Dubai: When South African national Lukhanyo ‘Lukhie’ Songwiqi became a father to his daughter in February 2025, he experienced joy and pride – but also something else that most dads don’t get the opportunity to express.He said: “I quickly realised how rewarding, but also how challenging, fatherhood can be. Many dads are navigating the same questions, pressures and emotions, often without a support network around them.”As his daughter grew, he watched his wife Charlotte take her along to plenty of mother-and-child events and activities. He admitted to feeling left out and “jealous”. Lukhie said: “I realised something was missing. There are plenty of activities for children and lots of communities for moms, but very few spaces created specifically for fathers.”Charlotte noticed, and asked him the question that drove him to become a community leader: “Why don’t you create something for dads?”Lukhie with his family. Picture credit: SuppliedDubai dads come togetherLukhie, who works in real estate and consultancy, and has been a resident of Dubai for 10 years, answered by taking matters into his own hands. What if he could Dubai-it and create a unique environment for fathers?A few months after his daughter was born, he founded Dad Club DXB – a community group run by a dad, for other dads.He said: “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.”Dad Club DXB also has an important subgroup: The Stroller Club. This is where it all began, according to Lukhie.The Stroller Club is where it all started. Picture credit: SuppliedHe said: “It started as a simple idea: getting dads outdoors with their children for a walk and a coffee. There was no pressure, no agenda, just an opportunity to spend quality time together while meeting other fathers.”As participation grew, it became clear to him that fathers in Dubai were looking for something beyond stroller walks. Lukhie explained: “That’s why we evolved into Dad Club DXB, a broader community, centred around helping fathers become more present, connected, adventurous and fulfilled through shared experiences. We are a community for dads in all stages and all ages, with kids – from newborn all the way to teens.”The community even has a motto: “Never above you, never below you, always beside you.”When it launched last year, the group comprised just “a handful of dads meeting up”. Through word of mouth and recommendations, it grew to 50 dads, by June 2025. Today, it has become home to over 500 active participants from across the city, and it is continuing to grow.Lukhie is delighted by the response: “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. The growth has definitely exceeded expectations, but I think it reflects something much bigger than Dad Club. It shows there’s a genuine appetite for meaningful connection and that dads are looking for communities where they feel welcomed, supported and understood.”How the Dad Club worksThe primary intention behind the community group is to bring dads together in a non-judgmental space, where they can bond with other fathers, as well as their own children.Lukhie said: “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. There isn’t currently a membership requirement to join, although we’re planning to develop membership benefits as we continue to grow.”Being part of the club is simple – you can follow them on Instagram @DadClubDXB and join their dedicated WhatsApp group to stay apprised of upcoming activities and events.The group runs a variety of events each month, ranging from breakfast meet-ups and coffee mornings, to adventure days, family activities, sporting events, and experiences designed specifically for dads and their children. Lukhie said: “Some events are free, while others have a small fee to cover venues or activities.”Dad Club DXB events include monthly swim classes, Mallathon walks, coffee and gaming meet-ups, and more. Picture credit: SuppliedBeyond activitiesBeyond activities and events, Dad Club DXB is a place where fathers can find support.Lukhie said: “Dubai is home to people from all over the world, and many parents are raising children without their extended family nearby. That can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. Having a community where fathers can meet others in the same stage of life creates friendships, support networks and opportunities to learn from one another. Ultimately, when fathers are more connected and supported, families benefit too.”Having a space where they can talk to other dads about challenges they’re facing, learn parenting tips and hacks, decompress, and even network in a casual setting, are all opportunities Dad Club DXB offers its community.Lukhie said he has seen “dads who arrived not knowing anyone leave with new friendships, organise meet-ups outside of Dad Club, and become regular attendees. That sense of belonging is incredibly powerful”.The most rewarding part of running the group, however, is when he sees dads supporting each other through difficult times. Lukhie explained: “[It’s when I] hear dads say they realised they weren’t the only ones experiencing certain challenges. Whether it’s sleep deprivation, balancing work and family life, or simply wondering if they’re doing a good-enough job, those conversations happen naturally at our events.”Dads take the leadThe Dad Club DXB enjoys participating in the Dubai Mallathon. The group walks together and then ends the meet-up with breakfast at the mall. Picture credit: SuppliedWith Dad Club DXB, Lukhie hopes to put some fallacies to rest. He said: “The biggest misconception is that dads are somehow secondary parents. 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.”By helping fathers become more present and involved in their children’s lives, Dad Club DXB is showing the world how modern fatherhood has changed. Lukhie said: “Dads aren’t just helping – they’re parenting, and they’re embracing that role with real intention.”Lukhie looks forward to welcoming more fathers to Dad Club DXB, as the community expands. “We want Dad Club to become the first place fathers think of, when they want connection, support or memorable experiences with their children. Our vision is to build the leading community for fathers in the UAE and, ultimately, beyond.”The group is planning its event calendar for the rest of the year, and has lined up exciting activities, such as monthly swim classes, Dubai Mallathon walks, gaming and coffee meet-ups, and more.Lukhie said he has even been approached by brands that want to partner with Dad Club DXB, and is looking forward to working with organisations “that share our belief that investing in fathers strengthens families and communities as a whole”.If you’re a dad who is thinking about joining Dad Club DXB, Lukhie has a message for you: “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.”
