Only in Dubai can the phrase ‘darling buds of May’ hold no meaning, but also be the month that lets you relish a freezing cold snow run. Talk about a city of paradoxes. And our wonderfully contradictory sandpit has some diverse events this May. Stand-up comedy gigs that will leave you in stitches, pool parties to unwind and make a splash at, followed by metal concerts that amp you up with a jolt of energy… Here’s a sensational list of things to do in Dubai in May.
1. Celebrate 100 years of Warner. Bros at this one-of-a-kind candlelight concert
Who amongst us hasn’t sung along to the Friends theme song ‘I’ll be There for You’? You definitely can’t deny breaking into goosebumps every time the haunting score of Hedwing’s Theme from Harry Potter plays. Warner Bros., the production house that made these pop culture gems, and many others, part and parcel of our everyday life marks a century of entertaining generations this year. A full 100 years… Now that’s a feat not many can hold a candle to. So, they decided to hold a few hundred candles instead through a series of spectacular Candlelight Concerts world-over. Dubai gets a slice of the action on May 6 at The Theatre Mall of the Emirates, where a string quartet will play instrumental renditions of the magical music featured in Warner Bros’. movies, TV shows and even cartoons like Scooby-Doo. Book your tickets here
2. Roll in the aisles laughing at the Dubai Comedy Festival
A decathlon of laughter is in store this month when the Dubai Comedy Festival kicks off its third edition. From May 12-21, you’ll chalk up some chuckles courtesy of world-class comics. The funniest of the funny from every corner of the world will descend on Dubai, lobbing side-splitting punchlines in a variety of languages and formats. Stand-comedy shows are a part of the line-up, yes. But so are variety shows, on-ground events and activations featuring a mix of international bigwigs and regional talents. Indian funnymen Zakir Khan and Amit Tandon, Australian comedy troupe Sooshi Mango, and British-Irish comic Jimmy Carr will be performing across an array of venues in Dubai such as Coca-Cola Arena and Dubai Opera.
3. Staycay in style with the Westin Mina Seyahi’s limited-offer discount of 15%
Make this May memorable with some delicious discounts on staycations at Westin Mina Seyahi. The beach resort that’s been a fixture in Dubai’s luxury hotel scene is celebrating its 15th year in the city with birthday favours you want to grab now. From May 1-7, guests can enjoy a 15% discount on all room bookings, and a 15% markdown on spends on food and drinks as well as relaxing spa treatments.
Call 04 3994141 or visit www.westin.marriott.com
4. Mosh to your heart’s content at this Metallica tribute concert by Sandman
Metalheads, it’s your time to headbang. Sandman, the only Metallica tribute band that has the rock legends’ stamp of approval, is performing in Dubai on May 13 at The Arena at Phileas Fogg. This is as good as it gets to the real deal, so snap up those tickets to guarantee yourself a rocking good time. The Canadian tribute band has been gigging since 1994, so you know they’ll be performing sets full of evergreen classics, such as Nothing Else Matters, Enter Sandman and more. Get your tickets here
5. Sprint through snow at Dubai’s coolest running race
Did you pack away your snow boots from that Europe trip? Time to fish them out of the depths of your closet. You’ll need to lace into them when the starter whistles for the DXB Snow Run blasts through Ski Dubai on May 21. The chilly annual race by Dubai Sports Council is back to help Dubaiites cool off as summer gathers steam. And turns the city into a humid steam room. Will you scale the snowy peaks of Dubai’s beloved indoor ski park waddling like a penguin or will you bolt across the soft powder like a swift arctic fox? Sign up here and find out!
6. More icy entertainment awaits at this Peter Pan On Ice Show
Honestly, I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a cold front forecast for Dubai in May considering all these icy cool events to chill out with. If darting across frosty hills isn’t your thing, then sit back and enjoy world-class ice skaters recreating Neverland at the Peter Pan On Ice show. The childhood classic gets an ice-skating treatment at The Mall of The Emirates from May 26-28. Wendy, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, The Lost Boys and even a hungry crocodile make an appearance out of the fairytale and onto the rink. Book tickets here
7-18. Have a majestic time celebrating King Charles III’s coronation at these Dubai hotspots on May 6
Kingdom of Neverland not your speed? Then jet off to the United Kingdom, virtually, and witness the crowning of Britain’s newest monarch. King Charles III’s official swearing-in ceremony will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey. Find a full list of places you can wave the Union Jack at as Britain’s 62nd monarch ascends the throne.
19. Freak out on fabulous foodie deals at the Dubai Food Festival (DFF)
The popular food festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a smorgasbord of culinary experiences and deals that get you reservations at fancy fine-dining restaurants for half the usual price. The annual Beach Canteen food pop-up, Dubai Restaurant Week’s discounted meal deals and series of AED 10 dishes across restaurants to mark a decade of DFF are in store. Plus, masterclasses and chef’s tables. Click here for details
20. Have a smashing IPL season at Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan’s new sports cafe
We love a good celebrity-endorsed eatery. Name-dropping aside, Flying Catch, the brand new cricket-themed sport in Jumeirah also lets you field some great IPL season deals. Entire meals for one come at AED 49 during match timings. And did we mention there’s an indoor cricket pitch to perfect your boundaries? Here’s an in-depth look inside this new eatery.
21-24. Blow off steam at these kickass weekend parties across Dubai
Event mavens The Spot have gone the whole nine yards to guarantee social butterflies have the most memorable weekends for the next foreseeable future. It’s time to spread your wings and flit from brunches to nightlife spot to concerts and more to play hard after working hard all week long.
🛟 OOO Friday Party at Wane Palm, the stylish beach club in Radisson Beach Resort is making a splash on Fridays with a poolside party like no other from 1pm-9pm. Chilled-out tunes and breezy vibes make this the perfect excuse to grab those flamingo floats and clock out early on Fridays. Until May 19
🙊 Did someone say free party? Fun comes without a price tag at Monkey Bar’s Just Friends event on Sundays. The swanky rooftop bar in 25Hours Hotel will keep Monday blues at bay as you groove the night away from 5pm to 1am while noshing on BBQ snacks. Until May 28.
🥂 Soul Brunch at Papa Dubai, one of the city’s most beautiful restaurants, is offering up a brunch and afterparty from 4pm until 9pm on Saturdays. Bangin’ Afro beats, HipHop and RnB tunes are paired with blissfully delish jerk wings, quesadillas, empanadas and more.
🪩 What gets you on the dancefloor? Afrobeats or Dancehall. That dance debate will be resolved with a DJ Battle at WALL2WALL at Lekki Club in the Millennium Hotel every Saturday. With some incredible regional and international DJs taking to the turntables here, you’re sorted.
25. Get a do-over at Mother’s Day Italian style at Bussola
In case you missed both Emirati and UK Mother’s Day the Yanks and Italians are handing you a second chance at making it up to mommy dearest. American Mother’s Day falls on May 14 and Italian eatery Bussola is celebrating mamas from May 8-14. Mums dining at the venue will be welcomed with a special mocktail and a complimentary dessert. Pick from a tempting menu of traditional Tiramisu and Honey Ghaf Parfait. Valid on bookings of a family of 4 or more.
📍 Jumeirah Golf Estates; call 04 586 7760
26. Add some adventure to date nights at this Dining in the Dark Experience
This unique dining event will engage all your senses and add some adventure and mystery to the traditional dinner date experience. Starting May 11, the multisensory dining event is back at Vaga, Bluewaters Dubai. Blindfolded, you’ll have to find your way from plate to mouth on instinct. Wondering what to expect? Click here for dishy details
27.Take a stab at solving Flashback Speakeasy’s updated new murder mystery
The beloved murder mystery experience in Paramount Hotel’s hidden bar Flashback Speakeasy is back. And it’s better and deadlier with a fresh storyline that switches from 1930s Hollywood to 1920s New York riddled with gangsters and criminally good singers. Titled “Murder At The Speakeasy: Flappers, Fools, and Fatalities”, this immersive musical-style whodunnit will be performed by a stellar cast including Jay Abou of The Voice. Every Thursday
From 8pm-11pm; AED 299 per person. Book via WhatsApp at 055 180 7559