Closing parties, waterpark openings and all the iftars you could imagine…

The new month is here, and that means there’s heaps of new stuff to look forward to. Kicking off with a Broadway illusion show making its way to The Madinat, there’s also the first ever What’s On Nightlife Awards, closing parties, a new water park to check out, and some lavish Iftars to experience.

Here are 10 things to look forward to this May. 

May 1 to 7: Be amazed by a Broadway illusion show

Broadway’s highest selling show of its kind, The Illusionists is set to return to Dubai with a brand new show. Running for seven days from May 1 to 7 at the Madinat Theatre, the show brings together seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth, each showcasing their jaw-dropping acts.

The Illusionists, Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, May 1 to 7, from Dhs245. Tel: (056) 675 6834. Tickets from tixbox.com

May 2: Party hard with What’s On

Taking place this Wednesday, we’ll be revealing the top movers and shakers from across the industry at the first ever What’s On Nightlife Awards. All-inclusive packages start from Dhs150 for unlimited food and drink, and there’ll be live entertainment, headlining local DJs and a small matter of crowning the best places to party in the city.

Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, 7.30pm to 3am, Wednesday May 2. facebook.com/WhatsOnNightlifeAwards

May 11: Rock out with the Stereophonics

They were last in town for the What’s On Party in the Park in 2015, and now Stereophonics are set to return to Dubai. The Welsh rockers will take to the Media City Amphitheatre stage on May 11, stopping off in Dubai as part of their world tour.

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Friday May 11, early bird tickets Dhs299, brunch packages Dhs799. Get tickets here

Throughout May: Adventure by night

As the summer heat kicks in, it may be too hot to adventure outside in the day, but there’s nothing stopping us once the sun goes down. Aventura is launching its nighttime sessions on weekends this May so you can rope cross, tree surf and zip line across Mushrif Park after dark.

Aventura, Mushrif Park, Dubai, 9am to 10pm, Fri and Sat, Dhs125. Tel: (052) 178 7616. aventuraparks.com

May 11: Party hard at a beach festival

With the end of the season fast approaching, there’s only a couple of weeks left to head to one of Zero Gravity’s famous beach festivals- and for the last one before summer, the beach club is pulling out all the stops. One Big Friday will take over the shores of the Marina beach club on Friday May 11, bringing headline act Jonas Blue, with support from Blonde and Prok and Fitch. This is one party you won’t want to miss.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Al Sufouh, 8am to 3am, Friday May 11, free for ladies, Dhs100 for guys after 8pm or brunch 1pm to 5pm for Dhs295 ladies, Dhs315 guys. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

Until May 16: Enjoy a coffee in the sky

Flying Cup, the pop-up cafe on JBR invites guests to enjoy a drink of their choice while hoisted forty metres above the ground. Tickets cost Dhs80 for an adult and Dhs40 for children aged 4 to 12, with the price including a soft drink of your choice. There’s no need to pre-book, just show up on the day.

Flying Cup, JBR, next to Roxy Cinema, Sat to Weds 10am to 12am, Thurs and Fri 10am to 1am, until May 16, Dhs80. Tel: (050) 414 0655. Flyingcup.ae

From mid-May: Experience a lavish Iftar

Although the official Ramadan date is still yet to be confirmed, it’s likely to be around May 17. Once Ramadan begins, there are a host of Iftars to experience across the city, from budget to blow out. Our pick is the Dubai Opera, which transforms into an extravagant banquet hall with food created by the team at one of our favourite restaurants, Sean Connolly

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, daily from sunset, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

May 17: Work up a sweat with Dubai Sports World

We’re trading our al fresco adventures for sports indoors from now, and Dubai Sports World is back at Dubai World Trade Centre is back from May 17 to keep us active indoors. The space will play host to activities including basketball, virtual golf, gymnastics, football and badminton, and entry is free – although you’ll have to pay to use certain facilities.

Dubai World Trade Centre, daily 8am to 1am, May 17 to September 8. Tel: (04) 306 4000. dubaisportsworld.ae

May 19: Watch the Royal Wedding at a British beach bash

If your invite to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal wedding got lost in the post, fear not. Living up to Dubai’s ideas of a street party, Barasti is throwing the ultimate British beach party in honour of the soon-to-be newlyweds. Swap your fascinator for a beach hat and head down to the free-entry beach party which will live-stream the wedding coverage as well as putting on a Brit-style brunch and live entertainment to keep you royally entertained.

Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, 11am to 3am, Saturday May 19, free. Tel: (04) 318 1313 barastibeach.com

May date TBC: Cool off at La Mer

Set to open sometime this month is La Mer’s Laguna Waterpark. It will feature a water slide complex with five main rides, as well as a pool lounge, children’s zone and lazy river. There will also be direct beach access, and cabanas. Tickets will cost Dhs99 for residents when purchased online, which includes access to all rides, or Dhs125 when purchased at the gate. The attraction will cost Dhs159 for non-residents.

Laguna Waterpark, La Mer, Jumeirah 1, daily 10am to dusk. Tickets from Dhs99. lagunawaterpark.com.

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