pointers to help you genuinely build up your self-esteem in the long run. 

Get active

Physique aside, regular exercise means more endorphins – the hormones responsible for mood-boosting. A better mood can help maintain a happier outlook on life, so you can avoid getting sucked into a cycle of negative thinking far more easily. You also get a real sense of accomplishment when you stick to a workout routine, whether that ‘workout’ comes in the form of gym sessions, hikes, pilates or something entirely different. 

Joining the ASKWHO fitness group allows you to connect with other active community members. They could offer class recommendations, or even become your future training partners. There are often classes posted there too, which our users will tell you are some of the best group activities in Dubai. 

Get uncomfortable

Attempting something outside of your comfort zone might be intimidating, but that’s exactly why it’s such a confidence boost when you do it. You feel like you can take on anything afterwards. There are loads of cool things to do in Dubai, just check out the posts from the ASKWHO community for yourself.

Your comfort zone is entirely personal, so pushing yourself will look different for everyone. Extreme sports may not be your cup of tea, but trying out a new restaurant might be the perfect way to challenge yourself. So, why not check out an interest tag you haven’t tried before on ASKWHO?

Get social

Expanding your social circle is one of the best things you can do to fortify your self-confidence. Being brave enough to make the first step and talk to someone new is often really fulfilling. But making new friends can be easier said than done. With ASKWHO on hand, you can meet people in Dubai from all walks of life. Our meetup group has transformed into one handy tab, so you can now find events in Dubai and make new connections in person (at long last). From blockchain to horseriding to board games, it won’t take long for you to find your new crew.

Get real

It’s important to be realistic when it comes to building your confidence. It’s not going to happen overnight, and it’s probably not going to be a linear journey. You might feel incredibly assured one day, and the complete opposite the next. The great news is, that’s totally normal. Bear that in mind, and make sure you’re being kind to yourself. Positive self-talk goes a long way to keep you feeling confident. Plus, the ASKWHO wellness group is always there to give you some self-care tips when you need them.

Try incorporating some of these ideas into your routine and see how your confidence improves over time. Make sure to download the ASKWHO app and share your journey in our supportive groups.

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Cheer Up the Lonely Day: Fighting Loneliness in Dubai

We can all feel alone from time to time – especially if you’ve just moved to a new country. It’s hard to know where to start with making friends, and keeping in touch with old ones can get tricky too. If you’re keen for some connection, we’ve got some ideas that might help… 

Try something new 

Meeting fresh faces in a new environment might be just what you need to kick loneliness to the curb. On ASKWHO, you can find events and activities near you, and meet others who are up for giving it a go too. Keep it as chilled or extreme as you like. Whatever you want to try out, somebody will be happy to join you.

Pencil it in 

A simple chat with friends can go a long way to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Although we’d all love to just have catch-ups as and when, busy lives mean that’s not always possible. Scheduling one in may feel formal, but it gives you something to look forward to. A set time also means it’s less likely to fall by the wayside.

Start the conversation

Even online, it can be scary to put yourself out there. ASKWHO makes it easier to connect with new people with similar interests to you. Whether you’re searching for fellow art fanatics, techies, or keen sports people, get chatting in groups that match your interests. Why not check out our meet-up group? You’ll find all the information you need to know about upcoming ASKWHO events where you can meet the amazing community. 

Friends don’t have to be human

Some of us are introverts, and the idea of meeting new people doesn’t appeal so much. That’s fine too, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for feeling alone. If you’re able to, adopting a pet means you get constant companionship from a 4-legged friend. They’ll bring a new source of energy to your life, plus plenty of love and cuddles (depending on the animal, of course). 

Pay it back 

Cheer up the Lonely Day on July 11th is all about uplifting those who are struggling. Even if that’s not the case for you, you can still get involved by helping others. Find a volunteer group to lend a hand to, and help support your local community. Plus this is a great way to meet new people. Reach out in the ASKWHO lifestyle group for some recommendations to get you started. 

Share your ideas

The ASKWHO community would love to know if you’ve got any other tips for tackling loneliness. Head to the app and share your thoughts with us. 

Your lonely days are gone. Connect with other locals looking to meet new people in our relaxed, friendly meet-up groups. Download ASKWHO today and get started – maybe we’ll see you at the next one.

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Where do you get your news? How belong can keep you up-to-date

Thanks to the abundance of screens in our lives, information is available 24/7, wherever you are. Convenient, yes, but what does it mean for how we get our news? According to a survey by Ofcom, 50% of adults say social media is their primary source. Here’s why ASKWHO should be part of your daily newsfeed…

It’s Personal

You don’t have to waste time wading through reels of irrelevant updates anymore. Joining special interest groups and following their tags means your news is always (and only) what’s important to you.  

Whether it’s… 

  • Art
  • Gaming
  • Travel
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fashion
  • Property

…or something else entirely. Whatever you want to know about, we’ve got it covered. 

It’s Authentic

No ulterior motives here, just our inclusive community sharing their insights on the latest with like-minded others. Our users post the things that matter to them, not just what matters to reporters. You don’t need to head to multiple different places to cover all your interests either, so it saves you a job too. 

Sunset Beach surfers can head out safely as soon as the weather allows – member Jacques lets them know when conditions are prime. 

It’s Current

Forget waiting a month for your round-up; with ASKWHO you can catch up with what’s happening in your groups on a daily basis. Leo went from sharing their involvement in an automotive project to inviting the Knowledge group to test out their newly-acquired robotic arm this week. 

It’s Social

Having a personalized news source to keep you in the know is great. Having friendly faces to share it with, is even better. We can all learn from each other, and joining an ASKWHO group means you get a supportive space to voice your thoughts on whatever’s going on in the world.  

Our Meet Up group is always being updated with events around Dubai, from Ladies’ Nights to pool parties to buffet breakfasts. And when you find a cool new event, you’ve already got people on hand to go with.   

It’s by you, for you

Once you become part of the ASKWHO community, you become a source too – you can share news from your end that you think the other members will enjoy. 

Stay connected to what matters to you, without all the overwhelming extra information. Download ASKWHO and join us today.

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Celebrating American Culture in Dubai

The Fourth of July has just passed, and you might be suffering from some post-celebration red white and blues. Luckily, appreciating American culture doesn’t have to be restricted to just one day. If you want to keep the USA party going, read on…

Foodie’s paradise

The best way to spend a day in classic American style is, of course, with great food. No need to settle on just one meal to go all-out for – Dubai boasts tons of great brunch options. 

STK Steakhouse is home to the multi award-winning Dare to Brunch. Half party, half all-star meals, for half the price.

Celebrating the States doesn’t mean the rest of the world’s off the table. Head to KOYO on Saturday for dinner and a show – their Kabuki Double Brunch is a great spot to socialize, Tokyo-style. Don’t worry if you’re not a morning person; with shows running from 1pm and 8pm, it’s an all day affair. 
If you’d prefer to turn up the volume, Lock Stock & Barrel’s your spot. Bottomless drinks and a fully-loaded menu, set to the tune of live rock. Plus, Mondays mean unlimited hot sauce-covered wings. Getting messy never felt so good.

Stars and stripes

Hit up one of the many galleries in Dubai for a splash of shape and color. The Lawrie Shabibi currently has an exhibit from Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim. Embryonic Coat offers a bright exploration of memory, both experiential and DNA-based. Don’t forget, you can always head over to the ASKWHO app and see which amazing art spaces the community thinks you should visit.

Go big or go home

For a full-throttle homage, get a bucket-list adventure under your belt. Even better, get two checked off. Remember how you’re always saying you want to meet new people? Reach out in the water sports tag on ASKWHO and book a flyboard session together. You’ll make new friends and great memories hovering above the water – pretty unique as far as first hangouts go.

Keep your animals safe

For pet-owners, all-American style celebrations can be a bit stressful. Loud noises don’t always mix well with animals, and none of us like seeing them in distress. If you’re attending a fireworks display or if one is happening near you, consider checking your pet into a daycare with BOOKMYPET.COM. You don’t have to worry about being out all day, and the noise won’t leave your furry friends upset. ASKWHO users also get 35 AED off with the code ‘askwho’.

Share your ideas

Any States-inspired events you’re planning that we’ve missed? Let the community know what you’re getting up to, and any spots you recommend, over on the app. Want even more inspiration? Explore your interest groups on ASKWHO for some friendly, local advice.

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How to Make New Friends as an Adult

The struggle to make new friends as an adult is real. Without school, university or clubs and with many people busy with work and family commitments, meeting new people can be tricky. But the benefits of making new friends at any age cannot be overlooked. Maybe you’re looking for a positive addition to your life, some new company or putting yourself back out there. The problem is that making friends as an adult is a lot more difficult than when you were younger. 

The Difficulties of Making New Friends

When we’re younger we make friends really quickly. You spend all your time at school and afterwards together. As an adult, it’s hard to make new friends that you don’t have that shared history with. The strong foundation to build a friendship on is not there. 

It’s also tough making new friends because of all your responsibilities. How are you supposed to make friends when you’re busy with work, with your partner or have family commitments? Where are you going to find the time? 

Making friends should be easy, but now it’s become a challenge and you don’t know why or what you can do about it. 

Tips on How Make Friends as an Adult

  1. Get Involved

It sounds obvious, but the only way you’ll make new friends is to dive right in. Put yourself in the mindset of wanting to talk to people. It might take a little mental preparation, but you’ll get there. Need a helping hand? Go to an event that you’re interested in and you’ll have a shared interest with the people there. This makes starting a conversation much easier! Make sure to find out what’s going on near you on ASKWHO.

  1. Find New Groups 

One way to make new friends is to find new groups. Facebook Groups is an option but it’s messy, confusing and you’re unlikely to make a true friendship. Social media is a great place to start, but you need something better than Facebook. ASKWHO groups are brilliant for meeting local people who share your interests and starting friendships. 

There are plenty of offline groups to join too. Why not volunteer or a sports team? Join an adult education class and make new friends while learning new skills. Take part in something new and see what you learn – and who you meet. ASKWHO is the place where you can take online friendships into reality. Head on over and get some inspiration.

  1. Set Reasonable Expectations 

You’re probably not going to make friends with everyone you meet. You’re also not going to be best friends with someone after one conversation. It actually takes an average of 90 hours to make a real friend – double that for a best friend. Take your time. Have fun. Enjoy the journey. 

  1. Don’t be Afraid to Take the Initiative 

It might be on you to start the interaction and that’s okay. Some people may not have the confidence to begin a conversation so they’ll be grateful that you did. You may even be both thinking the same thing, hoping the other person will speak first. So just dive right in. Break the ice by asking their thoughts and opinions or asking some basic questions to get to know them. 

Still nervous? Head on over to ASKWHO and meet people who are already into the same things as you. We take the awkwardness out of first conversations.

Meet People on ASKWHO

ASKWHO is the hot new social network for people in Dubai looking to connect. Take your online friendships offline and create lasting memories with lifetime friends. Download ASKWHO, join a group, and meet your people.

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What Killed Facebook for Millennials and Gen Z?

Facebook changed the world. It changed how people connect online. It was the biggest thing around and stayed that way for years. Then the cracks started showing. First came the e-cards, then came the Minions memes, and before you knew it every Karen in a hundred-mile radius was complaining on Facebook because they had nowhere else to go. 

Let’s face it, Facebook has seen better days. It’s where you go to see what you were looking at on Reddit two days ago. Or two weeks ago. 

Facebook’s time could be coming to an end. While it still has billions of users, Facebook is slowly losing its hold on younger people, especially Millennials and Gen Z. What happened? What killed Facebook for Millennials and Gen Z? Is there a new alternative on the horizon?

Girls taking selfie
  1. Facebook Groups Lost the Plot 

We use Facebook to stay in touch with others. We join Groups and communities and talk about shared interests. At least, that’s how it used to be. That was back before Facebook completely lost the plot. 

Facebook Groups are now a bit of a mess. They are filled with spam and unwanted ads. Even if you have the best adblocker in the world it won’t save you from the MLM scheme the admin is trying to con you into. Young people want somewhere they can talk to each other without someone throwing themselves into every conversation. 

These groups TRY to foster a community. They try to give you a place to have a virtual hangout. Then you spend a few days there and know it was pointless. It’s not long before you’ve quit the group to get away from it all. We get it Karen, you found yourself in a pyramid scheme – we don’t want to join you there. 

  1. It’s Not a Good Use of Your Time 

Most people are becoming more aware of how much time social media takes up. It’s true that you can spend hours sifting through your Facebook feed, but what good does that do you? This isn’t to say that social media can’t be a force for good. There are lots of amazing things you can do with social media. It’s all about how you use it. 

You want a social media platform that lets you communicate with likeminded people in your city, talk to them, and maybe meet up in real life. You want a more localized solution where you’ll find people like you. A platform like ASKWHO lets you connect to local people and talk about your shared interests. Get together with them and create genuine lasting friendships and relationships with other people. 

There’s no telling where that other person on Facebook is from. How much of your time is wasted on talking to them. People want a social media app that lets them connect but doesn’t waste their valuable time. 

Lady on phone
  1. Facebook Has Seen Better Days 

Anyone can tell you that trying to be cool is the most uncool thing you can do. While Facebook spent years at the top of the charts with young people, its monumental fall from grace has made it anything but. 

You only have to look at some of Facebook’s most recent advertising campaigns to understand this. The company has made several ads about how much it has failed but promises to do better. These promises are good for older and more experienced users. They remember the “good old days” of Facebook and hope to see a return to form. However, they don’t do anything for younger people and new users. Gen Z don’t want to log in and see what their parents are up to… or their parents to see what they are up to. They want to be somewhere fresh and new. 

Facebook isn’t as cool as it used to be. Between all the trolls, misuse, and privacy concerns, the brand has never been less relevant for younger people. 

  1. Other Social Apps… Just Do It Better

Most people use Facebook as a utility more than anything else. They talk to people, share photos with friends and family, and use Facebook for professional networking. The problem is that Facebook isn’t the best option for doing these things anymore. Not in a world where Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok exist. 

Instagram lets you share your world with others. LinkedIn connects you professionally. Twitter lets you share your unfiltered opinions. Reddit has massive communities with great moderation to keep things on topic. TikTok lets you explore your creativity. ASKWHO lets you build a local community. Everyone else does what it does, but better. 

Ready to Use ASKWHO?

There are plenty of reasons young people are abandoning Facebook in droves. But if you want a social media platform that really gives you what you need, then check out ASKWHO, the latest social media app for young Dubai residents and expats who want a little corner of the internet for themselves. Early access is waiting, so sign up today. 

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