{
  "id": 4125272,
  "title": "The rise of ‘quiet socialising’: Why UAE residents are choosing plans that don’t feel like plans",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/the-rise-of-quiet-socialising-why-uae-residents-are-choosing-plans",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/the-rise-of-quiet-socialising-why-uae-residents-are-choosing-plans-that-dont-feel-like-plans-1.500652837"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the United Arab Emirates, a new trend is emerging called \"quiet socialising,\" where residents are opting for a more relaxed way of spending time with others. This shift is in contrast to the fast-paced, high-pressure social life that was previously the norm. Instead of making elaborate dinner reservations or attending multiple events, people are now enjoying low-key outings that prioritize conversation, comfort, and simply being together. Places like cafés in the UAE have become the perfect setting for this trend, as they offer a flexible and low-commitment environment where people can meet for extended periods without the need for elaborate plans. The desire for quiet socialising is driven by a growing desire to escape the constant pressure of constant social events and the need to document every outing. It is also a reaction to the exhaustion that comes with constantly having somewhere to be, as the UAE's social calendar can quickly become overwhelming. While quiet socialising does not mean avoiding all outings, it represents a preference for more intimate, low-key gatherings with close friends and family. This trend highlights a shift in how people view socializing in the UAE, with a growing appreciation for the simple joy of spending quality time together without feeling obligated to constantly entertain or document the experience.",
  "summary": "There was a time when making plans meant making proper plans. Dinner reservations, packed restaurants, loud music, a full face of makeup and, ideally, a WhatsApp group with at least 47 unread messages. Now? Increasingly, people just want to sit somewhere nice, order something they like and talk. Welcome to the era of quiet socialising, a slower, softer way of spending time with other people…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}