May is right around the corner in Dubai – and things are already heating up. With summer creeping in fast, it’s time to soak up those outdoor vibes before the real heat hits.
From beach days and breezy brunches to new pop-ups and nights you won’t forget, there’s plenty happening to keep your calendar packed.
So grab your crew, slap on some SPF, and scroll through our roundup of the best things to do in Dubai this May – Trust us, you’ll want to lock these in.
The Grape Market – Time Out Market Dubai
Sip, swirl, and discover at The Grape Market – because tasting your way through over 400 grape varieties sounds like the ultimate way to spend an evening. Time Out Market Dubai is bringing back its iconic three-day event, in collaboration with African + Eastern.
This year’s edition features fine grapes from 15+ countries, sommelier-led tastings, and the all-new Wine & Dine series – a chef-led dinner experience at the Editor’s Table, paired with pours by The Graft Collab.
When: Tuesday 27th May – Thursday 29th May.
Time: Grape Market: 6PM to 10:30PM | Wine & Dine: 7:30PM to 10:30PM.
Location: Time Out Market, Souk Al Bahar Level 3, Downtown.
For tickets click here.
Benefit – Bold is Beautiful
Get your brows in shape with a signature wax at Benefit – because flawless brows never go out of style. Even better? During the 10th year of Benefit’s global philanthropy program, Bold is Beautiful, every brow wax supports initiatives that provide mentorship, education, and wellness resources for women and girls around the world. Looking good, doing good.
This May, Benefit Middle East will donate 100% from EVERY brow service done to Al Jalila Foundation.
The Laughter Factory at Aura Skypool
The Laughter Factory is taking over AURA Skypool for one night only, bringing the comedy club to 210 metres high. With a lineup featuring Aaron Butler, Justin Panks, Roxy, and Viswajit Dilip, expect big laughs, sky-high vibes, and a serious boost of happy hormones.
When: Wednesday 21st May.
Time: 8:30 PM.
Location: AURA Skypool, The Palm Tower.
For tickets click here.
Crank X Mamma Mia
Grab your flares and channel your inner dancing queen – Crank is celebrating Mamma Mia hitting the capital with a themed ride full of feel-good bangers, disco lights, and main character energy. Clip in, sing loud, and get ready to sweat it out to the ultimate ABBA soundtrack. Because yes, cardio can be this fun.
Dubai
When: Friday 16th May.
Time: 1:30 PM.
Location: Crank, Warehouse 43, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz.
Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday 18th May.
Time: 11:00 AM.
Location: Crank Abu Dhabi, Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Park.
Breathe above the skyline at Aura Skypool
Breathe in, bliss out – AURA Skypool’s sky-high breathwork sessions are back. After a sold-out debut, they’ve added two more dates with Breasy DXB, inviting you to float 210 metres above Dubai while tuning into calming soundscapes and expert-led breathwork. Noise-cancelling headphones, panoramic views, and total zen? Consider your nervous system officially reset.
When: May 11th & May 25th.
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM (90-minute session).
Location: AURA Skypool, The Palm Tower. Price: Dhs400 per person.
For reservations click here.
SAND & KOAL AT EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Sand & Koal is throwing one last party before the season wraps, and it’s giving Riviera chic. The Minuty White Party is landing at Emirates Palace this Friday night – think DJ sets, signature rosĂ© cocktails, and glam all-white fits under the stars. Entry’s free, vibes are high, and yes, it’s your official excuse to dress up and sip something pink.
When: Friday 9th May.
Time: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche, Abu Dhabi.
For reservations [email protected] or call +971 2690 7999.
Bread Ahead – City Center Mirdif
Bread Ahead just opened its third location, now serving up their legendary bakes at City Centre Mirdif. Head down to get your hands on what might just be the best doughnuts you’ll ever taste and the pizza is chefs kiss too. Consider this your official excuse to treat yourself.
When: Open Daily.
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM – Weekdays | 8:30 AM – 1:00 AM – Weekends.
Location: Bread Ahead, City Center Mirdif.
Click here for more info.
Tips & Toes is launching its very first café
We would say this really is the perfect duo: a fresh mani and your favourite coffee fix, all in one stop. The Al Barsha branch just got even better with the launch of their cafĂ©. Head down for the ultimate self-care moment – get that caffeine boost while your nails get the pampering they deserve. Relaxation, meet rejuvenation. P.S
When: Open Daily.
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Location: Tips & Toes Al Barsha, Umm Suqeim St.
Click here for more info.
Icons by Adaline
Adaline is turning the volume (and the glam) up with Icons, a brand-new night dedicated to throwback anthems, live music, and seriously elevated energy. The night kicks off with a live band playing all the hits you forgot you were obsessed with – and yes, you will be singing along. Then after 10:45pm, DJ Monoi takes over to keep the dance floor buzzing ’til late.
When: Every Wednesday 8th.
Time: 8:15 PM till late.
Location: Adaline, Gate Village, Building , DIFC.
Click here for more info.
Dani GarcĂa is taking SUSHISAMBA.
SUSHISAMBA, is turning up the heat with a one-night culinary collab that’s bringing fire, flair, and major flavour to the 51st floor. Michelin-starred Spanish legend Dani GarcĂa is landing in Dubai for an exclusive takeover with a menu straight from his iconic Leña kitchen.
Want in on something extra special? A VIP Four-Hands Dinner is happening behind closed doors with just 13 seats, combining Dani’s wood-fired genius with SUSHISAMBA’s creative soul.
When: Saturday 3rd May.
Time: Starts 7:30 PM. Price: Dhs 1,200.
Location: SUSHISAMBA, St. Regis, The Palm Jumeirah.
Click here for more info.
Pull up in style – J1 Beach now has yacht access.
Dubai’s favourite beachside escape is now giving serious Riviera energy with its brand-new anchorage zone, letting you pull up straight to the shore in style. Whether you’re on your own boat or chartering something luxe via BENO, this is how to make an entrance.
Once you’re docked and ashore, get ready to dive into 13 beachfront restaurants and beach clubs, serving everything from French Riviera bites to bold Pan Asian flavours (looking at you, Kaimana Beach), this is where sun, style, and serious flavour meet.
Book Now: Yatch charter by Beno.
Location: J1 Beach, 2A St, Jumeirah 1.
Click here for more info.
Ting Irie 9th Anniversary
Ting Irie is turning 9, and they’re throwing a birthday bash packed with island vibes this May. Dig into a flavour-packed Jamaican buffet. From bold spices, feel-good beats, and a whole lot of energy. Come for the food, stay for the vibes – this is the kind of midweek plan you’ll be glad you didn’t skip.
When: Wednesday 8th May.
Time: 8:00 PM till late.
Location: Ting Irie, Souk Al Manzil, Downtown.
Click here for more info.
Hoof’s Coffee Workshop
Cupping, but make it chic. Step into the world of coffee tasting with this globally loved ritual that’s all about discovering the notes, aromas, and vibes behind every bean. In this guided session, you’ll explore different origins, roast levels, and processing methods -basically, it’s your crash course in becoming a coffee connoisseur.
When: Saturday May 3rd at Hoof Misk | May 17 at Hoof Dubai Mall
Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Calling all coffee creatives! The Community Brewers Challenge is your time to shine. Whether you’re a pour-over pro or a French press fan, this friendly competition lets you show off your skills. The best part? It’s all about community – because the brewers themselves get to vote for their fave cup. Let the (caffeinated) games begin!
When: Saturday June 21st.
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Location: Hoof Mysk.
Click here for more info.
O Beach: New Line-Up For La Fiesta
O Beach Dubai’s La Fiesta is back, bringing Ibiza vibes to Dubai every Friday for the next few weeks. Whether you’re poolside, in a private cabana, or dancing after work, this event has something for everyone. With fresh international talent and day-to-night energy, it’s the ultimate way to kick off your weekend. Don’t miss out!
When: Every Friday – Until May 16th.
Time: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Location: O Beach, Habtoor Grand Hotel Beach Front, Dubai Marina.
Click here for more info.
Pitfire Pizza
Your fave homegrown pizza spot just dropped a new location in Business Bay – cue the carb cravings. Expect that same fire-blistered crust, dreamy toppings (hi, truffle mushroom!), and those iconic garlic knots that always hit. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a chill dinner with views, this spot is serving serious pizza energy.
When: Daily.
Time: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Weekdays), 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Weekends).
Location: One of One Luxury Residence Tower.
Click here for more info.
Brunch At Lola Taberna
Your go-to Spanish taberna just turned up the volume on weekends – Lola Taberna’s brunch is bringing the fiesta every Saturday. Think endless paella, tapas that hit all the right notes (hello, gambas al ajillo), and sangria that doesn’t quit. With flamenco vibes, live beats, and bold flavours straight outta España, this isn’t just brunch – it’s a whole mood.
When: Every Saturday.
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Location: Lola Taberna, TRYP by Wyndham Dubai.
Click here for reservations.
Icons By Pacha with Rampa
Get ready, party people – Rampa is touching down at Playa Pacha, FIVE Luxe, and it’s about to be a whole vibe. With his signature Keinemusik beats and a killer lineup including Benji B and Anrey, this one’s serving.
When: Saturday May 3rd.
Time: 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Location: Five Luxe JRB, The Walk.
Click here for tickets, or more info.
Elrow
Elrow Dubai is back, and it’s bringing major main character energy. This isn’t just any party – it’s a full-blown fantasy fest with the iconic Rowlympic Games theme. Think non-stop beats, wild costumes, confetti explosions, and DJs keeping the vibe alive all night. If you’re into dancing ‘til your feet give up and getting lost in the madness (the fun kind), this is your sign.
When: Saturday 17th May.
Time: Doors open 7:00 PM.
Location: Expo City.
Click here for tickets.
Brunch at Narnia
Looking for a chic way to wrap the weekend? Narnia’s new Sunday evening brunch is serving sushi, tempura, luxe mains like duck breast, and dreamy desserts – all with a side of live DJ beats and major vibes. Perfect for ending your week (or starting a new one) on a high.
When: Every Sunday.
Time: 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Location: Narnia Restaurant, Vida Residences Downtown.
Click here for more info.
Sunday Lunch At L’Amo Bistro Del Mare
L’Amo Bistro del Mare just launched Pranzo a L’Amo — a dreamy Sunday lunch set against Dubai Harbour. Think live music, refined Italian dishes, and an atmosphere that’s all about slowing down and savouring the moment. It’s the kind of long, leisurely lunch that makes Sunday your new favourite day of the week
When: Every Sunday.
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Location: L’Amo Bistro del Mare, Dubai Harbour Yacht Club.
Click here for more info.
Ninive Beach
It’s serving major Middle Eastern glam with a luxe twist. From earthy tones, traditional textures, and a dreamy pool that’s just begging for a pi. From Lebanon to Morocco, the menu’s giving flavour, and the indoor-outdoor vibes? Immaculate. Whether you’re chilling like a queen or vibing to the DJ, this isn’t just a beach day – it’s a whole moment.
When: Open daily.
Time: 10:00 AM to sunset.
Location: Ninive Beach, J1, Jumeirah.
Click here for reservations.
BTW: Don’t forget to check out the Esports Festival, it’s gonna be fire.