Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. As spring arrives, Dubai comes alive. May is packed with excitement as the new month rolls in, featuring a variety of sporting events and culinary experiences. Plus, there are concerts and cultural events. Here are the best things to do in Dubai in May.
Friday 1 May
Hit the sand at Nikki Beach Dubai
If you want to visit FACT’s ‘Best Beachclub in Dubai’ for 2026, head to Nikki Beach Dubai. Winner of multiple FACT awards, this beach club continues to define barefoot luxury on Pearl Jumeira. The stylish space pairs a white-sand shoreline with an oversized leisure pool, a swim-up bar, and a lineup of sunbeds, cabanas, and VIP spaces that keep the vibe high from day to night. First opened in 2016, the venue recently refreshed its look, reinforcing its status as one of the city’s most enduring day-to-night destinations. Add coastal cuisine from Chef Kavish Chimajee, signature cocktails and regular DJ-led happenings, and it remains a go-to for glamorous seaside escapes in Dubai.
Where: Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeira, Dubai
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm
Contact: https://nikkibeach.com
Saturday 2 May
Check out The District
Created in Dubai, The District is a new community-led nightlife concept launching 25hours Hotel One Central, bringing together homegrown DJs, immersive lighting, and a socially charged atmosphere. The debut edition features Chris Jif, Klo b2b Kurlz and Kurls, alongside visual installations, interactive photo moments and a live audience-feed camera. The District aims to champion local talent and creative partnerships while adding a fresh sense of cultural relevance to Dubai’s nightlife scene.
Where: The District, Nomad, 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Centre, Dubai
When: Saturday, 2 May 2026 at 9pm
Price: AED 105
Contact: https://tickit.co
Sunday 3 May
Tuck into the new menu at Girl & the Goose
Girl & the Goose celebrates its first anniversary with a refreshed menu that honours its Central American roots while embracing Dubai’s vibrant dining scene. The new Central American Street Eats section is inspired by casual street-side dishes made for easy lunches and laid-back dinners. Highlights include the Honduran Chicken Quesadilla, a paratha baleada filled with sweet plantain, grilled corn and caramelised onions, served with salsa verde, and Fire-Grilled Corn Ribs, a smoky, shareable ode to street food culture. These sit alongside favourites such as Short Rib Clay Pot, tacos, Gigi’s Steak & Frites, Gigi’s Guacamole, Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche and Achiote Chicken Dumplings.
Where: Girl & the Goose, Anantara Downtown Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai
When: Open daily from 12pm to 1am
Contact: https://girlandthegoose.com
Monday 4 May
Enjoy a memorable meal at CARBONE
New York’s CARBONE has opened its doors in Dubai at Atlantis The Royal. The celebrity favourite takes over the space previously occupied by Resonance by Heston Blumenthal and boasts the world’s largest jellyfish tank. Fans can definitely look forward to indulging in Carbone’s signature Spicy Rigatoni. Other favourites such as Chicken Scarpariello, Linguini Vongole, Seafood Salad, and Veal Parmesan are also expected to grace the menu, along with more of the American-Italian cuisine that has made Carbone so famous.
Where: CARBONE Dubai, Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Open daily from 6pm to 11pm
Contact: @carbonedxb
Tuesday 5 May
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Cocina Tres
Cinco de Mayo calls for tacos, and Cocina Tres is ready to deliver. Located on Level 2 of Pullman Dubai Downtown, the Business Bay restaurant brings Mexico’s coastal energy to Dubai with colourful interiors, waterfront views and a menu made for sharing. The tacos are the main event, built on handmade tortillas crafted from imported heirloom corn, and packed with bold, vibrant flavours. Add in ceviches, grilled dishes, margaritas and a lively open-air atmosphere, and you have all the ingredients for a proper fiesta. For anyone looking to smash tacos this Cinco de Mayo, Cocina Tres is the place.
Where: Cocina Tres, Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai
When: Open daily from 5pm to midnight
Contact: @cocina_tres
Wednesday 6 May
Dine in the kitchen at Kraken
Kraken introduces a dining concept designed to bring people together in more intimate and relaxed settings. The new Chef’s Counter Experience offers a more immersive way to dine. With limited seating, guests are invited to gather around the counter for a nine-course menu served at the heart of the kitchen. The experience is interactive, chef-led and communal, encouraging conversation and a slower, more personal approach to dining.
Where: Kraken, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 11pm
Price: AED 625 per person
Contact: www.krakendubai.com
Thursday 7 May
Try the omakase at KIGO
KIGO has opened at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, a refined Japanese restaurant from Chef Izu Ani, Head Chef Akinori “Aki” Tanigawa, and Sushi Head Chef Daihachiro Ebata. The menu centres on a counter-style omakase and an elegant kaiseki set, celebrating seasonality and restraint. The 44-seat room is minimalist and serene, anchored by an Aji stone sushi counter and Rimpa-inspired art. Japanese tableware and ikebana underscore the craft. Sip rare sakes, including Shigemasu 18 Junmai Daiginjo, seasonal cocktails, and ceremonial matcha to close.
Where: Kigo, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Zaa’beel Second, DIFC, Dubai
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm to midnight
Contact: www.kigodubai.com
Friday 8 May
Party with Adriatique at Be Beach
Adriatique are set to take over Be Beach Dubai for a late-night session of atmospheric electronic music, bringing together powerful sound, beachside energy and the unmistakable buzz of Dubai after dark. Known for their melodic, immersive sets, Adriatique will headline a night designed for fans of deep, driving beats and sunset-to-sunrise dancing. A beach-chic dress code applies, and guests must be 21 or above.
Where: Be Beach, Dubai Harbour, Dubai
When: Friday 8 May 2026 at 8pm
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Saturday 9 May
Dance the night away with Carl Cox
Carl Cox is closing the Pacha ICONS season at Playa Pacha Dubai. Taking over the open-air stage at FIVE LUXE JBR, the British electronic music legend will bring his big-room energy, technical precision, and marathon-set mentality to a backdrop of skyline views and the Arabian Sea. Known for his command of the dancefloor and decades-long influence on house and techno, Cox is a fitting choice for the season finale. Expect one last night of Ibiza-inspired energy in Dubai.
Where: Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Saturday, 9 May 2026 at 7pm
Price: Tickets from AED 200
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Sunday 10 May
Check out Dubai’s new indoor skate park
Gooder Skate Park brings a fresh jolt of energy to Alserkal Avenue, offering Dubai’s first indoor concrete skatepark in one of the city’s most creative districts. Built as a skater-owned, community-driven space, it goes beyond ramps and rails, combining the park with Habibi Skate Shop, Ollie’s Pizzeria and DRVN café under one roof. The result is part skate hub, part social hangout, with a design that keeps the action going year-round, even through the summer heat. Plus, entry is free.
Where: Gooder, Warehouse 8, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
When: Open daily from 11am to 8pm
Contact: @gooderskateboarding
Monday 11 May
Experience the Mediterranean table at GAIA
At GAIA Dubai, the Mediterranean table is all about sharing, generosity and lingering over good food in good company. Open for lunch and dinner, the FACT award-winning restaurant invites guests to enjoy its signature dishes in a setting shaped by warmth and effortless elegance, or at home through its new curated takeaway offering. FACT favourites include the Sea Bream Carpaccio, Lobster Salad and Baked Feta Cheese, alongside heartier plates such as Black Truffle Pasta. Don’t miss GAIA’s Fish Market, where the day’s catch can be grilled, baked or steamed to preference, bringing a personalised touch to every meal.
Where: GAIA Dubai, Gate Village 4, Zaa’beel Second, DIFC, Dubai
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11:30pm
Contact: Visit https://gaia-restaurants.com
Tuesday 12 May
Top up your tan at Tagomago
Tagomago Dubai channels the spirit of Ibiza on Palm Jumeirah, pairing Balearic-inspired design, sea views and a bohemian social scene with a stylish pool-and-beach escape. What makes it special is the dual offering: a family-friendly private beach for laid-back sunbathing and an adults-only pool for a more leisurely day out. On weekdays, beach loungers are priced at AED 150 and pool loungers at AED 200, with both fully redeemable for food and drinks. Expect Spanish Mediterranean flavours, signature cocktails and a soundtrack that turns a simple sunbed session into a transportive coastal experience.
Where: Tagomago, Azure Residence, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Open daily from 10am to 1am
Contact: https://tagomago.ae
Wednesday 13 May
Have dinner at Le Trottoir de Paloma
Le Trottoir de Paloma at 25 Jump Street is positioned as a go-to for everything from after-work drinks and dinner with friends to an afternoon coffee. Paloma brings French-inspired bistro charm with a terrific terrace featuring greenery and skyline views. Inside, the mood shifts to softly lit, intimate comfort, with elegant textures. The menu offers shareable plates and crowd-pleasers, with highlights including Crab Rolls, Red Gamberoni Tiradito, and Tuna Ceviche. Classics arrive with a more indulgent edge, from MB6 Wagyu Ribeye to Sole Meunière finished with lemon and butter. Save room for dessert, whether it’s warm Chocolate Fondant with vanilla ice cream or a Light Pavlova topped with citrus and tropical fruits.
Where: Le Trottoir de Paloma, 25 Jump Street, Trade Centre, Dubai
When: Open daily from 12pm to 2am
Contact: @trottoirdepalomadxb
Thursday 14 May
Tee off at TopGolf
Let out your inner Daniel McIlroy. Topgolf Dubai has turned the traditional driving range into a high-energy social destination, making it just as appealing to first-timers as to seasoned players. Located at Emirates Golf Club, the venue features 96 climate-controlled hitting bays across three levels, alongside interactive games, food, drinks and striking views towards Dubai Marina. Guests can book bays by the hour, with up to six players sharing one bay, making it ideal for group outings, celebrations and casual nights out.
Where: Topgolf Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills, Dubai
When: Open daily from 10am to 2am
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Friday 15 May
Sleep at Atlantis The Royal
For residents seeking a truly luxurious escape, Atlantis The Royal offers a staycation experience unlike any other in Dubai. The resort combines striking design with exceptional experiences at every turn. Highlights include the sky-high Cloud 22 pool, dressed in the iconic Dolce & Gabbana Carretto Siciliano print, and the mesmerising fire-and-water fountain show set to Diamond in the Desert by Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer. Choose from some of the city’s most impressive accommodation, from the Panoramic Suite with sweeping 360-degree views to the ultra-luxurious Sky Pool Villa. Enjoy a 25% discount on rooms, suites and penthouses if you book direct.
Where: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: www.atlantis.com
Saturday 16 May
Make a splash at Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark remains one of Dubai’s most thrilling family attractions, pairing big-ticket adrenaline with all-day resort appeal. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, the sprawling destination features more than 105 slides, attractions and experiences, from record-breaking rides and river rapids to a private beach and the Surf’s Up wave rider. It is equally suited to younger guests, thanks to dedicated splash zones and family-friendly play areas, making it an easy crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Where: Aquaventure, Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: https://dubai.platinumlist.net
Sunday 17 May
Partner Listing: Experience The Great Outdoors
With Dubai’s outdoor season still going strong, Expo City Dubai is giving families a reason to step outside. Launching on 25 April 2026, The Great Outdoors is a new multi-weekend festival presented by Brag, with FACT Magazine as the official media partner. Spanning five weekends, the all-ages event takes over Al Forsan Park, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre and Jubilee Park with everything from picnic-style lounging, fitness classes and a dog-friendly zone to open-air movie nights and the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course. Add food trucks, arcade-style entertainment and family-friendly activities, and The Great Outdoors looks set to deliver one of the season’s most varied outdoor experiences.
Where: Expo City Dubai, Dubai, UAE
When: Every weekend from 25 April to 24 May 2026
Contact: www.visitdubai.com
Monday 18 May
Tuck into Orfali Bros OG Tasting Menu
The FACT award-winning Orfali Bros has unveiled its OG Tasting Menu, a nostalgic seven-course experience that shines a light on the dishes that helped turn the concept into one of Dubai’s most celebrated dining destinations. The menu brings together some of Orfali Bros’ best-known signatures, beginning with the much-loved Corn Bomb, which has become one of the restaurant’s defining dishes. Guests can also expect Guess What?, a carefully layered combination of lacto-fermented tomatoes, cucumber, purslane, sourdough and feta. Elsewhere, favourites including the Umami Eclair, Roots, the Aleppo Street Bun, Orfali Bayaldi and ORF Labaniyeh form part of the line-up, creating a tasting journey that feels both personal and familiar.
Where: Orfali Bros, Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeriah, Dubai
When: Open Wednesday to Monday from 5:45pm to 11:30pm
Price: AED 350 per person
Contact: https://orfalibros.com
Tuesday 19 May
Feast on tapas at Barrafina
Barrafina brings the counter-led buzz that made the London original a cult favourite to DIFC. The venue features a marble-top counter and a tapas menu built for grazing, with Marcona Almonds, White Anchovy Tostada, Pan con Tomate, and Prawn Croquetas, followed by Tortillas. Seafood leans into Gambas Rojas, Clams with Salsa Verde and Octopus a la Gallega, while mains include Chicken Thigh with Romesco and Rubia Gallega Rib Eye. Finish with Santiago Tart or Piña Catalana. Pair it with chilled cava or sherry and settle in for a Spanish-style feast at one of the best new restaurants in Dubai.
Where: Barrafina Dubai, Gate Village 1, DIFC, Dubai
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11:30pm
Contact: @barrafinadubai
Wednesday 20 May
Dine at the FACT award-winning Harummanis
Chef Akmal Anuar’s Harummanis has been reinvented for its second year in the city, bringing a new layer of fire-cooking to the FACT award-winning restaurant at Wasl 51. The name Harummanis nods to a beloved mango in Malay culture, but it also carries a more personal meaning: “sweet scent”, a phrase his mother used for their family’s hawker stall. That stall has fed Singaporeans for more than 32 years, and Harummanis Dubai is a natural extension of that lineage, translated into a cosy dining room that champions generosity, warmth, and food designed for sharing. Menu highlights include the Laksa Burrata with tomato and herbs, Adobo Mushroom and a rich, crowd-pleasing Rendang Bao with avocado. From the sea, the Jumbo Prawn with green curry and Cajun butter is a must-order, while starters such as Salmon Sashimi with ponzu, cucumber and ginger keep things bright.
Where: Harummanis, Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeriah, Dubai
When: Open daily from 6pm to 11pm
Contact: @harummanis.51
Thursday 21 May
Feast at Sufret Maryam
A meal at Sufret Maryam feels like being welcomed into a family dining room, all sunlit tiles, embroidered cushions and the scent of cardamom drifting from the kitchen. Plates arrive, generous and heartfelt, with silky Hummus, smoky Mutabal, crisp Fattoush, and warm bread straight from the oven. Grills land juicy, and there is comfort in every clay pot, from slow-cooked stews to roast chicken with Lemon and Sumac. Service is warm and attentive.
Where: Sufret Maryam, Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeriah, Dubai
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11:30pm
Contact: https://sufretmaryam.com
Friday 22 May
Hit the sand at Sirene by GAIA
Created by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, the FACT award-winning Sirene Beach by GAIA offers a luxurious yet laid-back coastal retreat at J1 Beach. Sirene is the world’s biggest beach club, with a 400-seat restaurant, 300 beachfront sunbeds, and exclusive private cabanas. Guests can unwind to curated beats from the resident DJ or dine on GAIA’s signature classics, such as Seabream Carpaccio and Frozen Yoghurt, alongside new creations like Rooster Pasta, Sirene Dakos, and a decadent Caviar & Oyster experience.
Where: Sirene by GAIA, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
When: Open daily from 10am
Price: Beach beds are AED 200 (fully redeemable), and pool beds are AED 300 (fully redeemable).
Contact: www.sirenebeach.com
Saturday 23 May
Partner Listing: See Lulu Santos live
Dubai has more than earned its reputation as a global stop for big acts from around the world. And now, it’s Brazil’s turn to take centre stage, as Lulu Santos heads to the emirate for one very special night. Lulu Santos began his music career in the late 1970s, but it was the release of his debut album, Tempos Modernos, in 1982, that launched him into the spotlight. With a career spanning more than five decades, Lulu Santos has sold over 15 million albums, racked up billions of streams across digital platforms, and picked up two trophies at the Latin Grammy Awards. The show is presented by Live Nation Middle East in partnership with FACT Magazine and promises an evening packed with melodies and nostalgia.
Where: Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
When: Saturday 23 May 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Sunday 24 May
Catch Cats The Musical at Etihad Arena
Don’t miss the chance to see one of the world’s most famous musicals, Cats, live. Known for its memorable music and impressive choreography, the show has entertained audiences globally for decades. It’s a great evening out for both theatre lovers and first-time viewers.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: 14 to 24 May 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Monday 25 May
Partner Listing: Enjoy Happy Hour at UBK The Palm
At UBK, every hour is happy hour. The popular Urban Bar & Kitchen on Palm Jumeirah is extending the good times from 12:30pm to midnight daily, serving up a lively atmosphere, refreshing drinks and crowd-pleasing bites. Whether you’re catching the big game, meeting friends after work or settling in for a casual night out, UBK brings the energy with ice-cold beverages, superb snacks and plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
Where: UBK, Wyndham Residences The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
When: Available daily from 12:30pm to midnight
Contact: https://widget.servmeco.com
Tuesday 26 May
Take on the slopes at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai continues to stand out as one of the city’s most unusual attractions, bringing a winter-style escape to Mall of the Emirates. The indoor destination combines a Snow Park maintained at -4°C with skiing and snowboarding slopes for different skill levels. Guests can also book lessons through the Ski School or add a penguin encounter to the experience. Equal parts novelty and nostalgia, Ski Dubai remains a fun way to swap Dubai sunshine for snow, even if only for an afternoon.
Where: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai
When: Open daily from 10am to 11pm
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Wednesday 27 May
Dine with the world’s first AI chef
Now open at Kempinski The Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, WOOHOO is making global headlines for the world’s first artificial-intelligence chef. Developed by UMAI, Chef Aiman is no back-of-house algorithm. He’s designed to co-create in real time. Chef Aiman is wired to learn, evolve, and craft with nuance, drawing on global datasets to inform everything from seasonal flavour profiles to textural contrasts. Even the most advanced AI needs a human touch, so AI Chef Aiman will be joined by Chef Reif Othman, who is renowned for his inventive approach to Japanese and Asian cuisine. Expect sushi engineered for maximum umami, citrus-laced ceviche, and robata-grilled skewers.
Where: WOOHOO, Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, Downtown Dubai
When: Open daily from 12pm to 3am
Contact: https://woohoo.restaurant
Thursday 28 May
Hit the beach at Gigi Rigolatto Dubai
The FACT award-winning Gigi Rigolatto brings a dose of Italian Riviera glamour to J1 Beach, making it one of the city’s chicest spots for a sun-soaked day out. What makes it special is the blend of private beach access, a serene pool scene and the brand’s signature Bellini-led, dolce vita atmosphere. Current passes are fully redeemable on food and beverages throughout March, with beach sunbeds priced at AED 300 and pool sunbeds at AED 400. The beach pass includes access to the private beach and is kid-friendly, while the adults-only pool offers a more refined, laid-back escape from 10am until sunset.
Where: Gigi Rigolatto J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Contact: https://gigi-restaurant.com
Friday 29 May
Book a stay at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
The latest addition to Jumeirah Group’s ultra-luxury portfolio sits in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. The venue emerges with quiet confidence, gliding onto Dubai’s glittering skyline like the very superyacht it’s designed to emulate. Designed by Shaun Killa, it is home to 386 rooms and suites, 82 serviced residences, and an 82-berth superyacht marina. Perfect for a digital detox, the lobby is a laptop-free zone, creating a peaceful atmosphere away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The dining truly anchors the hotel, with The Fore at its heart – an all-day dining venue that offers four restaurants in one. Plus, there are four outdoor pools to choose from, a swathe of private beach and a superb spa.
Where: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Jumeira Street, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Contact: www.jumeirah.com.
Saturday 30 May
Tuck into the new brunch at Son of a Fish
The newly-opened Son of a Fish at Dubai Harbour serves a Saturday brunch inspired by the Athenian Riviera’s sun-soaked spirit. Expect shareable Greek mezedes, coastal mains like Chicken Souvlaki, Moussaka, Char-Grilled Tenderloin and Mediterranean Seabass, plus sweet finishes including Chocolate Mousse Millefeuille, Frozen Greek Yoghurt and Portokalopita. A resident DJ and live entertainment keep the mood rising from laid-back lunch beats to party-ready house.
Where: Son of a Fish, Dubai Harbour, Dubai
When: Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm
Price: AED 290 (soft beverages), AED 490 (house beverages), or AED 660 (premium beverages)
Contact: https://sonofafishdubai.com
Sunday 31 May
Book a staycay at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai pairs sculptural architecture with a calm, design-led stay and show-stopping views across the skyline and Arabian Gulf. The property in Al Wasl Tower features 259 rooms and suites, plus a rooftop helipad for seamless arrivals. Dining options include the Shanghai-era theatre of Yù & Mì to poolside Greek plates at Noia. Available until 31 August 2026, the hotel’s A Meaningful Pause staycation package offers 20 per cent off the best available room rate, alongside flexible perks including early check-in from 12pm and late check-out until 4pm. There will also be a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), daily breakfast, and a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments and dining experiences.
Where: Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Al Wasl Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com