10 things to do in Dubai in May

May is one of the months in which Dubai's gastronomy flourishes and a very good time to sunbathe and enjoy the summer weather without being stifling.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

8 min read

10 things to do in Dubai in May

Dubai Mosque | © Junhan Foong

In May it is noticeable that everything is in harmony with Dubai's climate. Highlights include the Dubai Omega Moonlight Classic, a night golf competition and the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament.

May also holds a few surprises related to the gastronomic world, such as the asparagus day or the growing popularity of kabsa, one of the most sought-after delicacies in this month. But that's not all! I'll tell you more below.

1. Don't miss out on your kabsa dish in May

Kabsa dish| ©Basel15
Kabsa dish| ©Basel15

May is an excellent month for those tourists looking to immerse themselves in Dubai's original culture and learn more about its lifestyle.

Speaking of traditions, one of the dishes you should try is kabsa, one of the richest delicacies made in Dubai and only offered during this month of May. This dish has rice, a variety of vegetables and meat.

Given the popularity of this dish during this fifth month of the year, you can try it both in some food outlets in the Market Mall and in the heart of Dubai, that is, in the Deira neighborhood. And, of course, they will also show it to you when you book a food tour in Dubai.

Book a food tour in Dubai

2. Take a night safari in the desert

Enjoying the evening in Dubai| ©Umar Khan
Enjoying the evening in Dubai| ©Umar Khan

One of the best months to book a Dubai desert tour at night is during the month of May, as the sky is almost always clear and night temperatures are usually quite bearable.

In addition, May is a quiet month in terms of tourist influx so that you can enjoy very peaceful evenings at night. Being able to stand in the Dubai desert and gaze up at the star-filled sky is an image to remember.

In addition, Dubai desert dinners and desert nights are some of the most famous activities in Arabian culture for hundreds of years. So, you will not only be enjoying the environment, but also living the Arabian history from its roots.

Book a Dubai Desert Tour

3. Dubai sunrise hot air balloon ride

Since Dubai in May is very hot, it is the time to do activities at those times of the day when the heat is less intense, such as at night or at sunrise, like booking a sunrise balloon flight in Dubai.

The panoramic views of Dubai and its skyscrapers offered by this activity are really crazy, as you will reach a height of between 600 and 1,200 meters. Do you dare to try it?

I assure you that the landscape that can be seen from the heights is unique and very different from what you can see in other balloon flights you do in other parts of the world.

Book a balloon flight at sunrise in Dubai

4. Take a trip to Sharjah from Dubai

If there is a good time in Dubai to go on an excursion, it is definitely May. Because it is low season, not only you will find much more affordable prices, but also you will be with less people in the activity and you can enjoy it in a much more personal way.

In this case I want to recommend you to book an excursion to Sharjah from Dubai. Sharjah is only 25 minutes from Dubai and is just as spectacular as its neighbor. In fact, it is known as the Pearl of the Gulf, so the name says it all. Moreover, in terms of luxury it has nothing to envy.

Normally, this tour is usually full in high season, so if you want to discover this unique enclave, I recommend you to take advantage of May.

Book a tour to Sharjah from Dubai

5. Cool off at Aquaventure water park

It is clear that the Aquaventure water park is not as emblematic as the Jumeira Mosque in Dubai, but I assure you that with the heat of May you will be glad that I have made this proposal.

Booking a ticket to Aquaventure is to enter a world of fun in which to escape for a while from the sweltering heat of the city. If you go with children, this place is a must in May, because you will get them not to suffer so much from the high temperatures.

This park occupies a total of 17 hectares full of attractions and water slides. In fact, it even has its own private beach! It is considered the largest water park in the world.

Book a ticket to Aquaventure

6. Live a wind tunnel experience

I still recommend that you continue to avoid the heat outside and immerse yourself in the vast world of possibilities that exist inside the buildings that make up Dubai. In fact, when moving around Dubai or going to Dubai airport, it is also important that you know how to do it to avoid the high temperatures and not end up too sweaty.

In this case, I suggest you go to the third floor of the Play Nation Area building to book a wind tunnel experience and live a unique sensation.

Have you ever dreamed of flying? I don't believe you if you say no. So here you can fulfill your dream by ascending no less than 4 meters. And don't worry because it's totally safe, as an expert instructor will accompany you throughout the experience.

Book a wind tunnel experience

7. Don't miss the Dubai Garden Glow Show

At the Dubai Garden Glow| ©Zane Edith
At the Dubai Garden Glow| ©Zane Edith

This is a very unique event in the month of May, as it features an open-air exhibition of a garden in total darkness. Now you may be wondering: How does it work? Well, simply by combining the latest lighting technology with designs steeped in creativity.

The result is a jaw-dropping 3D living spectacle. In addition, and only in May, this theme park will be open every day.

This exhibition is simply magical and you will see firsthand how, sometimes, our sense of sight can deceive us. To attend this particular event you must purchase a ticket on the officialwebsite.

8. Attend the dolphin show

Dolphin Show| ©Hernán Piñera
Dolphin Show| ©Hernán Piñera

Although the event lasts throughout the summer of Dubai, May is the best month to attend this event, as it is a month that many baptize as the month of the Dubai dolphins. This is because it coincides with the opening of this artistic show in which dolphins are the protagonists.

The shows take place at the Dubai Dolphinarium Building and usually last about 45 minutes. Plus, you get to witness dolphins and seals move in sync to entertain the crowds with incredible shows. You will be spellbound as you watch these creatures perform acrobatics and interact with the audience.

To attend this show it is important to purchase a ticket on the dolphinarium's official website.

9. Take a stroll through the Ripe Market

Visiting the Ripe Market| ©camilliepede
Visiting the Ripe Market| ©camilliepede

After the April night market in Dubai comes the mature market in May, which presents itself as a huge room set up to showcase the best of Dubai for both Dubai residents and tourists.

The Ripe Market is stocked with products from over 100 local companies, 100% Dubai products of the highest quality and originality. From handmade jewelry and traditional clothing to home furnishings, cosmetics and skin care products, you can find it all.

It is located in the Times Square Center and is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most impactful new attractions in the month of May.

10. Have a few laughs at the Dubai Comedy Festival

Enjoying the Dubai Comedy Festival| ©C0NTRAST
Enjoying the Dubai Comedy Festival| ©C0NTRAST

Don't worry! The Dubai Comedy Festival is not only in Arabic and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. It is an international event that features some of the most praised comedians from around the world.

This week-long event is held at the Street Diversions at Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

If you are interested, I advise you to visit the official event website for updates on the festival and to purchase tickets.

Dubai's weather in the month of May

Dubai in the Heights| ©Mayred Nyckmey
Dubai in the Heights| ©Mayred Nyckmey

Dubai in May is characterized by minimum temperatures that do not drop below 23 degrees at best. At times of intense heat, temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Is May a good time to visit Dubai? The best time to visit Dubai is in high season; however, if you like the summer heat, long daylight hours and a moderate tourist influx, then it is a recommended month for you. It is also a very gastronomic month and perfect to get to know the heart of Dubai.

Book a guided tour of Dubai

Is Dubai busy in May?

Family Fun at the Atlantis Aquaventure| ©Jeremy Thompson
Family Fun at the Atlantis Aquaventure| ©Jeremy Thompson

Interestingly, despite Dubai's pristine beaches and amazing water events such as those at the Atlantis Aquaventure water park, the busiest months for tourists are December in Dubai and January in Dubai.

Most tourists do not visit Dubai for its summer charms, as it is well known that in summer, temperatures in Dubai are very high.

So if you go in May, you may be able to enjoy multiple water events and beach diversions without feeling overwhelmed by excessive tourism.

Prices in Dubai in May

Checking Hotel Prices| ©Christina Morillo
Checking Hotel Prices| ©Christina Morillo

With May being the start of the off-season, it is very likely that you can enjoy reduced prices on hotel accommodations, airfare and sightseeing activities.

You can also enjoy some tempting deals on entrance tickets to the city's main attractions, theme parks, safaris, Dubai Marina cruises... So, if you want to enjoy the best of Dubai without spending so much money, May is a very good option.

Book a gastronomic tour of Dubai

What to bring in your suitcase to Dubai in May?

Packing your suitcase| ©Vlada Karpovich
Packing your suitcase| ©Vlada Karpovich

Lots of sunscreen and, above all, go with your mind prepared to withstand possible heat waves. The good news is that in Dubai almost everything is air-conditioned, so it is very easy to protect yourself from the sweltering heat waves coming from the hot desert of the city.

Also, if your idea is to spend a long time outdoors, either on beaches, open pools or walking around the city and aimlessly, it is highly recommended to go in flip-flops, wear a hat or cap, and not expose yourself to long hours of radiation in an uncontrolled way

Surely you will thank me! And even more so if you plan to stay there all summer.

Book a guided tour of Dubai