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It's the best time in history to be single

Did you know that 25% of people across the world have said 'yes' to singlehood for life?

A social revolution has happened and is here to stay, but there's no name for it. Such silent social shifts mean that we're not resisting and truly celebrating a new paradigm - life sans a significant other. Today, marriage is optional. It's just one among the myriad choices we pursue as we design our personal journey through life.
Our century is host to customisation - the cycle of study-work-marry-raise children has been broken. Today, you can get married and then study. Or, pursue a degree while your child is in high school. Or, skip marriage and pursue a business plan. This 'unfollowing' of a prescribed life has led to a society where more people are single than married. This has not been true at any other time in history.
According to Euromonitor International, in the next 15 years, single-person households will see faster growth than any other household type globally. An estimated 120 million new single-person homes will be added by the year 2030. Not only are people across the world choosing to stay single longer, they're staying single for life.
One of the biggest reasons, according to the Pew Research Center, is the changing mindset of millennials. Only 30% believe that 'a successful marriage is one of the most important things in life', and one in four will never have married by the age of 50. The increasing numbers are not about the divorce rate (it has remained steady) - previously married people are choosing to simply not remarry. It isn't about people living longer - the upward trend towards the single life is reflected in every generation. It is true across the globe - one in four men and one in seven women in Japan have remained single at age 50, and the 25% single-for-life population is mirrored whether it is the U.S., Ireland or Korea.
The expat population in the UAE turns to a family of choice and are immersed in crafting fantastic life stories that may or may not feature marriage.

There's a whole world out there

"As a person who has travelled to 34 countries, I think it's safe to say that I love to travel. And, as a 32-year-old single Indian woman, I think it's also safe to say that I love being single."

Echoing these thoughts, Akbar Khan Qureshi, a visionary millennial entrepreneur and ambitious traveller, adds:

"I decided to fly to Sweden after watching an Airbnb advertisement. I was on a flight three days later, when I decided to also visit my family in Amsterdam. Two days in, I thought I might as well visit Germany. I could do this and travel according to my mood - which is what I most enjoy about being single."

Companionship Redefined

"It's such a good feeling to know that your arrival is being anxiously awaited when you come home from a long day at work. My cats are my ultimate stress busters - my oldest is 16 and I cannot imagine my life without her," - Hadia Arif, 32, banking professional.

We're in a happy place

"I have a very spontaneous character, and it is important to me that I have free reign over my choices." 

Finding joy in the company of her siblings, Odrin Mendonca, 33, an administrative professional shares:

"I'm quite happy with the way my life is at the moment. After work, I hang out with my siblings. We attend events, watch movies, sample different foods; marriage isn't a topic we discuss. Our life in Dubai keeps us fulfilled, and I don't find anything amiss."

Single and ready to...learn?

"Recently, I learnt to play the Daf (a Middle Eastern drum) and I'm using those skills in a band I'm a part of now. I'm also trying to master new photography styles."

The solo viewing experience

Solo dining in the UAE

"I would say folly by Nick & Scott, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is one of my favourite places to spend time. Another favourite is Intersect by Lexus, Dubai International Financial Centre for its interiors. The amazing soundtrack and tapas style food presentation at Toro+Ko, CityWalk make it a great option among solo diners."

Solo diners are looking stereotypes in the face and shattering them. Dining solo should not and does not restrict diners only to the options of home delivery and takeaway - 'table for one' and 'individual meals' are popular concepts too. "UAE is a single-friendly country, especially if you have enough to spend. My weekends are usually spent sipping coffee from different cafés, sampling new healthy joints, and working out at the gym," says 22-year-old Gauri Jham.
Counter dining and seating is picking up in the UAE. Dig into your next meal at these restaurants.
Circle Café, multiple outlets across Dubai
The Dubai Media City branch has beautiful interiors and offers an outdoor dining experience by the lake. Perfect for your office lunch break if you work in the area.
Lock, Stock & Barrel, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR
With a guarantee to make Dubai's nightlife bigger and brighter, the new branch is a must visit if you're looking for good food, great live music, and some sports.
Shakeism, Al Barsha
Hungry, but don't want to feel too full? Grab a milkshake and a sandwich at this tiny outlet. Give solo dining a shot just like Rachel did on F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Carry a book for company or load your iPod with a fun playlist. 
Eat Greek, multiple outlets across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
You've always wanted to experiment and try an unfamiliar cuisine? 'No company' isn't excuse enough to toss the idea out of the window. Indulge in some Greek food here and celebrate your own company.
Sushi Counter, multiple outlets across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Choose from the restaurant's variety of sushi, traditional and California hand rolls, street food, burgers, and platters. There are vegan and vegetarian options as well. Indulge in some fusion foods - go for the sushi burrito! 

Spoilt for choice

"I enjoyed my yoga classes so much that I decided to pursue the 100-hour teacher training course. After a full week at work, I'd look forward to yoga on the weekends."