10 things to do in Dubai in May

May is one of the months when Dubai's gastronomy flourishes and a great time to soak up the sun and enjoy the summer weather without being sweltering.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

8 min read

10 things to do in Dubai in May

Dubai Mosque | © Junhan Foong

In May, 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 has a few gastronomic surprises in store, such as asparagus day and the growing popularity of kabsa, one of the most sought-after delicacies of the 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 a great month for 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 the month of May. The dish consists of rice, a variety of vegetables and meat.

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

Book a food tour of 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 an evening desert tour in Dubai is during the month of May, as the skies are almost always clear and night-time temperatures are, by all accounts, fairly bearable.

May is also a quiet month in terms of tourist traffic so you can enjoy peaceful evenings. Being able to stand in the Dubai desert and gaze up at the star-studded sky is an image to remember.

Moreover, Dubai desert dinners and desert nights are some of the most famous activities in Arabian culture for hundreds of years. So, not only will you be enjoying the surroundings, but also experiencing Arabian history at its roots.

Book a Dubai Desert Tour

3. Fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise in Dubai

Hot air balloon| ©ter551
Hot air balloon| ©ter551

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

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

I assure you that the landscape you can see 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 sunrise balloon flight in Dubai

4. Take a trip to Sharjah from Dubai

Sharjah| ©Ian Brown
Sharjah| ©Ian Brown

If there's ever a good time to go sightseeing in Dubai, it's definitely May. Because it's the low season, not only will you find much more affordable prices, but you'll also have less people at the activity and you'll be able to enjoy it in a much more personal way.

In this case I'd like to recommend you to book a trip to Sharjah from Dubai. Sharjah is only 25 minutes from Dubai and is just as spectacular as its neighbour. In fact, it is known as the Pearl of the Gulf, so the name says it all. It's also a luxury resort with nothing to envy.

Normally, this tour tends to fill up in high season, so if you want to discover this unique enclave, I recommend you take advantage of May.

Book a tour to Sharjah from Dubai

5. Cool off at the Aquaventure water park

Aquaventure| ©marjolein cheyen
Aquaventure| ©marjolein cheyen

The Aquaventure water park may not be as iconic as the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, but in the heat of May you'll be glad I made this suggestion.

To book a ticket to Aquaventure is to enter a world of fun where you can escape the sweltering heat of the city for a while. If you're going with children, this place is a must in May, as they won't 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 to be the largest water park in the world.

Book a ticket to Aquaventure

6. Experience a wind tunnel experience

Wind tunnel| ©dreca adrecalina
Wind tunnel| ©dreca adrecalina

I still recommend that you continue to avoid the heat outside and immerse yourself in the vast world of possibilities that exist within the buildings that make up Dubai. In fact, when moving around Dubai or transferring to Dubai airport, it is also important to 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 experience a unique sensation.

Have you ever dreamt of flying? I don't believe you if you say no. So here you can fulfil your dream by ascending no less than 4 metres. 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 May, as it features an open-air exhibition of a garden in total darkness. Now you may be wondering: How does that work? 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 be able to see for yourself how our sense of sight can sometimes deceive us. To attend this particular event you need to buy a ticket on the officialwebsite.

8. Attend the dolphin show

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

While the event lasts throughout Dubai's summer, May is the best month to attend this event, as it is a month that many refer to as Dubai Dolphin Month. This is because it coincides with the opening of the dolphin art show.

The shows take place at the Dubai Dolphinarium Building and usually last about 45 minutes. You can also watch dolphins and seals move in sync to entertain the crowds with amazing shows. You'll be spellbound as you watch these creatures perform acrobatic stunts and interact with the audience.

To attend this show it is important to purchase a ticket from 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, air-conditioned room showcasing the best of Dubai for both Dubai residents and tourists.

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

Located in the Times Square Center, it is without doubt one of the biggest and most impactful events in May.

10. Have a laugh 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 just in Arabic and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. It is an international event featuring some of the most acclaimed 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 event's official website for updates on the festival and to buy tickets.

Dubai's weather in May

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

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

Is May a good time to visit Dubai? The best time to visit Dubai is in high season, but if you like summer heat, long daylight hours and a moderate tourist influx, then May is a good month for you. It's also a great foodie month and the perfect time 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 incredible water events such as Atlantis Aquaventure water park, the busiest months for tourists are December in Dubai and January in Dubai.

Most tourists don't visit Dubai for its summer charms, as it's well known that Dubai's summer temperatures are very high.

So, if you go in May, you may be able to enjoy the many water events and beach diversions without being overwhelmed by too much tourism.

Dubai prices in May

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

With May being the start of the low season, you are likely to be able to enjoy reduced prices on hotel accommodation, 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 food tour of Dubai

What to pack for Dubai in May?

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

Lots of sunscreen and, above all, be prepared for possible heatwaves. The good news is that almost everything in Dubai is air-conditioned, so it's very easy to protect yourself from the sweltering heat waves coming from the city's hot desert.

Also, if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, whether on beaches, in open swimming pools or walking around the city aimlessly, it's highly recommended to wear flip-flops, a hat or cap, and not expose yourself to long hours of uncontrolled radiation

You'll thank me for this! Especially if you plan to stay there for the whole summer.

Book a guided tour of Dubai