The Black Book: A Private Network, Not a Clubhouse
Dubai has plenty of private members' clubs, including The Arts Club, Capital Club and Neera. Each is built around a building. The Black Book isn't.
It's a network capped at 100 members, at $50,000 a year, with entry by invitation or referral only. There's no clubhouse and no public application form.
How The Black Book compares
| Club | Annual fee | Joining fee | Member cap | Entry | Clubhouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Black Book | $50,000 | None | 100, permanent | Invitation or referral | None |
| The Arts Club Dubai | AED 18,900 (~$5,150) | AED 15,750 | Not stated | Application | DIFC |
| Neera Dubai | AED 15,750 (~$4,290) | AED 7,500 | Not stated | Application | Al Habtoor City |
| Capital Club Dubai | Not published | Not published | Not stated | Enquiry and approval | DIFC |
Competitor figures are from each club's public website. Capital Club doesn't publish pricing.
Why $50,000
A clubhouse has to pay for rent, staff and kitchens. We don't have one, so most of the fee goes into private dinners, international trips, events, introductions and the team that runs them. You're paying to belong to a small group of people, not to use a building.
Why 100
Most clubs grow with demand. We won't. Once the 100 places are filled, no more are issued.
Why invitation only
Before anyone reaches an interview, someone already in the network has to put them forward. Members are part of the selection, and nobody gets in simply by being able to afford it.
Why no clubhouse
Our members aren't in one city all year, so the events go where it makes sense: a dinner in Dubai, an experience in Monaco, a weekend in London or Singapore.
Who it's for
Our founding network and waitlist include family office principals, founders with significant exits, private equity and venture partners, bankers, board members, law firm owners, surgeons, sports agents and racing drivers. No single industry defines it. What they share is a track record, a strong network of their own and something to contribute. We never disclose member or applicant identities.
Is it the most exclusive club in the Middle East?
That depends on how you measure it. On size, price and entry route, The Black Book sits at the far end of the Dubai market. For people who can already get a table anywhere, the hard part is meeting the right people, and that's what we're built for.