Cheers to the New Year: January at InterNations

By Olivia Gwilliam

Our communities across the globe have been busy ringing in the new decade, with lots of fun events and activities. After a busy December, the January blues can hit hard but luckily, we have a lot more coming up to keep the celebrations going!

In with a Bang

Photo credit: Sulaiman Shaqsi

Our Abu Dhabi Community kept the good times going with an InterNations Welcome 2020 Celebration & Afterparty. The glamorous event was held at the impressive venue Annex, at the Edition Hotel on Thursday, 9 January. Members dressed to impress to celebrate the beginning of the new year together in a sophisticated ambiance — thank you to our Ambassadors Loretta Mazzuchin, Farrah Alenie Cañaliso, and Jivka Dimitrova for organizing this fun event!

Photo credit: Maha A.H

Both new and experienced members of the Khobar Community got together to welcome 2020 on Tuesday, 31 December. Our Ambassadors Hasan AbuJabal and Maha A.H spoiled members with a delicious buffet dinner at the private banquet hall of Brasa de Brazil. The venue offered a spectacular view of the sea, making it the perfect setting to celebrate the new year. With private fireworks, it was a night full of entertainment and fun with lots of memories made to be cherished for life.

Photo credit: Amr Heikal

On Tuesday, 31 December, the Dubai DinnerNations Group rang in the New Year with an extravaganza at Dubai Marine Beach Resort. The evening consisted of unlimited drinks with great food, live music, and new friends. Impressive fireworks and a countdown on the beach were a perfect way to end the special evening. A big thank you to our hosts Cristina Caringal, Aline Fiat, and Amr Heikal for an evening to remember!

Photo credit: Hamdi Hmani

Our Amsterdam Community raised their glasses to success with both old and new friends at one of the highest rooftops in Amsterdam. Our Ambassadors Niels Bertschat, Zoya Zimina, Prem Narayan, and Sabrina Miklavcic held the elegant event at Floor 17, Leonardo Hotel on Friday, 10 January. The beautiful setting provided an opportunity for both expats and global minds to socialize and network with each other.

Photo credit: Sanaa Khalil

Our Edmonton Community also kicked off the new year on Saturday, 11 January. Members celebrated the occasion with good friends, delicious food, and great drinks in the heart of the city. The Japanese inspired Tokeo Station was the venue of choice for this fun event, hosted by our Ambassadors Zeev Shaposhnik and Sanaa Khalil.

The Celebrations Continue

Our Vancouver Community is keeping the New Year celebrations going with an event on Friday, 24 January. Our Ambassadors Sayora A and Felix J Emmanuel are hosting the evening at The Whiskey Room at Devil's Elbow. As their first official event of 2020 and the new decade, it provides a great opportunity to share goals and unique life stories with each other, catch up, and just have a good time together!

The Bern Hiking Group will head to Grindelwald on Saturday, 25 January. A walk around the World Snow Festival to look at the snow sculptures and explore the area with fellow expats and global minds, followed by a well-deserved pizza, promises to be a pleasant activity. Come and join the group for an enjoyable weekend day trip.

Another fun upcoming event is a welcome party for newcomers in the Zug Social Group. Thanks to activity host Hakan Ilgar, the group is invited to dance the night away on Sunday, 26 January at Mantra Bar in Zug. Feel free to join and enjoy the atmosphere at the trendy venue.

For those in Manama, why not welcome the Chinese New Year with a celebration in the city? Our Ambassador Aaryan Varman is hosting an event for the Manama Community on Monday, 27 January. Held at Wu Restaurant and Lounge on the Amwaj Islands, there will be a range of enticing signature dishes to enjoy. Make the most of the opportunity and share a memorable evening with fellow InterNations members and guests.

You can also celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Cincinnati Community. The event, hosted by our Ambassador Michael Beck, will be held at Shanghai Mama’s. Join fellow expats and global minds on Wednesday, 12 February to kick off the Chinese New Year positively.

No matter how you started off the new decade, we hope that 2020 will be a happy and successful year for you — we are looking forward to seeing you soon at one of our upcoming events and activities!

Don’t forget to check the events calendar to find out what is happening in our communities across the world.

About Olivia Gwilliam

Olivia Gwilliam is a Modern Languages and European Studies (German and Spanish) student at the University of Bath, currently working as an intern in the Editorial Office at InterNations. She loves city breaks in Europe, trying out local brunch spots at weekends, and reading in her spare time.

Article Topics

InterNations Community

Getting Back Out There: (Re)Discover Your Home Abroad

This month, our members set out to (re)discover the places they live in. From street food festivals and museum to bike trips and hikes in surrounding areas as well as exciting and unusual venues, there was a lot to see and learn. Take a look at the event highlights in May.
Easter, Ramadan, and Cherry Blossoms: Event Highlights in April

April offers many great opportunities to get out of the house, enjoy the great weather, and celebrate. From Easter to Ramadan and exciting spring events, our communities have a lot to offer. Check out our monthly event and activity highlights!
The Ukraine Crisis: How Our Communities Help People in Need

Millions of people have been affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Many of our members in our communities around the world have reached out and donated their time and money to help people in need. Find out what our members have done so far and how you can get involved yourself!
Celebrating Springtime and the Luck of the Irish with Expat Friends

While the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing dropping temperatures, many communities are getting ready to get back outside after a long winter, celebrating spring in many different ways. And, of course, it wouldn’t be March without some luck of the Irish. These are this month’s highlights!
InterNations in February: From New Beginnings to the End of a Season

After we just said goodbye to 2021, the Chinese New Year provided a perfect opportunity for another round of new year’s celebrations. With Valentine’s Day and the carnival season, February offers even more excuses to throw a party. Here are some highlights from our communities around the world.