Can you believe we're in May already? Time is flying, and one thing you won't have enough of this month is time—with a packed calendar of thrilling events waiting for you in Dubai. The city is set to host a variety of activities ranging from high-octane sports competitions and gourmet food festivals to top-tier concerts and art exhibitions.
Check out this guide to find out all the events that you should not miss this May!
Al Nasr FC vs Shabab Al Ahli FC - The President's Cup 2023-2024 Semi-Finals @ Zabeel Stadium
📆 01 May
The UAE President's Cup is a professional tournament hosted in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1974, this competition sees participation from teams across the top two divisions of the nation. The champion of the tournament secures a spot in the AFC Champions League.
World Art Dubai 2024 @ Zabeel Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre
📆 02 - 05 May
World Art Dubai is set to celebrate its landmark 10th edition this May. As the region's largest contemporary retail art fair, it will feature over 4,000 artworks from more than 300 galleries and solo artists from over 60 countries.
This four-day event is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors and will include a dynamic schedule of live art performances, workshops, and talks, making it a bustling hub of inspiration for collectors, investors, and art enthusiasts of all ages.
The Ice Hole: A Cardboard Comedy @ The Junction
📆 03 - 05 May
Complices Théâtre presents The Ice Hole featuring Sadiq Saboowala and Patrick Albrecht in an adaptation of the play Les Gros Patinent Bien by Olivier Martin-Salvan and Pierre Guillois, which won the Molière 2022 du théâtre public award.
The story revolves around a man in a three-piece suit fishing in the Great North Plains. His life takes a whimsical turn when he accidentally encounters a mermaid, leading him on a mysterious and hilarious adventure, uniquely narrated using cardboard.
GameExpo @ Dubai World Trade Center
📆 03 - 05 May
GameExpo 2024 is a premier event for gaming enthusiasts of all ages. This event features diverse zones tailored to various interests from the latest game releases in the Gaming District to cutting-edge technology in the Future Zone, nostalgic games in the Retro Zone, and a vibrant artist market in The Narrows.
Additionally, the Family Zone offers interactive gaming for families, while Electric Avenue caters to tech enthusiasts with a selection of electronic goods. The expo also includes esports competitions, cosplay contests, coding workshops, and special events like the Minecraft family challenge and the Play Beyond influencer showdown on May 4 and 5.
Earthsoul with Jason Derulo @ Coca-Cola Arena
📆 04 May
Get ready for an exciting day at Earthsoul, a unique event that merges music, art, and environmental awareness. Headlining the event is global music star Jason Derulo, known for hits like "Savage Love" and "Trumpets". He'll be joined by Pakistani artist Shae Gill, famous for "Pasoori", Emirati Soul singer Arqam, and the rising star Celine Dee Matahari.
This concert promises not only top-tier musical performances but also promotes eco-consciousness, aligning with the UAE's Year of Sustainability.
Shaggy & Blackstreet @ Coca-Cola Arena
📆 11 May
Shaggy, the Grammy Award-winning reggae and dancehall artist, will be performing alongside the iconic R&B group Blackstreet. Known for hits like "It Wasn't Me" and "Boombastic," Shaggy pairs his vibrant performances with Blackstreet, famous for classics such as "No Diggity."
This concert promises a compelling mix of reggae, dancehall, and R&B, offering fans a spectacular night of both nostalgic and contemporary hits. Don't miss this exceptional event featuring two legendary musical acts in a memorable showcase of rhythm and soul.
Martin Garrix @ Atlantis, The Palm
📆 11 May
Get ready for an electrifying night as Martin Garrix, one of the world's most celebrated DJs, takes the stage at a major event. Featuring high-energy beats and stunning visuals, this concert is part of the Atlantis Live series, showcasing Garrix's ability to captivate audiences with tracks like "In the Name of Love" and "Scared to Be Lonely" from his label, STMPD RCRDS.
Prepare for an unforgettable night of EDM and dance, enhanced by surprise support acts, and experience an iconic performance by Martin Garrix.
The Gruffalo’s Child @ Theatre by QE2
📆 18 - 19 May
Follow the journey of Gruffalo's Child in Tall Stories' captivating adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved picture book. On a wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ventures into the deep dark wood, defying her father's warnings about the mythical Big Bad Mouse. Along the way, she meets various mysterious forest creatures.
This enchanting performance blends songs, laughs, and a touch of suspense, making it a delightful experience for audience members from ages 3.
Full Moon Festival @ Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel
📆 23 May
Experience the magic of the Full Moon Festival at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, set against the picturesque Arabian Gulf. This enchanting evening features a fusion of Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisine, vibrant cocktails, and a lively pool fiesta with pulsating DJ beats. The setting is further enhanced by a colorful backdrop of dreamcatchers and twinkling fairy lights.
For the younger guests, a dedicated kids' area offers engaging activities like henna painting and animations. This festival blends elegance and Bohemian flair, creating a night of culinary delights and festive fun for all ages.
James Blunt @ Coca-Cola Arena
📆 24 May
Internationally celebrated singer-songwriter James Blunt is set to perform in Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena as part of his tour for the new album, ‘Who We Used To Be’. This tour reflects his musical evolution, featuring a setlist that includes iconic hits such as ‘You’re Beautiful’, ‘Goodbye My Lover’, and ‘1973’, alongside new material like the album’s first single, ‘Beside You’.
This event promises to be an unforgettable night, combining nostalgia with new tunes, sure to have fans dancing and singing along.
Abida Parveen @ Coca-Cola Arena
📆 25 May
Renowned Sufi music icon Abida Parveen is set to perform again at the Coca-Cola Arena due to popular demand. Known for her transcendent voice and soul-stirring performances, Abida Parveen will captivate the audience with a mix of spiritual enlightenment and musical excellence.
Look forward to being immersed in her timeless classics and soulful renditions, enhanced with contemporary musical elements, as her powerful vocals fill the prestigious arena, offering a profound experience of introspection and emotional depth.
Hans Zimmer @ Coca-Cola Arena
📆 31 May
Hans Zimmer, the multi-Academy Award and Grammy-winning composer, returns to Dubai for an extraordinary live performance. Following his successful 2023 show, Zimmer will be accompanied by a 45-piece world-class band and performers, delivering an unforgettable night of cinematic music.
The concert will feature live orchestral renditions of film scores from iconic movies like "The Lion King," "Gladiator," and "Dune," along with performances by original vocalists and dancers. Audiences can expect a captivating audio-visual experience as Zimmer performs his epic compositions from films such as "Interstellar," "The Dark Knight," and "Pirates of the Caribbean."
This event is a must-see for both music lovers and movie enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Zimmer's musical genius live.
Don't let the rising temperatures deter you from liking what's coming in May. Let these diverse sets of events cool down your thirst for fun excitement, and lively atmospheres. Let's make May fun again!
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