It’s September, which means Dubai’s population is swelling and the weather is cooling down – the perfect excuse for getting out there and making the most of the city. It’s also the time when many clubs kick off again. To celebrate, Time Out has profiled 25 top social groups and sports clubs, finding out where they meet, when they play, and how much (if anything) it’ll cost you for the privilege. So whatever you’re into, whether it’s bird watching or basketball, there’s a club or team (and lots of new friends) waiting for you.

Culture

Acting
The Desert Monologues is an acting workshop for adults that culminates in monologue performances at Ductac at Mall of the Emirates. It doesn't matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner – if you want the chance to tread the boards in a professional theatre, there’s no better way. Simultaneous courses begin on Thursday October 6 and Saturday October 8, and run for seven weeks.
From Dhs1,500 for seven weeks.
tiffany@dramaworkshopsdubai.com (050 986 1761).

Book club
The Dubai Bibliophiles group is all about meeting new people and discussing literature – the two key themes of this ‘democratically run’ book club, which next meets at 7pm at The Pavilion in Downtown Dubai on Saturday October 1.
Free. Register at www.meetup.com/Bibliophiles-Dubai-Book-Club (no number).

Comedy
Practise your funnies with a group of like-minded aspiring comedians at Dubomedy, which starts its Comedy 101 class on Saturday September 24 and takes place every Saturday until the end of November.
Dhs1,000 for an eight-week programme, including coaching and a live performance. Sun 1.30pm-3pm. Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, www.dubomedy.com (050 440 0994).

Poetry
Budding poet? Submit your works to Middle Eastern poetry blog Poeticians, which spans Beirut, Amman and Dubai. Alternatively, you can meet like-minded wordsmiths at the group’s events, which restart in November.
Free. poeticians@gmail.com, www.poeticians.com (no number).

Women’s book club
Dubai Page Turners is a women-only book club that revolves around food, fun and books (obviously). The ladies meet every second Saturday of the month at 6.30pm in various locations around town. The next meeting is on Saturday October 13.
Free. Register at www.meetup.com/DubaiPageTurners (no number).

Writing
The Dubai Writers’ Group is a haven for aspiring writers, who meet to discuss one another’s work and provide fair, positive feedback. The group holds regular meetings at various locations across the city. Sign up by visiting the group’s MeetUp page, or follow organiser Will Rankin on Twitter via the handle below.
Free. www.meetup.com/dubaiwriters,@herbertedwards (no number).