Dubai Dads Unite: Father Creates 500-Member Community with Dad Club DXB

A new community initiative in Dubai, founded by Lukhie Songwiqi, aims to create a supportive environment for fathers. Established after Songwiqi recognized a lack of spaces dedicated to dads, Dad Club DXB facilitates meet-ups, sports, family activities, and emotional support among fathers.

In February 2025, Lukhie Songwiqi, a South African national, welcomed his daughter into the world. While he felt immense joy and pride, he also encountered challenges that many fathers face but often do not discuss. He noted the rewarding yet demanding nature of fatherhood, emphasizing that many dads grapple with similar questions and pressures, frequently without a support network.

As his daughter grew, Songwiqi observed his wife, Charlotte, participating in numerous mother-child events. He expressed feelings of exclusion and jealousy, realizing that while there were ample activities for children and communities for mothers, there were few specifically designed for fathers. Charlotte encouraged him to take action, asking, “Why don’t you create something for dads?”

Dubai Dads Come Together

With ten years of residency in Dubai and a background in real estate and consultancy, Songwiqi decided to take matters into his own hands. He founded Dad Club DXB a few months after his daughter’s birth, establishing a community group run by dads for dads.

He articulated his vision, stating, “I wanted to create a community where dads could connect, make genuine friendships, spend quality time with their children, and become the fathers they aspire to be. That’s really what Dad Club is about.”

The initiative began with a subgroup known as The Stroller Club, which aimed to get dads outdoors with their children for casual walks and coffee. This laid the groundwork for broader community engagement. As participation increased, it became evident that fathers sought more than just stroller walks.

Songwiqi explained that the community evolved into Dad Club DXB, focusing on helping fathers become more present, connected, adventurous, and fulfilled through shared experiences. The group welcomes dads at all stages of fatherhood, from those with newborns to those with teenagers. The community’s motto, “Never above you, never below you, always beside you,” encapsulates its ethos.

When it launched, the group consisted of just a handful of dads. By June 2025, word-of-mouth and recommendations had grown the membership to 50. Today, Dad Club DXB boasts over 500 active participants from across Dubai, with continued growth anticipated.

Songwiqi expressed satisfaction with the community’s response, noting, “We’ve now become one of the UAE’s fastest-growing communities for fathers, with hundreds of dads engaging through our events and online platforms.” He believes this growth reflects a broader desire for meaningful connections among fathers.

How the Dad Club Works

The primary goal of Dad Club DXB is to foster a non-judgmental space where fathers can bond with one another and their children. Songwiqi stated, “Our aim is to make it easy for dads to show up, connect, and create memorable experiences with their children. We’re a community first and foremost.”

Currently, there is no membership requirement to join, but plans are in place to develop membership benefits as the community expands. Interested fathers can follow the group on Instagram @DadClubDXB and join their dedicated WhatsApp group for updates on activities and events.

The club organizes various monthly events, including breakfast meet-ups, adventure days, family activities, and sporting events tailored for dads and their children. Some events are free, while others may involve a small fee to cover venue costs.

Beyond Activities

In addition to events, Dad Club DXB serves as a support network for fathers. Songwiqi highlighted the unique challenges faced by parents in Dubai, where many are raising children without extended family nearby. While this can be rewarding, it can also lead to feelings of isolation. The community provides a platform for fathers to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Songwiqi has witnessed firsthand the impact of this community. He noted that dads who initially arrived alone often leave with new friendships and continue to organize meet-ups outside of the club. He emphasized the power of belonging, stating, “That sense of belonging is incredibly powerful.”

A particularly rewarding aspect of running the group is observing fathers support one another through difficult times. Songwiqi remarked on the importance of open conversations about challenges such as sleep deprivation and work-life balance, which occur naturally at events.

Dads Take the Lead

With Dad Club DXB, Songwiqi aims to challenge misconceptions about fatherhood. He pointed out that many fathers are deeply invested in being present in their children’s lives. “The fathers I’ve met care deeply about being present in their children’s lives. They want to be involved, they want to learn, and they want to create lasting memories with their families,” he stated.

By encouraging fathers to take an active role in parenting, Dad Club DXB is reshaping perceptions of modern fatherhood. Songwiqi noted that today’s dads are not merely helpers; they are engaged parents embracing their roles with intention.

Looking ahead, Songwiqi is eager to welcome more fathers into the community. He envisions Dad Club DXB as the go-to resource for fathers seeking connection, support, and memorable experiences with their children. The group is currently planning its event calendar for the rest of the year, featuring activities such as monthly swim classes, Dubai Mallathon walks, and gaming meet-ups.

Songwiqi has also received interest from brands wishing to partner with Dad Club DXB, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of investing in fatherhood as a means of strengthening families and communities.

For fathers considering joining, Songwiqi offers a reassuring message: “Fatherhood isn’t something you have to figure out alone. Every dad is learning as they go, and having a community around you can make an enormous difference. At Dad Club, we believe that becoming a great dad isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being present. Everyone is welcome.”

Source: www.emirates247.com

Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.

Published on 2026-08-12 08:42:00 • By the Editorial Desk