10 spectacular things to do in Abu Dhabi in May

This month May be busy…

Ramadan is behind us and Abu Dhabi is gearing up for some super fun things to do throughout the month of May. Where else will you be able to catch the Backstreet Boys, see Peter Pan on Ice and visit a book fair all in the same city?

Get ready for a month of shows, new restaurants and fantastic things to do in Abu Dhabi this May. 

Catch Peter Pan on Ice

Join Wendy, Michael and John as they embark on a journey to Neverland with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. The magical show will take place at the Cultural Foundation and ticket prices start from Dhs175. Read more here.

Cultural Foundation, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St, Al Hisn, Tickets from Dhs175,  May 12 to May 14, culturalfoundation.ae

See the Backstreet Boys live

They won’t be playing any games with our hearts, but the Backstreet Boys are back in the UAE for a one-night-only concert at Etihad Arena as part of their DNA World Tour. The boy band will definitely be bringing back all the nostalgia. Sadly, tickets flew out the door quicker than you can say ‘Backstreet’s back, alright’, so if you were lucky to get your hands on some, be sure to tag us @whatsonabudhabi during the performance so we can live vicariously through you.

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Sun May 7, etihadarena.ae

Check out a new adrenaline park

Get ready adrenaline seekers, as Al Qana has a new family-friendly activity space that will serve as a huge indoor theme park. Adrenark Adventure is packed with thrilling activities including a dodgeball court, wall-running and so much more.

Al Qana, Rabdan, throughout May, alqana.ae

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Bookfair will seek to combine regional publishers, creative industries and support industries that contribute to enhancing readable, visual and interactive culture.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Rawdah, Halls 8 to 12, May 22 to May 28, adbookfair.com

Pop into the World’s largest floating book fair

Bibliophiles, this is a friendly reminder that the largest floating bookfair, Logos Hope is now in Dubai. It will open its hatches for a week from Tuesday, April 18 to 23 from 4pm to 11pm. Logos Hope is a non-profit organization that seeks to share knowledge, help and hope with the world through cultural understanding, relief work and much more.

Stay up to date with Logos Hope and the team on @logoshopeuae

Funny man Jason Manford comes to Emirates Palace

One of British stand-up comedy’s most treasured alumni, Jason Manford is returning to the UAE with former collaborators, The Laughter Factory, as part of their ongoing Selfdrive tour. The date and venue have been set abd the funnyman will be jetting into Abu Dhabi for a gig at the grand Emirates Palace on May 12, 2023.

Emirates the Palace, W Corniche Road Abu Dhabi, Fri May 12, 2023 from 8.30pm, tickets Dhs195 (premium front row tickets Dhs295). Tel: (0)50 878 6728. thelaughterfactory.com 

ADRIFT Burger Bar opening in the capital

David Myers, world-renowned chef will be opening an ADRIFT Burger Bar in the capital and bringing its residents the alleged “perfect burger.” You can go chow down at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi from Tuesday, May 2.

Adrift Burger Bar, Level 1, Yas Mall, Yas Island, throughout May, @adriftburgerbar.ad

YALA Kombucha Bar

Handcrafted in Abu Dhabi, this fermented drink made from black tea – most commonly consumed for its health benefits, has a new home. Try out all their microbrewery that’s packed with flavour but less sugar for a guilt-free drink.

Yala Kombucha Bar, Al Mutqin St, Al Mina, throughout  May, @yalabucha

Monster Jam takes the capital

Get wheely excited! One of motorsport’s most exhilarating, preposterously-sized, gargantuanly visceral, petrol-driven extravaganzas is locked in and scheduled to spin rubber in Abu Dhabi this May. Yas Island’s Etihad Arena will now be hosting two shows on Saturday, May 13 (doors open at 1pm and 6pm) and one on Sunday, May 14 (doors open at 1pm).

Etihad Arena, Yas Island, May 13 and 14, 2023. Ticket prices from Dhs135, etihadarena.ae 

The Snail and The Whale at Cultural Foundation

This performance is inspired by Julia Donaldson’s much-loved picture book – The Snail and The Whale. It follows an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world. Tickets start from Dhs135.

Cultural Foundation, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St, Al Hisn, Fri May 19, culturalfoundation.ae

Images: Getty and Socials