From cultural showcases and art exhibitions to concerts, gaming and sporting action, there is something for everyone, all month long
Dubai : Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, has revealed an enticing programme for May 2026. The programme shines a spotlight on Dubai’s entertainment landscape, with the line-up including a diverse mix of cultural experiences, live performances, sporting action, community activities, and more. Whether you’re seeking immersive experiences or creative inspiration, or simply a great day out with the family, Dubai has something for every passion and every occasion this May.
COMMUNITY
Location: Citywide
About: Eid Al Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, will be celebrated citywide with a vibrant programme of live entertainment, retail promotions, family experiences, cultural showcases, and much more across iconic locations within the city.
Al Wasl Season
Date: Until 2 May 2026
Location: Expo City Dubai
About: Al Wasl Season continues to bring the community together at Expo City Dubai with a dynamic line-up of cultural activities, entertainment and family-friendly experiences.
The Great Outdoors
Date: Until 31 May 2026
Location: Expo City Dubai
About: This fun, family-friendly festival offers entertainment across three venues. Festival-goers can enjoy an array of activities including a massive inflatable obstacle course as well as games, picnic spaces and outdoor cinema nights; in addition to an array of outdoor dining options to savour.
ARTS & CULTURE
Alserkal Art Month
Date: Until 18 May 2026
Location: Alserkal Avenue
About: A staple within Dubai’s art and cultural calendar, Alserkal Art Month is a key destination for art lovers looking to explore a range of exhibitions, installations and more. Artists from both local and international locations will come together in what will be a vibrant celebration of creativity.
Art Dubai
Date: 15 – 17 May 2026
Location: Madinat Jumeirah
About: Art Dubai returns this year for its 20th edition with an exceptional showcase of modern and contemporary art from leading galleries around the world. Additionally, attendees can also experience a host of creative talks, workshops and cultural programming.
LIFESTYLE
Dubai Esports & Games Festival
Date: 22 May – 7 June 2026
Location: DWTC
About: Gaming enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the Dubai Esports & Games Festival, featuring a host of live gaming competitions, interactive experiences and an array of fun and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
GASTRONOMY
Dubai Restaurant Week
Date: 1 – 17 May 2026
Location: Across the city
About: Dubai Restaurant Week is back, with food lovers able to explore all of the best cuisine Dubai has to offer. Enjoy a selection of delicious, curated menus and exciting offers across some of the emirate’s most popular and best-loved restaurants.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Wagef! Amal Taleb Live
Date: 1 May 2026
Location: Meyana Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
About: This live performance as part of the popular Wagef! series invites concert-goers to enjoy an evening of live entertainment with Amal Taleb for a musical night like no other.
Gaurav Gupta Live
Date: 2 May 2026
Location: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School
About: Distinguished comedian Gaurav Gupta is bringing his iconic wit to Dubai for one night only – fans can expect his humorous takes on day-to-day life delivered through his distinctive comedic style.
The Fridge Concert Series Season 49
Date: 5, 12 & 19 May 2026
Location: Alserkal Avenue
About: The Fridge Concert Series returns for its 49th season at Alserkal Avenue with a line-up of exceptional musicians. Witness an intimate live music experience across a host of varied genres for everyone to enjoy, in honour of the city’s vibrant local music landscape.
Wagef! Alaa El Sheikh
Date: 9 May 2026
Location: Meyana Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
About: The Wagef! series returns, this time with none other than Alaa El Sheikh – he’ll be taking to the stage to deliver a vibrant and energetic live performance of humour and audience interaction.
Harsh’O’Ullas ft. Harsh Gujral
Date: 10 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Harsh Gujral headlines this high-energy comedy show at Dubai Opera, showcasing his sharp, relatable humour with witty narration for an evening of entertainment with your friends or loved ones.
Candlelight Concerts at Al Habtoor Polo Resort
Date: 9 May 2026
Location: Al Habtoor Polo Resort
About: The iconic branded concert returns and this time it’s at Al Habtoor Polo Resort – set in a mesmerising candlelit atmosphere, concert-goers can expect an enchanting evening of unique, classical music perfect for a night out with loved ones or a get together with friends.
Carl Cox
Date: 9 May 2026
Location: Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE JBR
About: Legendary techno mastermind Carl Cox is back in Dubai – this time to electrify the stage at Playa Pacha. Gather your friends and don’t miss the music pioneer in action as he warms up the decks just in time for his summer season.
Young Maestro: Meet the String Family
Date: 10 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: This interactive and educational musical experience encourages families to understand the exciting world of string instruments through engaging and immersive showcases of instrumental demonstrations and performances.
Strings & Dreams: Mozart & Beethoven – Vienna’s Finest
Date: 10 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Witness the masterpieces of Mozart and Beethoven in an elegant concert of iconic classics as Vienna’s rich classical music heritage shines through in this one-night only performance at Dubai Opera.
NEMR – Rampant Disorder
Date: 10 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Internationally renowned comedian NEMR is set to bring his sharp wit and all-round funniness for an evening of non-stop laughter. Be sure to gather your friends and prepare to laugh all night long.
Al Maestro – Arabic Play
Date: 15 – 16 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Delivering a powerful narrative through a captivating performance, this compelling Arabic play is sure to capture your attention. Enjoy this performance for a limited time only, set at the iconic Dubai Opera.
Swedish House Mafia at Ushuaïa Dubai
Date: 16 May 2026
Location: Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience
About: The global electronic house music icons return for an electrifying set like no other. Prepare to be blown away with the incredible hits they’re known for including Don’t You Worry Child, Moth To A Flame, and much more.
Candlelight Concerts at Madinat Jumeirah
Date: 16 May 2026
Location: Madinat Jumeirah
About: The iconic branded concert returns in May, with the additional concert held in Madinat Jumeirah. Concert-goers can expect an enchanting evening of unique, classical music, certainly a memorable experience to share with loved ones or friends.
Svetlana Zakharova – Gabrielle Chanel Ballet
Date: 17 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Enjoy an elegant evening of ballet performed by Svetlana Zakharova – one of Russia’s top performers at Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet, through this homage to Coco Chanel expressed through beautiful choreography and timeless costume designs.
Lulu Santos
Date: 23 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Lulu Santos, Brazilian music legend, will be gracing the Dubai Opera stage for one-night only in what’s expected to be an unforgettable performance featuring timeless classics.
Ivan Vasiliev: The Last Dance
Date: 30 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Witness the farewell performance of the celebrated legendary ballet dancer Ivan Vasiliev. The show brings together principal dancers from world-renowned companies including Bolshoi Theatre, La Scala Theatre Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and Dutch National Ballet for one-evening only.
Adam Live in Concert
Date: 28 May 2026
Location: Dubai Opera
About: One of the most influential Arab singers of his time, Adam brings his signature powerful vocals and emotional depth to the stage. Fans can witness the acclaimed star for one night only as he performs some of his greatest hits including his viral melody, Ya Helou.
SPORT
The Good Energy Club
Date: 2 May 2026
Location: Terra, Expo City
About: Presented by #MyDubai Communities in collaboration with Terra and The Grateful Mile, The Good Energy Club is a free, community-first wellness morning bringing Dubai residents together through movement, mindfulness, and connection. Those attending can participate in the likes of a mile walk, running, sunrise yoga, pilates, guided meditation, sound healing, strength and conditioning and much more. Enjoy a free morning of movement and mindfulness with your friends, or just grab a coffee at the wellness market.
DXB Snow Run 2026
Date: 17 May 2026
Location: Ski Dubai
About: This unique sporting challenge returns to Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, inviting participants to race through a winter wonderland on a 3km or 5km track.
PFL MENA 9: Pride of Arabia
Date: 24 May 2026
Location: Coca-Cola Arena
About: PFL MENA makes its debut in the city with a number of elite fighters from across the region battling it out in both featherweight and lightweight bouts, with each fight playing a role in the journey towards championship glory and the $100,000 prize purse. Headliners include UAE trailblazer Mohammad Yahya, as well as Salah Eddine Hamli, the reigning 2025 lightweight champion and many more.
