Dubai in May can be hot, it can be cheap, but it also can be lots of fun! If you’re a first time reader then below you will find everything to do with Dubai in May. If you’re returning, then welcome back to our Dubai month by month guide!
Dubai is an all-year-round holiday destination. This city is always ready to welcome tourists and travellers with open arms. Visiting Dubai in May is a great idea if you are longing for a less-crowded and perfectly laidback vacation.
The month of May heralds the onset of summer season in the region. During May, the skies are clear and humidity never goes too high to bother your outdoor activities.
Here we take a look at Dubai in May, and what’s happening in during the 5ht month of the year.
Reasons To Visit Dubai In May
Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t hesitate to visit Dubai this May.
- Holy Ramadan: It is always great to explore a destination with its cultural side. In May, the whole city of Dubai celebrates the holy month of Ramadan with utmost spirituality and peace. It is truly an overwhelming experience to see a cosmopolitan city like Dubai preserving every part of its tradition. May is the best time of the year to explore lots of traditional food specially made during Ramadan.
- Less touristy: As Ramadan changes the timings of almost every tourist attraction and events in Dubai, most people refrain themselves from visiting Dubai in May. This is great for travellers who are more into exploring the city at their own pace.
- Cheaper rates: May marks the beginning of the off-season after a very touristy season in winter. During May, you can expect much cheaper rates for hotel rooms and flights to and from Dubai. So, when your budget is tight, May is the right month to schedule your Dubai travel.
What’s Happening in Dubai in May?
1. Ramadan
The United Arab Emirates is an Islamic state and Ramadan is one of the most anticipated religious events all across the country. Ramadan or Iftar is almost a month-long religious practice when Muslims eat with their family and friends at sunset after fasting for the whole day.
If you’re a foodie then you’re going to love Ramadan. Each evening the hotels and street food stalls put on incredible spreads for breaking the fast.
Several hotels in Dubai even put up some iftar parties where you can have a feast and make new friends while playing interesting board games and smoking shisha.
Dates
Monday, 12 April 2021 – Wednesday, 12 May 2021
2. Eid Al Fitr
After the holy month of Ramadan with much gratitude and restraint, Eid Al Fitr brings life back to normality. Eid Al Fitr is the end of Ramadan month when everyone lets loose with the mood of celebration across the city.
This year Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on 12 May but we bet you can expect a string of events and celebrations in Dubai for a whole week particularly on weekends. Bright lights illuminate every nook and corner and massive fireworks dazzle up the sky. Friends and families come together over delicious feasts and endless fun on this auspicious day.
Eid Al Fitr also comes with plenty of sales and discounts. Staycation packages can be booked at cheaper rates for a budget-friendly holiday in Dubai.
Date
Wednesday 12 May 2021
3. The Arabian Travel Market
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is a world-class trade fair meant for inbound and outbound travel agencies from the Middle East. This event is now on its 27th edition and thousands of products, services and destinations will be there to lure visitors.
If you are passionate about travelling, don’t miss the ATM in May. This trade fair attracts an impressive number of national and international organizations across the travel industry to identify the latest trends in travel and tourism. You can also join this congregation to understand many surprising facts about tourism.
Dates
Sunday 16 May 2021 – Wednesday 19 May 2021
Venue
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
4. “Do You Remember What You Are Burning?” Art Exhibition
Well, the name ‘Do you remember what you are burning?’ may not sound very typical for an art exhibition but this art event is also not a traditional one like anything else. This is the first solo exhibition of celebrated artist Hiwa K in the Middle East as well as in Asia.
Hiwa K is known for his contemporary artworks that are created by putting together his life experiences. His creations are known for exploring ideas of collectivity, neoliberalism and modern conflicts. This much-awaited exhibition serves as a wonderful window for art enthusiasts to witness the amazing collection of Hiwa K’s works created over the past decade.
We guarantee you won’t get much scope to watch Hiwa K’s sculptural work too often. Your May travelling dates to Dubai will coincide with the date of this art exhibition. Please make sure to visit this place. You are going to love this for sure.
Location
Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, United Araba Emirates.
Dates
Wednesday, 16 December 2020 – Saturday, 24 July 2021
Opening Hours
Saturday to Monday and Wednesday: 10.00 AM – 18.00 PM
Thursday and Friday: 12.00 PM – 20.00 PM.
Tuesday closed.
Cost
FREE!
5. Super Sports Night Run Series
When sparkly Dubai nights and fitness enthusiasm come together, it is obvious to get something extraordinary like the Super Sports Night Run Series. Night runs in Dubai allows getting bedazzled with the stunning sights of the city along with pleasant weather.
Super Sports Night Run Series takes you to the spectacular world of Dubai’s architectural gems and illuminated streets. You can literally chase the gleaming skyline as you cross the iconic Meydan Royal Bridge for a 5Km or 10 Km run. Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay and Burj Khalifa will surely remain the high-points of this night run.
You can take part in this event with your whole family. Even there is a special discount for families of three or more. So, invite your friends and colleagues to join you in this fascinating night event in May.
Location
The Track, Meydan Golf, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Dates
Tuesday, 26 January 2021
Tuesday, 20 April 2021
Tuesday, 18 May 2021
Tuesday, 15 June 2021
Timings
Sunday to Saturday: 6.30 AM – 22.45 PM
Cost
Tickets starting from AED 125 per person.
6. Cigna Park Run
Another sports event that everyone waits eagerly to join is the Cigna Park Run. This mid-May event is one of fun-filled ways of boosting your energy level while running across the grassy lawns of Al Ittihad Park.
Running enthusiasts all over the city gather at Al Ittihad Park to participate in this timed fun run event to beat the bustle of urban life. the best part of the Cigna Park Run is it welcomes participants of all ages, levels and abilities. Run, jog or walk – you are always a winner at the Cigna Park Run event as getting healthier and happier is priceless.
First-timers need to register themselves with the park authority to unlock all future events. After that you can access all Cigna Park events across Dubai for lifetime.
Location
Al Ittihad Park, Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. United Arab Emirates.
Date
Saturday, 15 May 2021
Timings
Starts at 7.30 AM.
Cost
Free event
7. Al Gaffal Long Distance Dhow Race
The most highlighted water sports event from Dubai’s May calendar has to be the Al Gaffal Long Distance Dhow Race. This is not just an ordinary race. It is like watching history in motion. Al Gaffal Dhow Race is a tribute to pearl divers of the past and their fascinating ability to survive underwater.
The dhows participating in this long-distance race follow the same ancient route that pearl divers used to take in the past. The route starts from Sir Bu Na’air Island and finishes at Burj Al Arab Hotel via a mandatory checkpoint at Moon Island. This route gives the finest glimpse of the best of Dubai’s coastline.
This year, Al Gaffal Long Distance Dhow Race is celebrating its 30th edition. Once you watch those traditional Emirati boats (dhow) sailing majestically across the sea, you will understand how local people are passionate to find roots to their maritime heritage. This race is seriously an apt way of remembering their history, heritage and tradition.
Location
From Sir Bu Na’air to Dubai
Timings
The race starts sharp at 5.30 AM and usually the race comes to an end just before noon.
Dates
Thursday, 20 May 2021
Cost
Free event
8. Dubai Opera Show
Located in the swanky neighbourhood of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera is a fascinating specimen of architecture reflecting both modern techniques and traditional layout. This colossal structure resembling a Dhow is a stylish tribute to Dubai’s history and was erected to showcase enthralling performing arts to the world with a hopping seating capacity of 2000.
Dubai Opera serves as the most sought-after centre stage of all forms of arts. This is certainly one of the most definite destinations in the town where passionate performance and quality entertainment come hand in hand.
At Dubai Opera, you can take a tour to explore the architectural beauty of this iconic cultural destination in Dubai. The Backstage Tour is for people who wish to experience the hidden world of theatre and performing arts. Dubai Opera schedules various shows round the year. You can always get something good to see at Dubai Opera and May will not be an exception.
Location
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Cost
Ticket price varies. You can check the ticket price and timings for a particular event by visiting Dubai Opera’s official website.
9. The Ripe Market
The Ripe Market is one of the most preferred outdoor markets in Dubai. This market displays an awesome collection of homegrown goods and crafts. This weekly outdoor market takes place every Friday and Saturday although a number of fixed outlets remain open all through the week.
Dubai’s Ripe Market is heaven for foodies where they can enjoy fresh food prepared with simple and indigenous ingredients. Here you can shop for a large variety of homegrown and handcrafted products that are hard to get anywhere else in the city.
Ripe Market is a shopping hotspot where locals and tourists can choose from a wide range of local goods and this, in turn, offers a wonderful business opportunity for local vendors. The Ripe Organic Farm section sells organically grown fruits and vegetables.
This market has something for everyone. Live music, educational activities, workshops, fitness classes, zoo petting and horse riding are common sights at Ripe Market.
Location
The Ripe Market, Dubai Police Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Timings
Friday: 9.00 AM – 19.00 PM.
Saturday: 10.00 AM – 19.00 PM.
Cost
No entry fees.
Is May a Good Time to Visit Dubai?
May marks the beginning of summer in Dubai and is the start of the off-season. Flights and accommodation are much cheaper during this time of the year. If you’re looking for a low cost trip to Dubai then May is good month to visit.
In relation to events, visiting Dubai in May is a great idea. There is plenty going on in and around the city to make sure you’ll never be bored (not that you can ever get bored in Dubai anyway)!
What is the Weather like in Dubai in May?
From the month of May, Dubai experiences a surge in day-time temperature. The average day-time temperatures sit at 33 Celsius while night-temperatures remain almost same at 32 Celsius. The city experiences almost 11 hours of sunshine a day.
There is no rainfall in May. During this time, relative humidity ranges from 26% to 89%. So, travelling to Dubai in May does come with its fair amount of sweating! However, if you’re a sun worshipper you will love visiting during May. After all, Dubai has fantastic hotels with huge pools, great water parks and the Arabian sea to cool off in.
What’s the Average Cost of Visiting Dubai in May?
Below we’ve taken a few average costs of flights and hotels in May for 2021 from Kayak.com to give you an idea of the cost of travelling to Dubai in May.
Alternatively check out our guide on The Cost of a Week in Dubai.
Hotel Star Rating | Average Cost Per Night |
2 Star | AED 1,500 |
3 Star | AED 2,000 – AED 3,000 |
4 Star | AED 3,000 – AED 3,500 |
5 Star | More than AED 3,500 |
From the Airport | Price Per Person |
London Heathrow | AED 1,500 |
New York JFK | AED 2,500 |
Paris CDG | AED 1,350 |
Dublin | AED 1,500 |
Conclusion
The month of May is a good time to visit Dubai if you want to avoid crowds and keep the travel cost under average. During summer, you can plan your activities nicely to design a perfect laid-back holiday.
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