Dubai is turning up the heat this May (no, really). As the temperatures get hotter, so does the line up of events in the city.

From parties, to beach club events and concerts, you’re going to want to alert the group chat ASAP and make plans for the month of May.

We’ve rounded up a list of simply *unmissable* things to do in Dubai this May, ready for your scrolling pleasures…

Experience a night of cinematic music with Hans Zimmer

Form Pirates of the Caribbean to The Lion King, this weekend we’ll be singing along to all our favourite movie scores, composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer. Oh, and did we mention the man himself will be here IRL? Yup. Joined by his world-class band of virtuosic musicians, one of worlds the most famous composers will be taking to the stage at the Coca-Cola Arena this Sunday 31st May.

When: Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st.

Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

Price: Starting at Dhs299, available here.

Take part in a free yoga session with lululemon

International Yoga Day is on the horizon, and to celebrate, lululemon is bringing yoga-lovers together to celebrate. A series of free yoga classes are making their way to Dubai and KSA.

Dubai:

When: From 9.00am on Saturday, 1st of June.

Where: Asateer Tent, Atlantis The Palm.

Price: Free.

Riyad:

When: From 4.30pm on Saturday, 1st of June.

Where: The St. Regis, Riyadh.

Price: Free.

Jeddah:

When: From 4.30pm on Saturday, 1st of June.

Where: Shangri La, Jeddah.

Price: Free.

To register, sign up here.

Try a new cocktail bar in JBR

Voted one of The World’s 50 Best Bars, Paradiso Dubai is a night out to add to your DXB bucket list. The ‘FIVE-Styled’ bar has opened in the glamorous beach resort, FIVE LUXE, on the shores of JBR. This isn’t your average cocktail bar – Paradiso has been brought to life by a world renowned mixologist to create drinks inspired by magical surrealism. With a creative menu to be enjoyed overlooking Palm Jumeirah, this new spot has date night written all over it.

Visit the website here for reservations.

Brunch in the sky, anyone?

Take to the skies with the AURA 360 Pool Brunch, an exciting daytime extravaganza taking place on 18th May. Experience 4 hours of free-flowing champagne alongside an unforgettable fusion of delicious food, immersive entertainment, and unmatched ambiance. With views like these, take your weekend vibes to a whole other level.

When: Saturday, 18th of May. Those opting for an afternoon dip can enjoy exclusive early access with poolside enjoyment beginning at 12:00pm, while those preferring not to don their swimwear can access the lounge from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Where: AURA Skypool.

Price: Starting from Dhs600 for the indoor lounge and Dhs800 for poolside enjoyment.

Head to Agatha for world-class weekly experience

Agatha, the Pan-Asian culinary gem brings its newest weekly experience, ‘Agatha Travels The World’ – a spirited exploration into the world’s most celebrated wine and cocktail cultures. Sip and savor flavours brought to life by skilled mixologists, with each cocktail crafted to tell a story.

When: Every Wednesday at 8:00pm – 10:00pm.

Where: Al Habtoor City.

Price: Dhs500 per person.

Visit C2 Licensed District

Whether you’re looking for your next girls’ day out, or the perfect date night, trust us when we say City Walk’s C2 Licensed District is a one-stop shop for all the weekending you need. Start the day with a long, lazy lunch at one of the many restaurants located here. The concept boasts all the city’s best eateries, including Nola, RARE and Daikan, but we recommend Greek eatery Mythos for a spread of tzatziki, saganaki, calamari and souvlaki. Once you’re suitably stuffed, make your way over to Brass Monkey for a round (or three) of bowling, followed by all the games in the upstairs arcade. What more could you want for a Sunday funday? 

When: Any time, any day.

Where: City Walk.

Price: Depends on what you do.

HOYA’s Book Swap Event

HOYA is launching a Book Swap event series. Held twice a month, it is a great place for book girlies to exchange books, indulge in passionate discussions, and discover new literary gems. Attendees must bring at least one pre-loved book, with a maximum limit of 10 books per person. For every book brought, guests will be given a swap card. Participants can opt to take index cards to jot down their names, a favourite quote from their book, and why they recommend it. Alternatively, they may bring one or more books concealed in plain bags, accompanied by a brief description that does not disclose the title or author.

When: Sunday, 5th of May (with more events to be announced), from 2:00pm-5:00pm.

Where: HOYA, Villa 1901-A Al Wasl Road, Al Manara, Dubai.

Price: Free entry, all attendees will receive a 30% discount on food and beverages.

NIU Nights at Be Beach

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Level up your Friday nights this May with Dubai’s hottest new weekly happening at Be Beach. NIU is a party dedicated to the best of R&B, Hip Hop, Afrobeats, and Reggaeton. Expect the best DJs in the region bringing you guaranteed good vibes. And the best part? It’s FREE for ladies. Grab your besties and book this in ASAP.

When: Every Friday from 9pm.

Where: Be Beach DXB, Dubai Marina.

Price: Free entry for ladies and AED 200 for gents.

Dubai Food Festival 2024

Calling all foodies in the city…Dubai Food Festival is back for all your indulging pleasures until the 12th of May. Highlights include Dubai Restaurant Week, where you can expect some great deals and dishes at some of the city’s finest locations, and the e& Beach Canteen, where food vendors will be taking over Jumeirah Beach.

When: Until Sunday May 12.

Where: Locations across the city, find out more here.

Price: Prices vary, see full breakdown here.

Head to a rooftop restaurant

Experience luxury as you head to NH Collection Dubai The Palm’s rooftop pool, complemented by an upscale bar and lounge. While infinity pool day passes aren’t available to non-hotel guests, visitors can indulge in culinary delights at View 180, a rooftop restaurant offering modern European cuisine with panoramic views from 7 pm to 2 am. The rooftop restaurant is truly a multi-sensory playground offering a wide menu of modern European cuisine influenced by Spanish, Italian, and Asian flavors.

When: Daily from 7 pm to 2 am.

Where: NH Collection Dubai The Palm.

AURA Skypool Hot Yoga and Ice Bath workshop

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Take to the skies this May for an exclusive wellness workshop at AURA. Rise with the sun and start your day with a 45-minute hot yoga class and wellness short, before diving into some breathwork and meditation. At 8am, a certified Wim Hof Instructor will take you through an invigorating ice bath session, before you finish your morning with a healthy breakfast overlooking the city.

When: Saturday, 4th of May from 6:30am.

Where: AURA Skypool.

Price: Dhs475 per guest.

Moonlight swims at Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal

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Experience the unique opportunity to swim after-dark at one of the world’s most iconic skypools at Atlantis The Royal. With new exclusive night pool passes, enjoy a dip under the stars and a spot to eat or drink at the acclaimed Lotus Bar.

When: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

Where: Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal.

Price: From Dhs300 per person for a spot at the Lotus Bar including pool access.

Pool day with DRIFT and Perrier-Jouët 

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Dip and sip with DRIFT’S ladies day offering every Thursday. For a special rate of only Dhs99, ladies get all-day pool and beach access with a complimentary glass of champagne Perrier-Jouët on arrival and a sun lounger.

When: 10:00am – 7:00pm every Thursday.

Where: DRIFT Beach Club.

Price: Dhs99.

Mark the return of Atlantis Live with Martin Garrix

Atlantis, The Palm will host one of the world’s biggest DJs as Martin Garrix headlines an epic open-air concert this May. The concert is the first in this year’s Atlantis Live series, a mega live music series at the iconic resort.

When: 8:00pm, Saturday May 11th.

Where: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah.

Price: From Dhs300 via Platinum List.

DXB Snow Run at Ski Dubai

As Dubai’s temperatures get hotter, what better way to cool off than by running in the snow at Ski Dubai’s DXB Snow Run. The race, available to those aged 13 and above, will be held on the slopes with two distances to choose from – 3km (which is three loops around Ski Dubai), or 5km which is five loops.

When: From 6:30am, Sunday May 19th.

Where: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Price: From Dhs94.50 via Ski Dubai.

Go to the cinema to see The Fall Guy

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Ryan Gosling stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who, having left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health in this movie, is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie, being directed by his ex, Jody Moreno, played by Emily Blunt, goes missing. One to watch for your May date night outing.

Where: Cinemas across the UAE.

When: Thursday May 2 onwards.

Looking to make the most of the outdoors before temperatures rise in Dubai? Hit up these watersport facilities.