May in Dubai is shaping up to be a month full of energy, creativity, and entertainment across the city. From comedy shows and theatre performances to art fairs, ballet, and food festivals, there’s plenty to explore. If you’re in the mood for culture, cuisine, or live entertainment, the city’s calendar has experiences to suit every taste and vibe. Here’s a roundup of 10 unmissable experiences and events happening in Dubai this May.
1. Sharmila Dance Extravaganza 2026
View this post on Instagram
Sharmila Dance Extravaganza 2026 is a vibrant showcase featuring performers from Sharmila Dance Centre. The event brings together aspiring dancers of all ages, from children as young as seven to adults, performing a mix of ballet, tap, jazz, and breakdancing in high-energy, choreographed routines. With colourful costumes, dynamic lighting, and a wide range of styles, the show celebrates talent, passion, and storytelling through movement. Expect an uplifting evening that often ends in standing ovations as the stage comes alive with diverse performances.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: May 1st to 3rd
Cost: Starts at AED 150 per person
2. The Good Energy Club
The Good Energy Club is a free wellness experience at Terra in Dubai that encourages participants to reconnect through movement and mindfulness. Hosted by MyDubai Communities, Terra, and The Grateful Mile, the program features energising workouts and restorative sessions for all fitness levels. Attendees can also engage in reflective activities, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere with food, beverages, and market stalls. It’s an ideal gathering for anyone looking to recharge during a busy month.
Where: Terra, Expo City Dubai
When: May 2nd
Cost: No entry fee
3. The Little Things & Mattel Pop-Up
The Little Things x Mattel Pop-Up is a lively retail activation bringing together The Little Things (TLT) and global toy giant Mattel in a nostalgic, immersive experience. The pop-up features iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Monster High, WWE Action Figures, and UNO. Designed for all ages, it blends interactive displays, collectables, and playful moments that celebrate creativity and childhood memories. The space offers a fun, design-led destination for families, collectors, and pop-culture fans to explore and engage.
Where: Gate Avenue 4, DIFC- Dubai
When: Until May 6th
Cost: No entry fee
4. Nurlan Saburov Live
The popular Kazakh stand-up comedian Nurlan Saburov will be performing in the city with an evening of his observational humour. Known for his dry humour and restrained delivery, he turns everyday moments into smart, laugh-out-loud stories that feel both familiar and thought-provoking. This debut show promises gentle irony and a strong bond with the audience as he explores modern life and current trends. It’s a must-watch for fans of intelligent stand-up looking for a fresh comedic voice this May.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: May 7th
Cost: Starts at AED 290 per person
5. Harsh Gujral Live
View this post on Instagram
Indian comedian Harsh Gujral is set to perform his popular show Harsh’O’Ullas at Dubai Opera this May. The set promises fast-paced comedy filled with witty observations, punchy one-liners, and humour drawn from everyday situations and social habits. With his natural stage presence, Gujral keeps the energy lively, interactive, and highly relatable throughout.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: May 10th
Cost: Starts at AED 115 per person
Also Read: 7 Top Sports Events In Dubai This May That You Can’t Afford To Miss!
6. Short + Sweet Theatre Dubai 2026
View this post on Instagram
The 14th edition of Short + Sweet Theatre Dubai returns this May, bringing the world’s largest short-form theatre festival back to the city. It features 10-minute plays across comedy, drama, romance, and more, performed by over 250 local artists. Audiences play a key role by voting for their favourite performances each week, with top acts advancing to a grand finale on May 23rd. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy evening of theatre packed into under two hours.
Where: New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: May 2nd to 3rd and 16th to 17th
Cost: Starts at AED 80 per person
7. The Way Back Home Live
Bring the kids to The Way Back Home at New Covent Garden Theatre, a delightful stage adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ popular children’s story. The story is of a young boy who finds a plane in his closet, lands on the moon, and meets a stranded alien along the way. As the two form an unlikely friendship, they join forces to figure out how to return home. It’s a gentle, imaginative show celebrating friendship, courage, and helping others.
Where: The New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
When: May 16th to 17th
Cost: Starts at AED 135 per person
8. Art Dubai
Art Dubai returns with a VIP preview on May 14th, bringing a global spotlight to contemporary, modern, and digital art. Celebrating its 20th edition, the fair features works from across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and Africa. Visitors can explore gallery presentations, large-scale installations, performances, discussions, and screenings that reflect its two-decade journey. This event is a must-visit for art lovers looking to experience Dubai’s vibrant and evolving cultural scene.
Where: Madinat Jumeirah
When: May 15th to 17th
Cost: No entry fee
9. Dubai Restaurant Week
Dubai Restaurant Week invites food lovers to explore the city’s diverse dining scene with exclusive set menus across 125+ restaurants. Enjoy a two-course lunch for AED 125 or a three-course dinner for AED 250, featuring everything from fine dining experiences to hidden culinary gems. This year’s lineup spans global flavours, including European-Asian fusion, Cantonese specialities, Japanese street-style bites, and modern British comfort food.
Where: Multiple locations in the city
When: May 1st to 17th
10. Ivan Vasiliev: The Last Dance
View this post on Instagram
Ivan Vasiliev: The Last Dance arrives at Dubai Opera for a special international ballet evening honouring the celebrated artist’s final performance. The Alexandrite Gala brings together leading dancers from prestigious companies like the Bolshoi Theatre, La Scala Theatre Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, and Dutch National Ballet. The programme features iconic classical ballet pieces alongside a surprising crossover moment blending ballet with the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen. It’s a landmark cultural night marking the end of an era in global ballet.
Where: Dubai Opera
When: May 30th
Cost: Starts at AED 290 per person
This list is your go-to guide for planning an unforgettable May in Dubai, with so much happening across the city.
Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Dubai/Website
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: April 30, 2026 2:35 PMFAQs
Where is Dubai Restaurant Week happening?
Across multiple restaurants in Dubai from May 1st to 17th, offering dining experiences and special menus at set prices.
What is Short + Sweet Theatre Dubai about?
It’s a short-form theatre festival featuring 10-minute plays across comedy, drama, and romance, with audience voting deciding finalists.