Dubai, United Arab Emirates –: Dubai Calendar has revealed a vibrant line-up of events set to take place across the city in May 2025, inviting residents and visitors to dive into an array of exciting experiences. From concerts and cultural exhibitions to family-friendly performances, and sporting spectacles, Dubai is set for an action-packed month of world-class entertainment, with something on offer for every age and interest.
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE
Exhibition: Calder/Hiquily Balancing Act
Date: 15 April – 4 May 2025
Location: Opera Gallery, DIFC
About: This exhibition presents an extraordinary dialogue between two iconic sculptors, Alexander Calder and Philippe Hiquily, known for their kinetic works. Visitors will explore the artists’ shared fascination with movement, balance, and spatial harmony through a compelling collection of sculptures and drawings.
SPORT
Dubai Esports and Games Festival
Date: 25 April – 11 May 2025
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
About: The Dubai Esports and Games Festival returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre with its biggest edition yet, bringing all things gaming including citywide tournaments, exclusive game previews and immersive fan experiences. With highlights including GameExpo and the GameExpo Summit, it is a must-visit for fans and players alike.
Dubai Basketball vs. Budućnost VOLI
Date: 4 May 2025
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: Get ready for a high-stakes showdown as Dubai Basketball takes on European powerhouse Budućnost VOLI at Coca-Cola Arena. As part of the ABA League, this thrilling clash promises fierce competition, big plays and high-energy action for sports fans of all ages.
Date: 7-8 May 2025
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
About: Discover the future of gaming at the Dubai GameExpo Summit, part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival. This event brings together developers, publishers, investors and innovators to offer insights into regional growth, global trends and emerging technologies driving the next wave of interactive entertainment.
Date: 9-11 May 2025
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
About: Step into the ultimate gaming universe as GameExpo returns to Dubai World Trade Centre as part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival. With eight themed zones, hands-on demos, esports tournaments, retro arcades and family-friendly fun, this action-packed event is a must for gaming enthusiasts across generations.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
RaveDAO presents Lilly Palmer, Pretty Pink and NIFRA
Date: 1 May 2025
Location: Terra Solis
About: Be part of a futuristic music experience as RaveDAO takes over Terra Solis with a dynamic all-female DJ line-up and cutting-edge elements. Blending electronic music with immersive technology, this event promises high-energy sets and a celebration of creativity and connection.
Cafe Mambo Ibiza at Barasti with Sigala
Date: 2 May 2025
Location: Barasti
About: Feel the rhythm of summer as Barasti transforms into an Ibiza-style beach party headlined by British DJ Sigala. With hits like Easy Love, Came Here for Love, and Sweet Lovin’, plus sunset sets and Balearic beats, this high-energy night promises beachside fun from golden hour to midnight.
Date: 2 May 2025
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: Celebrate one of the Arab world’s most beloved voices as Angham brings her powerful vocals and music to Coca-Cola Arena. With timeless ballads like Sidi Wesalak and Omry Maa’ak, alongside her latest hits, the acclaimed singer promises an evening filled with emotion and elegance.
Date: 2 May 2025
Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
About: Head to Zabeel Theatre to experience Rock and Opera, a bold fusion of genres as stars of the Bolshoi Theatre join forces with top rock musicians. Expect powerful vocals, bold arrangements and timeless opera classics reimagined with a contemporary edge in this one-of-a-kind musical showcase.
Date: 3 May 2025
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Experience an extraordinary evening as two legends of Arabic music – Hany Shaker and Wael Jassar – share the stage at Dubai Opera. With powerful vocals and iconic hits such as Lesa Betes’aly and Mishit Khalas, the duo will deliver a soulful showcase of love, longing and timeless artistry.
Denis Matsuev 50th Anniversary Concert
Date: 4 May 2025
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Celebrate a milestone in classical music as virtuoso pianist Denis Matsuev takes the stage at Dubai Opera marking his 50th anniversary. Performing alongside the Chelyabinsk State Symphony Orchestra under maestro Alexey Rubin, the virtuoso will deliver a powerful evening of classical brilliance and technical mastery.
Date: 8-12 May 2025
Location: Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection
About: Back for its 13th edition, the Dubai Tango Festival brings together world-renowned tango dancers and DJs for five days of rhythm and romance. From expert-led workshops to the spectacular gala night on 10 May, this celebration of Argentinian culture is a must for dance lovers.
Date: 9 May 2025
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: Arab pop sensations Nassif Zeytoun, Rahma Riad, Mortadha Ftiti and Ricky Rich will light up Coca-Cola Arena with a high-energy night of hits. From Mi Amor and Ma Fi Leil to viral collaborations and dancefloor favourites, expect non-stop music and crowd-fuelled excitement.
Date: 9 May 2025
Location: Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
About: Zamna, the iconic electronic music experience from Tulum in Mexico, makes its Dubai debut with a night of deep house, techno and immersive energy at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. Expect world-class DJs, tribal rhythms and cutting-edge production in a setting that channels the soul of the jungle into the heart of the city.
The Pulse by Gravity & Other Myths
Date: 9-11 May 2025
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Witness a breathtaking fusion of movement, music and raw strength as The Pulse by Australian contemporary circus troupe Gravity & Other Myths takes over Dubai Opera. Featuring 30 thirty acrobats and a live choir, this critically acclaimed performance explores human connection through awe-inspiring physicality and emotive soundscapes.
Date: 10 May 2025
Location: Terra Solis
About: Internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Argy brings his signature melodic techno sound to Terra Solis for an electrifying night under the stars. With standout tracks like Tataki, Aria and Pantheon, expect deep grooves, hypnotic energy and a true taste of the underground scene.
Town Mouse and Country Mouse Live on Stage
Date: 10 May 2025
Location: Theatre by QE2
About: The beloved tale of Town Mouse and Country Mouse comes to life at Theatre by QE2 in a charming production by the award-winning Pied Piper Theatre Company. Filled with puppetry, music and storytelling, this heartwarming show is perfect for young children and families discovering the magic of theatre together.
Date: 11 May 2025
Location: One&Only Royal Mirage
About: Enjoy an evening of elegance and artistry at Hearts Have No Borders, M Premiere Classics’ newest concert, which will be held at the One&Only Royal Mirage. Featuring piano virtuoso Andrey Tubalov and violinist Ravil Islyamov, the night promises a soul-stirring repertoire from Chopin to Gershwin in a refined acoustic setting.
Date: 16 May 2025
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Join an unforgettable night of Arabic music as Egyptian singer and composer Tamer Ashour takes the stage at Dubai Opera. Known for his emotive vocals and heartfelt hits like Zikrayat Kaddaba, Ekhtarna Leh, and Enta Ekhtart, Ashour promises a soulful performance filled with passion and nostalgia.
Date: 17 May 2025
Location: Expo City Dubai
About: The world-renowned elrow festival returns to Dubai, transforming Expo City’s Jubilee Park into a vibrant playground of music, colour and creativity. With dazzling costumes, immersive décor, confetti showers and sets by top electronic artists, this open-air spectacle promises high-energy fun and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Date: 18 May 2025
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: Filipino P-pop powerhouse BINI make their highly anticipated Dubai debut at Coca-Cola Arena as part of their first world tour. With smash hits like Pantropiko, the all-girl group promises a high-energy show packed with choreography, chart-toppers and fan-favourite moments.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Date: 21-24 May 2025
Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
About: Experience a fast-paced, witty reinterpretation of all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays performed by three talented actors. This critically acclaimed comedy condenses centuries of literature into a whirlwind theatrical journey, filled with improvisation, parody, and audience interaction.
Date: 22 May 2025
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: Greek singer Nikos Vertis makes his Dubai debut at Coca-Cola Arena with The Journey of Sound and Soul World Tour. Featuring a full live band and stunning visuals, he is set to perform fan favourites like Thelo Na Me Nioseis, Pos Na To Exigo and An Eisai Ena Asteri in an unforgettable night of music and emotion.
Date: 23-24 May 2025
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Experience a powerful reimagining of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana as the Maribor Ballet brings this timeless cantata to Dubai Opera. Choreographed by Edward Clug, the performance blends dynamic movement with evocative storytelling, exploring themes of fate, love and human resilience through the iconic O Fortuna.
Date: 24 May 2025
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: Comedy powerhouse Jim Jefferies brings his razor-sharp wit to Coca-Cola Arena as part of his Son of a Carpenter tour. Known for his bold, no-filter humour and hit Netflix specials like BARE and Intolerant, this show promises an evening of unapologetic laughs and clever commentary.
Marcel & Rami Khalife – Legacy
Date: 25 May 2025
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Legendary Lebanese composer Marcel Khalife returns to Dubai Opera for a stirring performance alongside his son, acclaimed pianist Rami Khalife. Blending traditional Arabic melodies with modern influences, the duo will perform powerful works including Walking Tall, Caress, and Tunnel to the Moon.
Date: 29-31 May 2025
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Get ready as the international percussion phenomenon STOMP returns with its explosive blend of rhythm, movement, and humour. Using everyday objects like bins, brooms, and pipes, the performers create a high-energy spectacle that transcends language and age.
Date: 30 May 2025
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: Get ready for an unforgettable night as KYGO brings his signature tropical house sound to Coca-Cola Arena. With global hits like Firestone, It Ain’t Me, and Higher Love, plus new tracks from his latest album, this high-energy show will feature stunning visuals and chart-topping collaborations. Victoria Nadine, one of Scandinavia’s fastest-rising pop stars, will join on the night.
Date: 30-31 May 2025
Location: Theatre by QE2
About: Get ready to sing along to ABBA’s greatest hits as ABBA Reunion takes the stage at Theatre by QE2. With dazzling costumes, flawless vocals and classics like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, and Take a Chance on Me, this tribute will transport you straight to the golden era of pop.
Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar
