Nobody Talks About How Expensive It Is to Have Friends as an Adult

In Dubai, friendships are often forged over rooftop brunches, yacht parties, and nights spent exploring the newest pop-up events. But beneath the glamour, there’s a reality many rarely talk about — how expensive it is to simply have friends as an adult. While maintaining relationships was once as simple as meeting at a park or grabbing a quick coffee, adulthood in a fast-paced city like Dubai attaches a hefty price tag to most social interactions. The average cost of a weekend brunch here starts at around AED 400–600 per person, and that’s before adding transport, valet fees, occasional gifts, or spontaneous post-brunch outings. How many times have you said yes to a plan, only to realize too late that it cost far more than you budgeted for the week?

As adults, we often shoulder these expenses quietly, convincing ourselves that it’s "just this once" or that it's necessary to maintain our friendships. But when the invitations pile up — brunches, weddings, birthday getaways, Friday dinners at DIFC, Saturday pool days on The Palm — the cost of showing up becomes a financial strain most people are too polite to admit. Are we prioritizing genuine connection, or are we simply trying to keep up?

Culturally, Dubai’s social scene adds another layer of pressure. In a city where luxury is normalized, there’s an unspoken expectation to partake — not just occasionally, but often. Even casual meetups can spiral into spending sprees: a quick coffee turning into a three-course meal, a "low-key" birthday dinner evolving into a lavish group trip. How do you say no without feeling like you're stepping back from the friendship itself?

It’s not just the big, obvious expenses either. Small, frequent costs — coffee catch-ups, movie nights, casual lunches — quietly drain your wallet month after month. A 2024 survey in the UAE found that the average young adult spends around AED 2,500–3,000 monthly on social activities, a figure that often creeps up without realizing it. When was the last time you looked back at your monthly expenses and noticed how much was spent simply maintaining your friendships?

And yet, none of this diminishes how valuable those friendships are. As adults, true companionship is rare and precious. But perhaps it’s time we started asking different questions — like, how can we preserve deep connections without letting finances quietly erode our stability? How can we redefine what it means to be a good friend, without tying that value to how much we can afford to spend?

In this article, we’ll explore the real financial cost of adult friendships in Dubai, the emotional pressures tied to spending, and how to navigate these challenges without losing the relationships that mean the most.

The Financial Reality of Adult Socializing

In Dubai, friendships are built across brunch tables, road trips to Hatta, and long nights under glittering skyscrapers. But behind these bright memories is a quieter truth — maintaining adult friendships here isn't just about time and energy; it's also about money, and far more of it than most of us are comfortable admitting. The average single adult in Dubai spends around AED 12,300 a month, excluding rent, with a surprising slice of that quietly swallowed by social obligations — the brunches, the coffee runs, the weekend escapes.

When did catching up over coffee start costing AED 200? When did a "simple" dinner turn into a full evening that leaves your wallet lighter than you'd planned? In a city where luxury is woven into everyday life, even the most casual meetups often come with a hefty, silent price tag. How often have you hesitated before accepting an invitation, not because you didn’t want to see your friends, but because you weren’t sure you could afford another "small" gathering?

Millennials and Gen Z professionals in the UAE feel it sharply. Recent surveys suggest social spending easily crosses AED 2,500–3,000 per month, higher than global averages, shaped by Dubai’s culture of ‘living fully’ in every moment. It’s a city that rewards bold experiences, but the pressure to keep pace can quietly erode your savings over time.

Friendship is priceless, we often say — but living as a good friend in adulthood, especially here, sometimes comes with a receipt we hesitate to look at.

The Emotional Toll of Financial Disparities

In Dubai, where luxury often defines social interactions, the financial disparities among friends can lead to subtle yet profound emotional strains. The city's vibrant lifestyle, while alluring, can inadvertently create a social environment where individuals feel compelled to match their peers' spending habits, even when it stretches their financial limits.

This pressure to conform can result in feelings of inadequacy or exclusion. When one friend can effortlessly afford upscale dinners or weekend getaways, while another struggles to keep up, it can create an unspoken tension. The less affluent friend may feel embarrassed or reluctant to admit their financial constraints, leading to avoidance of social gatherings or declining invitations, which can strain the friendship.

The mental health implications of these financial disparities are significant. Constantly worrying about expenses to maintain social ties can lead to anxiety and stress. A study conducted in the UAE found that financial stress is a common concern among residents, contributing to burnout and mental fatigue. The emotional toll isn't just about the money spent but the psychological burden of trying to fit into a lifestyle that may be financially unsustainable.

Moreover, the cultural emphasis on success and affluence in Dubai can exacerbate these feelings. There's an implicit expectation to project a certain image, and deviating from this norm can lead to social isolation. This societal pressure can make it challenging for individuals to set financial boundaries without fearing judgment or exclusion.

It's essential to recognize that true friendships should withstand financial differences. Open communication about financial limitations can foster understanding and strengthen bonds. By prioritizing genuine connection over material displays, friends can support each other in navigating the complexities of social life in a city like Dubai.

The Rise of 'Loud Budgeting'

In a city like Dubai, where plans often mean fancy brunches or weekend staycations, talking about money can feel awkward. But lately, a new trend is helping people be more honest about what they can and can’t afford — it’s called "loud budgeting." Coined by TikTok creator Lukas Battle in late 2023, loud budgeting encourages individuals to be transparent and unapologetic about their financial boundaries. Instead of quietly skipping plans or feeling guilty, they started speaking up: “That’s not in my budget this month.” Simple, honest, and real.

In a place like Dubai, this kind of honesty can actually feel pretty refreshing. When everything around you looks glamorous, it’s easy to think you have to match that lifestyle to belong. Loud budgeting reminds people that it’s okay to say no, without making a big deal about it. How many times have you said yes to a dinner or a trip just because you didn’t know how to say, "I can’t swing that right now"?

The best part? It takes a lot of pressure off. Instead of worrying about how to keep up, you set the tone early. You give your friends a chance to understand where you’re at, and it usually turns out that many of them feel the same way — they were just too shy to say it first.

In a city where life can move fast and look expensive, being upfront about your budget isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It's a small shift, but it can make friendships stronger, because real friends care about you, not how much you spend.

Friendship Dynamics in a Cost-of-Living Crisis

A recent survey highlighted that nearly half of UAE residents cite the cost of living as a primary source of stress. This financial strain doesn't just affect individual well-being; it also impacts social connections. Some find themselves distancing from friends whose lifestyles they can no longer afford to match, leading to feelings of isolation or tension within social circles.

Yet, despite these challenges, the desire for connection remains strong. Many are finding creative ways to maintain friendships without overspending. This includes organizing home gatherings, exploring free community events, or simply enjoying a walk together. These alternatives not only ease financial pressure but often lead to more meaningful interactions.

It's also encouraging to see a shift towards open conversations about money among friends. Being transparent about financial limitations can foster understanding and strengthen bonds. After all, genuine friendships are built on mutual respect and support, not on the amount of money spent.

In navigating the financial realities of Dubai's vibrant social scene, it's essential to remember that the value of friendship isn't measured by extravagant outings but by the quality of the connection shared.

Strategies for Maintaining Friendships on a Budget

Affordable Socializing in Dubai

Dubai offers numerous free or low-cost activities that can help you connect with friends without straining your finances. Consider these options:

Public Beaches: Enjoy a day at JBR Beach or Kite Beach, where you can relax, swim, and have a picnic without any entry fees.
Cultural Sites: Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or Al Seef to explore Dubai's heritage and architecture.
Free Events: Keep an eye on platforms like Dubai Calendar and Eventbrite Dubai for free concerts, workshops, and exhibitions.
Outdoor Activities: Take a walk along the Dubai Water Canal or go for a hike in Al Qudra.

Open Communication About Finances

Discussing money with friends can be uncomfortable, but honesty is key to maintaining healthy relationships. Here are some tips:

Be Honest: If a proposed activity is beyond your budget, express your concerns. You might say, "I'd love to join, but I'm trying to save money this month. Could we plan something more affordable?"
Suggest Alternatives: Propose budget-friendly options, like hosting a potluck dinner at home or attending a free community event.
Share Your Goals: Let your friends know about your financial goals. This transparency can foster understanding and support.

Setting Boundaries Gracefully

It's important to set financial boundaries to avoid overextending yourself. Here's how:

Decline Politely: If you can't afford an activity, decline respectfully. For example, "That sounds fun, but it's not in my budget right now. Let's plan something else soon."
Take Initiative: Organize affordable gatherings, like a movie night at home or a group walk, to stay connected without overspending.
Stay Firm: Stick to your financial boundaries, even if you feel pressured. Remember, true friends will respect your decisions.

By embracing these strategies, you can maintain and even strengthen your friendships while staying financially responsible.

Friendships in adulthood come with a reality few of us saw coming. They ask for our time, our emotional energy — and yes, sometimes, more money than we expect. In a place like Dubai, where life often feels like an endless carousel of invitations, events, and celebrations, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly holds friendships together. It’s not the brunches, the staycations, or the dinner bills split five ways. It's the quiet moments, the hard conversations, the willingness to meet each other where we are, not just where our wallets can take us.

The truth is, no friendship worth having will crumble because you skipped a fancy dinner or chose a beach walk over a five-star brunch. The people who matter will understand — and maybe they were hoping you’d say it first, too. Money might shape the ways we meet, but it doesn’t define the reasons we show up for each other.

In the end, the friendships that survive — and grow — are the ones built on something stronger than shared bills or social calendars. They’re built on patience, understanding, and the simple joy of being seen, even when life gets complicated. And maybe that’s the kind of wealth we should be chasing all along.