From ultimate spots to celebrate special occasions to exciting new offerings to indulge in, here are the things to do in the UAE in May 2025
Banyan Tree Dubai
Banyan Tree Dubai invites you to The Culinary Masters – an exclusive two-night dining series where four award-winning chefs come together for a one-of-a-kind eight-hands dinner. Taking place on 24 and 25 May, the experience brings you Pan-Asian creations by Chef Alvin Leung at Demon Duck, refined Japanese dishes by Chefs Taka and Hisa at TakaHisa, and French finesse from Executive Chef Jonathan Bouthiaux.
May 24 and 25. From AED650 per person. Call +9714 556 6466.
HANU
Experience a 12-course omakase at HANU in St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, as the restaurant hosts a two-night collaboration on May 21 and 22 with Chef Sung Si-woo of LÉGUME, South Korea’s only Michelin-starred plant-based restaurant. The menu brings together Chef Sung’s seasonal, zero-waste philosophy with HANU’s modern take on Korean tradition. Dishes include Kumquat Stuffed with Waxy Corn and Olive Spread, Chickpea Gnocchi with Miso-Marinated Brazil Nuts, and Yeast-Roasted Cauliflower, alongside HANU favourites such as the Soy Marinated Sweet Prawn, Mushroom Galbi, and Chilean Seabass marinated in three Korean jang sauces.
May 21 and 22, with two nightly seatings at 6pm and 9pm. AED690 per person. Call +9714 278 4844.
Qwerty
Qwerty at Media One Hotel is a modern British gastro bar known for its welcoming yet clever take on classic British and international dishes, curated drinks, and fun atmosphere. Open daily from noon, it offers weekly highlights such as After Work Happy Hour with beverages and bites from AED39, a weekday Biz Lunch for AED90, British Curry Night on Wednesdays, and Fish & Chips Fridays. Sundays feature a full traditional roast for AED175, complete with starters, mains, dessert, 2-for-1 house grape, and dog-friendly treats on the terrace. Live music turns up the energy midweek and weekends with performances by Dan Tamburro and Bobby Valchev.
Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City. Visit website. Call +97152 144 7438 or email qwerty@mediaonehotel.com.
Ernst Biergarten
Ernst Biergarten & Wirtshaus at 25hours Hotel One Central is celebrating a beloved German culinary tradition with the launch of its seasonal Asparagus Menu, available until the end of May. Showcasing the much-anticipated white asparagus, known as weißer Spargel in Germany, the menu features a variety of dishes that highlight the vegetable’s subtle flavour, from creamy soups and garden salads to mains served with classic accompaniments such as hollandaise sauce and baby potatoes. Guests can add to the experience with a choice of traditional proteins, including schnitzels, ham, salmon, seabass, and ribeye, finishing with a simple yet indulgent dessert of strawberries and whipped cream.
AED140 per person. Call +971 50 369 8394 or email dubai@ernstbiergarten.com.
Pappas Taverna
Greek Social at Pappas Taverna, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island runs from May through September, offering a laid-back midweek escape with drinks starting at AED40, each served with a complimentary bite from a rotating menu of Greek bar snacks. Expect creative mezze-style dishes including crisp kataifi cheese nests drizzled with thyme honey, smoky eggplant dip with warm pita chips, tangy tzatziki with cucumber ribbons, and marinated olives with feta and oregano. Signature beverages such as the citrusy Santorini Sunset and the zesty Mykonos Mule complement the bites perfectly, while a playlist of Greek remixes and familiar hits brings a touch of Aegean charm straight to Yas Island.
6pm-11pm. Call +971 2 656 0000 or email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com.
Delano Dubai
The reimagined Rose Bar, located within Delano Dubai, pairs timeless glamour with creative dishes inspired by nostalgic Americana. Highlights include Lobster Tacos with crispy lobster tempura, coleslaw, tomato salsa and coriander, and the Rose Bar Club Sandwich 1995, layered with corn-fed chicken, pink paradise tomato, lettuce and Provolone. These dishes complement a beverage list featuring blends such as The Hanky Panky and the New Deal, all served in a setting of rose-hued marble, velvet banquettes and tucked-away corners that echo the Delano legacy.
Call +9714 556 6466 or email guestservice-dubai@delanohotels.com. Visit website.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Head to The Lotus Lounge for a one-night-only experience with renowned mixologist Denis Pashkov. Enjoy a selection of his signature concoctions and refreshing mocktails, with à la carte options available.
May 30, from 7-11pm. Drinks from AED50. Visit website.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Reserve your spot at Nahaam Brunch 2.0 and discover a global dining experience with live stations featuring dishes from the hotel’s acclaimed venues, including Nahaam, Sole, José by Pizarro, Ray’s Grill, and delectable pastries crafted by the hotel’s pastry chefs. Enjoy complimentary beach and pool access for a fun and relaxing day, and take advantage of the staycation offer starting at AED1,499 per night. Don’t miss out!
Every Saturday, from 1-4pm. From AED395 per person. Visit website.
Izu Burger and La Petite Ani
Starting this month, the original Izu Burger becomes a permanent fixture on La Petite Ani’s menu, alongside a new limited-edition creation: Le Petit Izu, a truffle-layered burger available from May 23 to July 23 at both venues and on Deliveroo. Look forward to exclusive crossovers such as Izu Fries and a duo of La Petite Ani desserts including light Popelinis in six flavours and a decadent Basque Cheesecake Brûlée. Co-branded packaging and a limited-edition merch line round out the collaboration, celebrating the city that inspired both brands.
Silly Goose
Silly Goose is a Dubai-born, delivery-only cookie brand launched during lockdown by architect Sid Jayakrishnan and his wife Noemie. What began as a homemade fix for a cookie craving quickly grew into a popular side hustle, with Sid teaching himself to bake and Noemie managing early deliveries. The menu is short, sweet, and addictive. Don’t miss the best-selling “Old School,” a classic chocolate chip cookie with sea salt, or the “Eminem,” packed with M&Ms and toffee. Now delivering across Dubai via apps and across the UAE via Instagram, Silly Goose serves up generously sized, nostalgia-driven cookies.
Visit Instagram.
Bread Ahead
Following the success of its Mall of the Emirates and DIFC branches, London’s acclaimed bakery Bread Ahead has opened its third Dubai location at City Centre Mirdif. Known for its signature doughnuts, artisanal pastries, sourdough pizzas, and specialty coffee, the bakery continues to grow its UAE footprint. Open daily from 8:30am, with extended hours until 1am on weekends, the Mirdif outpost serves a curated menu featuring favourites such as Pistachio and Vanilla doughnuts and premium sourdough pizzas.
Visit website.
La Mezcaleria Meydan
La Mezcaleria is bringing back its Saturday Brunch on May 10 to celebrate both its first anniversary and the launch of its weekly brunch. With four brunch packages to choose from, drinks flow freely, paired with a generous spread of signature dishes such as Uramaki, Mini Burgers, Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli, and Truffle Rigatoni. Live cooking stations serve freshly made tacos and charcuterie, while house-made desserts including ice cream and layered cakes offer a sweet finish.
Every Saturday, from 1-5pm. From AED290 per person. Visit website.
Veranda
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Veranda in JLT is bringing the spirit of the Aegean to Dubai with its new Greek Night, complete with live entertainment, a Greek singer belting out classics, and a DJ keeping the party alive all evening. Guests can choose from two specially curated set menus. Set Menu 1 (AED195) features crowd-pleasers such as tzatziki, pita bread, politiki salad, chicken souvlaki, and a surprise dessert, while Set Menu 2 (AED285) turns up the experience with piperata salata, a hearty meat platter, and your pick of Greek desserts.
Every Saturday, from 8pm.
FORMA
Hidden within the Al Safa Art & Design Library, FORMA quietly blurs the line between café, pizzeria, and creative space. The menu features classic favourites, well-made Margherita and Pepperoni pizzas, a clean V60, a silky matcha latte, but also playful detours such as fried burrata with hot honey, and bacon pistachio pizza. Sweets round things off with the mini dark chocolate cookies, pretzel soft serve, and a pistachio tiramisu.
Visit website.
Gohan Bluewaters
Gohan Bluewaters is a sleek Japanese street-food concept located on the beachfront at Bluewaters Island, offering a sumptuous à la carte menu with signature dishes such as the Chilean sea bass donabe and wagyu beef and cheese kushi. Thursdays come alive with Sushi Matsuri, featuring unlimited sushi, signature rolls, and live DJ beats. On Fridays, Gohan co-hosts the Paris Meets Tokyo brunch with La Cantine Beach, blending Eastern and Western flavours with live entertainment and an after-party. From May 9–25, Gohan joins Dubai Restaurant Week, serving exclusive menus as part of the Dubai Food Festival – don’t miss out!
Call +9714 556 6622 or visit website.
Soyfish
Say hello to Soyfish, a bold new sushi concept in Dubai’s delivery scene featuring flame-seared, rectangular oshi sushi inspired by Vancouver and available exclusively on Deliveroo. Ditch the basic maki. Soyfish serves up premium, flavour-packed sushi with house-made sauces, craveable small plates such as Crispy Chilli Chicken and Kinoko Salad, and luxe mains like the Wagyu Menchi Sando and Truffle Noodles.
Visit Instagram.
The Director’s Club
Celebrate the weekend at The Director’s Club with two special dining experiences. Kick off with a Saturday Brunch featuring sharing-style favourites such as Beef Tartare, Tuna Tataki, and Truffle Mac and Cheese Croquettes, all complemented by live entertainment. Then, unwind on Sunday with a traditional Sunday Roast, offering comforting classics such as slow-roasted beef sirloin, herb-marinated leg of lamb, and corn-fed chicken, served with all the trimmings—from Yorkshire pudding to duck fat potatoes. Kids can enjoy their own special menu with fun dishes like Dino burgers and Mac and cheese.
Roast: Sunday, from 1-4pm. AED275 for soft beverages, AED399 for house beverages, and AED599 for premium bubbly. Kids under six dine for free. Brunch: Saturday, from 1-4pm. AED275 for soft beverages, AED399 for house beverages, and AED599 for premium bubbly. For reservations, call +9712 815 0000 or email dine.thewbabudhabi@hilton.com.
BA-Boldly Asian
Enjoy a playful, flavour-filled dining experience with the Lazy Susan Set Menu at BA, Fairmont The Palm. Perfect for sharing, this rotating feast brings Asian fusion favourites to the table—from crispy starters and bold mains to delicious desserts. Served on a classic Lazy Susan, it’s all about good food, great company, and a touch of surprise.
Sunday to Thursday. Until May 31. AED149 per person. Call +971 4 457 3457 or email palm.dining@fairmont.com. Visit website.
Jamavar Dubai
Jamavar Dubai celebrates Mango Month this May with a limited-time feasting menu dedicated to the prized Alphonso mango. The menu explores regional Indian flavours through dishes such as Aamras Paani Poori, Scallops Mangai Mappas, and Lobster Manga Alleppey. Guests can enjoy mains accompanied by comforting sides and end the journey with a Burnt Mango Tart, a modern dessert with Alphonso custard and a caramelised crust.
From AED395 per person. Call +9714 553 7852.
BOCA and Revelry
BOCA, Dubai’s MICHELIN Green Star restaurant, collaborates with Bib Gourmand-awarded Revelry to present a cross-cultural tapas experience blending Spanish tradition with Indian creativity. The collaboration features a curated selection of eight signature tapas — four from each restaurant — available à la carte or as part of two set menu options. Dishes range from BOCA’s Octopus Skewer and Creamy Short Rib Rice to Revelry’s Caramelised Onion Kachori and Butter Pepper Garlic Crab Pie Tee. Guests can enjoy the experience with flexible menu choices and thoughtful drink pairings.
Contact +971 4 323 1833.
Viceroy’s Table
This new fine-dining concept blends the opulence of colonial-era Gymkhana clubs with bold, modern flair, offering a refined take on Anglo-Indian cuisine. Dishes such as Champaran Mutton and Mysore Pak Tiramisu are presented with theatrical touches, creating a visually immersive and nostalgic dining experience. Set within interiors inspired by Kolkata and Pondicherry mansions, the space echoes heritage and grandeur while celebrating inventive dishes.
Visit website.
folly Brasserie
This new breakfast experience offers a refined weekend ritual, set within a picturesque glasshouse surrounded by olive trees and flowing fountains. Guests can enjoy a degustation-style morning menu that begins with artisanal teas, coffees and a trolley of pastries, followed by elegant main dishes such as Crab Crumpet, Cured Salmon with Poached Egg, and a decadent Breakfast Roll with Foie Gras. The experience ends on a refreshing note with an exotic fruit plate, with optional bubbles available for a celebratory touch.
Saturday and Sunday, from Contact +9714 363 1248.
Five Guys
Don’t miss the new limited-edition Coffee and Mango milkshakes at Five Guys UAE. Crafted the classic Five Guys way with handspun, creamy, and fully customisable blends, they’re the perfect summer treat. Now available at all UAE locations for AED25.
L’Amo Bistro del Mare
Set at Dubai Harbour, L’Amo Bistro del Mare introduces a new Sunday lunch inspired by the warmth and charm of Italian coastal gatherings. Guests can enjoy sharing antipasti like Angus Beef Carpaccio and Seafood Catalana, followed by comforting classics such as Calamarata Pasta with Seafood and Crespella alla Norma. Desserts include Pastiera Napoletana, Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream, and assorted Pasticcini.
Sunday, from 1-4pm. AED325 per person. Contact +9714 278 4800.
Maison Dali
Maison Dali is set to open at The Opus by Zaha Hadid in Business Bay, offering a Mediterranean-Japanese brasserie experience led by Chef Tristin Farmer. The menu blends Japanese techniques with Mediterranean flavours, featuring inventive dishes, an interactive flambé trolley, and a creative plant-based selection, all complemented by an art-inspired beverage programme. Designed as an immersive, surrealist dining destination, Maison Dali boasts a photogenic interior, an intimate terrace, a private dining room, and a soon-to-be-unveiled late-night supper club.
Contact +9714 257 9554.
Sucre
Sucre’s Saturday brunch provides a taste of Argentina, serving up impressive dishes in a setting perfect for weekend gatherings. The menu, featuring renowned Argentinian Chef Fernando Trocca’s creations, reflects a rich culinary heritage blending local flavours with Mediterranean influences. Guests can also enjoy a delightful live dessert presentation by Sucre’s skilled pastry chefs.
Saturday, from 1-4pm. From AED370 per person. Visit website.