39 incredible things to do in May in Dubai

Time Out Dubai

19-05-2025

The weather outside is as hot as this month's calendar of events.
There's absolutely loads of things to do in May in Dubai. Whether you want to see gigs, laugh out loud, relax in the sun or eat some great food, your diary never looked so good (if we say so ourselves).
The 39 best things to do in May
May 1
Chill at Kurasu
The Japanese coffee-shop just brought some of the most popular drinks all the way from Kyoto, so you can grab a table and check out the merch while you sip on a black sesame latte.
Or if you want to really taste the different roasts, make sure you try some of the hand drip coffee blends from across the world.
Open daily 9am-11pm. Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl, @kurasudxb
May 2
Check out a Las Vegas show
(Credit: The Showhouse)
The Showhouse has given its performances a shake-up and now it's all about good old Las Vegas.
Expect lots of glitter, tracks from Elvis Presley and Lady Gaga as well as crazy acrobatics and vocals while you tuck into dinner (and a drink or two).
From Dhs200 (minimum spend). Thu 9pm, Fri-Sat 10pm. InterContinental Dubai Marina, solutions-leisure.com (04 423 8312).
Watch Sigala on the beach
(Credit: Barasti)
You'll definitely be able to sing along here. The brains behind Came Here for Love and Sweet Lovin', the DJ will be getting the crowd going all night at Barasti Beach bar.
Inspired by the legendary Café Mambo Ibiza, the night will start with some chilled sunset tunes before turning it up once the stars come out.
You can opt for general admission, or go all out and choose the brunch package, which includes three hours of free-flowing drinks and a dish from 9pm to midnight.
From Dhs75. Fri May 2, 6pm-3am. Barasti Beach, Dubai Marina, dubaiplatinumlist.net (056 992 2847)
Laugh out loud at Shawn Chidiac
(Credit: Instagram @myparents_are_divorced)
The homegrown Dubai comic will be sharing some side-splitting jokes in his new show, Laughing in Translation for one-night only.
Shining a light on Dubai life and his own experiences living in the city, you'll definitely find some of these skits very relatable.
From Dhs175. Fri May 2, 8pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888).
Listen to Rock and Opera live
(Credit: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray)
Ever heard these two genres mashed together? Well it works.
The concert is coming to the Zabeel Theatre, where you can hear Bolshoi Theatre perform in both English and Russian as they perform opera arias with a rock twist. Showcasing some incredible voices, this is set to be an impressive night.
From Dhs300. Fri May 30, 8.30pm. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, dubai.platinumlist.net (056 611 2719).
Take a snow hike
(Credit: Supplied)
The Ski Dubai Snow Run is coming up in a few weeks, so to help you prepare you can book in for a snowy morning hike on the slopes.
Not only do you get a cool morning walk, you also get breakfast at North 28 included, so reward yourself with a salmon benedict afterwards.
Dhs100. Mon-Fri 8am-10am, Sat-Sun 7am-9am. Mall of the Emirates, skidxb.com (04 409 4000).
May 3
Head to a Cinco de Mayo party at GITANO
(Credit: GITANO)
Step into the jungle and experience a sizzling Cinco de Mayo party at the J1 beach club, filled with live DJ sets and a live mariachi band on Saturday and Sunday.
Expected special Mexican mixed drinks and single serves designed to keep you grooving until late.
Free entry. May 2-4, 6pm-late. J1 Beach, Jumeirah, gitano.com (058 566 2320).
Dance the night away at Peggy Gou
Peggy Gou will headline Soho Garden Festival (Credit: Supplied)
Peggy Gou will take centre stage once more at the Soho Garden Festival on Saturday May 3.
The South Korean singer and DJ is one of the biggest names in the global dance music scene and will bring her back catalogue of hits to Expo City Dubai.
With hits like (It Goes Like) Nanana, It Makes You Forget and Starry Night up her sleeve, it's set to be an incredible night of two-stepping.
From Dhs150. Sat May 3, 8pm. Soho Garden Festival at Expo City Dubai. platinumlist.net. (054 233 5555).
Go to Caribbean Beach Festival
Credit: Barasti
Barasti will come alive on Saturday May 3 when the open-air beach bar hosts the region's longest-running reggae festival.
Including performances from Wayne Wonder and reggaeton star Lucenzo (known for his Danza Kudoro track), you can also expect cool costumes, themed food and drink and beats all the way until 3am.
From Dhs120. Sat May 3, 3pm-3am. Barasti Beach, Dubai Marina, platinumlist.net
Celebrate Maifest
(Credit: Ernst)
It's time to dig out your Lederhosen and get down to Ernst Biergarten and Wirtshaus for some proper Maifest celebrations.
Marking the traditional German festival, you can enjoy a special brunch packed with live performances, a cheese table, live sports screenings and free-flowing drinks.
Dhs300 (soft drinks), Dhs400 (house beverages), Dhs500 (hops/bubbly). Sat May 3, noon-4pm. 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Trade Centre, ernstbiergarten.com (050 369 8394).
May 4
Sip unlimited mixed drinks for Dhs90
(Credit: GABA)
Tea room by day, speakeasy by night – the newest bar in Dubai Marina has just launched an impressive deal if you're a fan of mixed drinks.
Running every day from 5pm to 10pm, you can enjoy free-flowing mixed drinks while listening to live DJs and checking out the rotating art exhibitions inside.
Dhs90. Daily 5pm-10pm. Exact location confirmed on booking, Dubai Marina, @gaba.dubai
Eat out at INA
(Credit: INA)
Opening at J1 Beach, INA is the latest to open at the luxe waterfront in Jumeirah.
Blending open fire cooking with dine dining, the menu is a collaboration from Evgeny Kuzin and acclaimed Chef Glen Ballis.
The decor is definitely one for the 'gram, while the dishes will all be cooked on Dubai's largest open-fire grill. Open all-year round, you can sit under the sun in winter or opt for a table under the climate-controlled canopy in the summer months.
Opening daily 6.30pm-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah, j1beach.com (04 570 4766).
May 5
Get some free tacos
(Credit: supplied)
Who can say no to a free taco? On Monday May 5, Taqueria Freedah is giving 500 chicken tacos away to whoever gets there first.
Packed with thinly-sliced chicken, chilli, garlic and spices, this is a free snack you don't want to miss.
Free. Mon May 5, 3pm-6pm. Jumeirah, @taqueriafreedah (050 371 1547).
May 6
Eat unlimited pizza and dough balls
(Credit: Pizza Express)
Pizza Express is celebrating its 60th birthday with a blinder of an offer, letting you tuck into unlimited pizza and dough balls for an hour.
Whether you're a plain cheese-only pizza fan or want to try something new, the hour of munching will only cost you Dh60.
Dhs60. Until Sun June 1. Mon-Thu 5pm-6pm. Multiple locations, pizzaexpress.ae
May 7
Get competitive at HUSHH
(Credit: supplied)
Warning: your competitive side is about to be revealed. The brand new entertainment venue just opened in Dubai Mall, offering everything from duckpin bowling to live music, mixed drinks and some classic arcade games. Open until the small hours, your next night-out is sorted.
Opening May 2025. Mon-Fri noon-2am, Sat-Sun noon-3am. Social Distrikt Downtown, Downtown Dubai, socialdistrikt.com (04 572 8747).
Watch Grigory Leps live
(Credit: Supplied)
The famous Russian artist will be entertaining crowds at Nammos on Wednesday May 7, before the night turns into an impressive party with a live DJ.
Hosted by The Big Art Festival, you'll experience fine-dining, incredible vocals and some top-tier vibes.
From Dhs3,200. Wed May 7, 7pm. Nammos, Four Seasons Resort Dubai Jumeirah Beach, nammos.com (058 121 0000).
May 8
Take a dip at Atlantis The Royal
Cloud 22 is open for night swims (Credit: Supplied)
The special after-dark offer is back for the summer, so grab your trunks and take a moonlight dip in one of the most sought after rooftop pools in Dubai at Cloud.
The price of your swim depends on the beds booked. However, you can get access to the moonlight dips from Dhs300 (minimum spend), which allows bar, lounge and pool access.
From Dhs300. Thu-Sat, 7-11pm. Atlantis the Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2700).
May 9
Party at Zamna
(Credit: Supplied)
If you're an electronic music-lover, mark your calendars for Friday May 9, A.K.A the launch of Zamna Dubai. Starting in Tulumn, Mexico, the jungle festival has now travelled and taken over stages across the world, with Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience next on the list.
Announcing the latest event, the venue is yet to confirm the line-up, but said you can expect tribal beats, underground techno and some 'organic magic'. Tickets are now on sale for the one-night-only festival, with general admission tickets starting from Dhs195.
From Dhs175. Fri May 9, 6pm-3am. Dubai Harbour, ushuaiadubai.com.
Go to an Édith Piaf concert
If you're a fan of the legendary French singer, then grab your tickets ASAP. Performed by French-Lebanese singer Manel Mallat, the Mon Hymne à Piaf will showcase a selection of her songs alongside a live orchestra and series of incredible projections.
From Dhs195. Fri May 9, from 8pm. Zabeel Theatre, Palm Jumeirah, dubai.platinumlist.net
May 10
Have a day out at SENSAS
The new multi-sensory experience has just landed in Dubai, putting together a selection of experiences and puzzles that you will work your way around.
From wacky taste tests to challenges in pitch darkness, you'll get to make the most of some awesome photo opportunities too.
From Dhs140. Open Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-11pm. Al Quoz, sensas-experience.com (050 856 4990).
May 11
Hit the waves in a jet car
(Credit: fivehotelsandresorts.com)
Why drive on land when you can drive on water. If you're in the mood to go all out this week, make the most of being outside before summer really hits and go cruising in a jetcar.
Hop in the front seat and cruise your supercar/jet ski hybrid over the waves.
From Dhs1,000 (20 minutes). Timings vary. FIVE LUXE, JBR, luxejbr.fivehotelsandresorts.com (056 161 4836).
May 12
Treat yourself to some pampering
If you haven't heard, Dubai's popular Blended Wellness has now opened in a brand new location, and you can make the most of a special opening offer.
For Dhs399, you can enjoy a manicure or pedicure, massage or facial and a blow dry – so get ready for some serious relaxation.
Dhs399. Open daily 7am-10pm. W Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, blendedwellness.com (04 423 8313).
May 13
Check out a new happy hour
(Credit: Sexy Fish)
Known for its sushi (and gorgeous bathrooms), Sexy Fish has just launched a new after-work deal that you might want to get on board with.
The new Kanpai happy hour is offering light bites from spicy tuna maki to takoyaki croquettes and crispy duck baos from Dhs49. Meanwhile, you can also order in some special mixed drinks for the same price.
From Dhs40. Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm. Innovation One, DIFC, sexyfishdubai.ae (04 381 9000).
May 14
Try a supper club
(Credit: Supplied)
Canadian-Italian chef Daniela Sfara will return to Ciao Bella for two nights, so this is the chance to try some of her cooking. From creamy gnocchi to handpicked glasses of grape, you're in for some impressive flavours.
Dhs199 (soft), Dhs299 (grape). May 14, 16, from 7pm. Media One Hotel, Media City, sevenrooms.com (052 144 7379).
May 15
Go all out on a karaoke night
(Credit: Adaline)
If you've always dreamed of being the star of the show then this is your chance, as Adaline launches its weekly karaoke night.
Letting you pick a track and stand up surrounded by the glitz and the glamour, even the live band will back you up as you belt out the lyrics.
Thu 8pm-late. Gate Village, DIFC, adaline-restaurants.com (04 498 6200).
May 17
Head to elrow
(Credit: Supplied)
elrow Dubai, a house and techno phenomenon, is returning for a massive third edition on Saturday May 17.
Event organisers have promised a night of world-class DJs and live acts in amongst the glorious chaos of a carnival atmosphere. You can expect zany visuals, larger-than-life performers, bombastic sound and loads of bright lights.
From Dhs200. Sat May 17, 7pm. Expo City Dubai,. @elrowofficial. elrowdubai.com
Try a wellness brunch in the sky
(Credit: Attiko)
If you're on the hunt for a brunch with a twist this weekend, head over to Attiko for its latest collaboration with Rituals.
The limited-edition Ritual of Sakura event will offer up the traditional sharing-style brunch menu as well as four seasonal and healthy mocktails to keep you refreshed and revitalised.
There will also be a free-flowing house option, while a live DJ brings some grounded tracks to the venue.
Dhs325 (wellness), Dhs445 (house). May 10, 17, 24 and 31, 1pm-4pm. ATTIKO, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, theattiko.com (04 350 9983).
May 16
Try a new ladies' wellness session
(Credit: La Baia)
Get the gals together for a morning at La Baia, which kicks off with a chilled yoga session at 8am.
Once you've finished stretching at the J1 Beach club, you'll be guided through some meditation and journaling before tucking into a healthy breakfast and enjoying pool access for the rest of the day.
Dhs250. Wed 8am. La Baia, J1 Beach, Jumeirah, labaia-dxb.com (04 570 2482).
May 18
Sing-along at Bini
Evoto
Filipino sensation, BINI are performing at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena as one of the first stops on their 'BINIverse' world tour 2025 on Sunday May 18.
The record-breaking Filipina girl group are fresh off the release of their highly anticipated single, Blink Twice. Tickets are proving (very) popular, but keep an eye out for new releases as the big night approaches.
From Dhs195. Sun May 18, 8.30pm. Coca Cola Arena, City Walk, binidxb.com (800 22 33 88).
May 20
Get competitive at a Five Iron quiz night
(Credit: Five Iron Golf)
If you want to put your general knowledge to the test at the Tuesday night quiz at Five Iron Golf.
Not only is entry free, but you can make the most of a Tuesday tee-time deal, which offers unlimited tacos, bottles of hops and Mexican-themed mixed drinks for Dhs199.
Free (entry), Dhs199 (tee time deal). Tue 7pm-10pm. The Westin, Dubai Marina, sevenrooms.com (04 396 6867).
May 21
Play a swish game of padel
(Credit: shutterstock)
For a swish new spot to play padel, get on the court at Padel Edition in Al Quoz.
Sporting eight indoor courses, a recovery zone and an in-house barista to get your post-game caffeine fix, your form will be at its best in no time.
Prices vary. Open daily 7am-midnight. Al Quoz, padeledition.ae (04 348 7481).
May 22
Bite into a Dubai chocolate burger
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, a new Dubai chocolate snack arrives in town.
This time in the shape of a burger, the team at Roadster Diner have put together a chocolate bun with sweet mozzarella, brownie, kunafa and pistachio ice cream for you to sink your teeth into.
Dhs64. Roadster Diner, City Centre Mirdif and Dubai Hills Mall (04 452 1672).
Visit a Blondie beauty event
Spend your Thursday evening at the glamourous JBR store, where you can browse the latest clothing collections and learn from dermatologists who will be giving talks throughout the night.
Not only is entry free, but you can take part in a surprise activity, use exclusive discounts and the first 20 attendees will also a goodie bag to take home with them.
Free entry. Thu May 22, from 7pm. JBR, blondiecollection.ae (04 558 5948).
May 23
Visit Pitfire's new restaurant
The award-winning pizzeria has opened up another brand new location in Business Bay, meaning those dreamy garlic knots are easier to find than ever.
Slide into a bright red window booth, order your favourite and savour that perfectly-puffed crust.
Open Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. One of One Luxury Residence Tower, Business Bay, pitfirepizzabakers.com (04 580 4288).
Take a night swim at Ginger Moon
(Credit: Ginger Moon)
The after-dark swimming sessions are back at the dreamy rooftop pool so get ready to dive straight in.
Chill out on a lounger, stare up at the stars and tuck into a 'moon bite' or two, all to the tune of some fun live entertainment.
Dhs200 (fully redeemable). Thu-Sat 8pm-midnight. Ginger Moon, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, sevenrooms.com (04 511 7373).
May 24
Float in an art and fly workshop
(Credit: The Dubai Balloon)
Head to the Dubai Balloon at Atlantis The Palm for sunset, where you'll head up into the sky inside the viewing basket.
Once you've landed back on the ground, you'll sit out on the terrace and let your creative side run wild with a watercolour set to paint your experience.
Dhs300 (adult), Dhs160 (kids under 13). Sat May 24, 5.30pm-8.30pm. The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis, The Palm, thedubaiballoon.com.
Watch a Shakespeare comedy
(Credit: Supplied)
The hilarious West-End hit show is now in Dubai, where you can watch scenes from the iconic plays (told a little differently).
Think Othello as a rap, Titus Andronicus reimagined as a cooking show and Hamlet performed backwards in 30 seconds (yup).
From Dhs200. May 21-24, 8pm, May 24, 2pm and 8pm. Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumierah, platinumlist.net (056 611 2719).
May 27
Check out Time Out Market
(Credit: Reif, Time Out Market Dubai)
Spend your evening watching the Burj glitter from the Time Out Market terrace, where you can choose your dinner from 17 different vendors inside.
Whether it's sushi, ceviche or a slice of pizza, this place has it all.
Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight. Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, timeout.com (054 375 2421).
May 30
Listen to KYGO live
(Credit: Facebook)
The Norwegian DJ and producer will make his return to Dubai on Friday May 30 at the Coca-Cola Arena, and it's going to be an incredible night.
Part of the KYGO World Tour Part 2, expect an evening of tropical house beats mixed in with the classics (yes you'll get to sing along to Firestone). Performing with special guest Victoria Nadine, fans will also hear some of the producer's iconic songs, from Stole the Show to Stargazing.
From Dhs395. Fri May 30, 8pm. Coca-Cola Arena, coca-cola-arena.com (800 223388).
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