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 a gigs, laugh out loud, relax in the sun or eat some great food, we’re here for you.
For the very best things to do in Dubai in May, read on.
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Whether you’re visiting Dubai in May, or simply looking for things to do, May is packed with inspiration.
As Dubai prepares for summer, May is the time to get out and about while you can. From bagging tickets to see Jason Derulo while he’s in town, to getting dressed up for the ballet at the Dubai Opera, your diary never looked so good (if we say so ourselves).
You also have a chance to book in for brunch or two (alfresco style) and book in for some wellness sessions across the city (thank you Nikki Beach).
And that’s us just getting started on the things to do in May.
Digi calendars at the ready, you are going to want to take note of this.
May 1
Lounge around at Vida Creek Beach
This newly-opened hotel in Dubai Creek Harbour is a must-visit. Hog a sunbed for the day and enjoy the man-made lagoon’s advanced wave system, generating waves that replicate the open water of a beach. This spring, enjoy a special day pass that will include access to the lagoon and is fully redeemable against food and beverages.
From Dhs100 (includes beach lagoon access, sunbed, towel and f&b credit). Daily, 7am-7pm. Ras Al Khor, Dubai Creek Harbour, vidahotels.com.
May 4
Sing your heart with Jason Derulo at the Coca-Cola Arena
American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo is set to perform at the Coca-Cola Arena this year. His Dubai show will be the final date on his global tour this year. The star has sold more than 200 million records globally and has been a constant on playlists since bursting onto the scene in 2009. Tickets start from Dhs199 for the show.
From Dhs199. Sat May 4, 8pm. coca-cola-arena.com.
May 8
Try the new menu at Josette
Known for its refined French cuisine, Josette celebrates its second year with the introduction of a new menu created by new chef Rory Duncan, who joins chef Burcu Cracknell. Together, the team has created a new menu that combines traditional French cooking with global influences. New dishes on the menu include crevettes grilles, rotisserie butternut squash risotto, 24-hour slow-cooked duck confit, grilled octopus salad served with cauliflower textures, lamb cutlets served with aubergine and cevennes onion compote, and seabream carpaccio with light citrus dressing. The menu will also include some of Josette’s signatures with a slightly new take.
Daily from 9am-3am. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC (04 275 2522).
May 10
Swap the cinema for a Cinema Medley
If you, like us, find yourself humming the soundtrack of a movie long after it’s over, you are going to love this night. Come May 10, 80 musicians shall bring scores of scores, there’ll be everything from Harry Potter to Interstellar on the cards. The musical agenda includes tracks from Batman, Gladiator and even The Phantom of the Opera.
From Dhs199. Fri May 10, 8pm onwards. Coca-Cola Arena, Al Wasl (800 22 33 88).
May 11
Travel to a galaxy far away at Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
This is a whole new way to experience a movie. The Armenian State Symphony under the baton of conductor Anthony Gabriele will play the score live as you watch Disney’s Star Wars: A New Hope on the big screen. A concert truly out of this world, see the struggle for freedom unfold as the Rebel Alliance battles the sinister Galactic Empire.
From Dhs275. Sat May 11, 2pm and 8pm. Dubai Opera. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai. @dubaiopera (04 440 8888).
May 14
Get competitive in a league at Topgolf
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Get ready for the exhilarating return of Topgolf Dubai Leagues, where the fun never stops! Grab your team of four to six players and gear up for a four week tournament filled with excitement and big wins. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a friendly match or a seasoned pro craving fierce competition against other enthusiastic teams, you’ll compete in thrilling battles across varying Topgolf game modes.
From Dhs1,200 per team. Every Tuesday in May, 7pm-9.15pm. (04 371 9999).
Give your wardrobe a refresh at Cloudset
Dubai-based app-operated rental platform Cloudset is going offline for the first time. Opening up its first pop-up location in collaboration with beauty salon FaceRoom, in Dubai Marina. Customers are able to have an in person consultation to rent an incredible range of designer pieces and take some home for good. Choose items such as a Chloe Tess bag, yours for Dhs372 for four days, or a pair of Jimmy Choos, yours to keep for Dhs600.
Cloudset X FaceRoom. Open daily, 9am-9pm, Gate 2 Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina thecloudset.com (052 829 0457).
May 19
Upgrade your dinner reservation at City Social
City Social, chef Jason Atherton’s latest launch in Dubai, is now open on Sundays and serves up a special (and very generous) three-course lunch and dinner. The Sundays at City menu is priced at Dhs295 and features dishes like the famous tomato burrata as well as Marie Rose prawns served over nutmeg butter on brioche bread.
Dhs295. Sun 12.30pm-4.30pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm. Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina (04 402 2222).
May 22
Sit down for yoga at DRIFT Beach x Shimis yoga Session
DRIFT Beach Dubai announces its new weekly Wellness mornings in collaboration with Shimis. As one of the most established yoga studios in Dubai, Shimis is set to offer an authentic experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. Every Monday, guests can relax in luxury at DRIFT nestled within the prestigious One&Only Royal Mirage hotel and set against the Marina skyline. If you want to stick around after the class, guests will receive 50 percent off on sun loungers if you order breakfast – what a way to start the day.
Dhs120 per class. Every Monday in May, 8.30am-9.30am, One&Only Royal Mirage (04 315 2200)
Take a road trip to Musandam from Dubai
Clocking in at around 3 hours long (border crossing time factored in), the journey from Dubai to Musandam is just far enough to feel like an adventure, without being off puttingly lengthy – perfect for a weekend adventure with the kids, you could say.
Once you arrive in Musandam, prepare to be enthralled by the utterly diverse, entirely picturesque scenery (craggy Hajar mountains to one side, twinkling turquoise sea on the other).
May 26
Book in a date night at Attiko
One of the coolest places to grab a drink in the city. You can take in the Palm, Dubai Harbour, Dubai Marina, JBR and Ain Dubai as the sun sets and the lights flicker on. It’s got swift, friendly service and Asian-inspired bar food. Throughout the night live musicians roam among the tables while DJs provide the beats, keeping the vibe lively. With a superb view, cooler-than-cool vibes and delicious bar bites, make this your next night out.
Sun-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 2pm-5pm and 7pm-2am. W Dubai, Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh. theattiko.com. (04 350 9983).
Lose yourself at the Rome Opera Ballet
Ballet company Rome Opera Ballet will bring to life their version of Les Deux Nuits to the city. From elegant lifts to flawless pirouettes, be prepared to be mesmerized by the dancers’ skills.
Dhs335. Sat May 25, 8pm and Sun May 26, 7.30pm. Dubai Opera. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai. @dubaiopera (04 440 8888).
May 29
Enjoy some me-time at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
You could have instantly glow-y skin with the 4D Zelens Facial Treatments available at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. The therapists follow a step-by-step program that is tailored to each skin type. By combining Zelens URF technology with expertly formulated skincare products, this treatment promotes skin renewal and repair. And ta-da…skin that suddenly looks so much better.
From Dhs800 (90-minutes). Pearl Jumeirah. (04 376 6000).
Try out a new evening pool brunch experience at Azure
Azure Beach at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, is launching its evening pool brunch every Sunday. The evening pool brunch features three hours of free-flowing drinks and a food platter for Dhs300 per person. Dishes include salt and pepper squid, Spanish croquettes, chicken satay and plenty more, all served alongside an unlimited house selection of hops, grape and more. The venue’s resident DJ will keep the tempo high throughout the night.
Dhs300 (house beverages), Wed and Sun from 8pm-11pm. Rixos Premium Dubai JBR (052 777 9472).