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 2026
Risen Café debuts neighbourhood-driven ‘Community First’ coffee initiative
Start your morning at Risen Café with its new ‘Community First’ initiative across Dubai locations, running daily from 7am to 10am. Drop in for a selected hot or iced coffee for AED10, or make it a simple breakfast stop with a freshly baked croissant and coffee for AED29. The offer encourages an easy, neighbourhood-friendly way to slow down, catch up, or ease into the day at your local café.
Until 31 May. Visit website.
Visit Ramen Hisa by TakaHisa at Dubai Opera
Opening on 7 May 2026 at Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai, Ramen Hisa is a new 28-seat concept from TakaHisa that takes a more considered approach to ramen. Each bowl is built with attention to balance, from broth and noodles to toppings, using ingredients sourced from across Japan, including bluefin tuna from Yamayuki and premium cuts such as Wagyu, Kobe, and Ozaki beef. Noodles are either house-made or egg-based, depending on the dish, while the soups focus on clarity and depth rather than heaviness. The space is minimal, with tatami seating and a shoes-off policy.
Visit website.
Enjoy all you can eat nights at Catch22 Dubai with family and friends
Take advantage of Catch22 Dubai’s weekly all-you-can-eat deals, including unlimited sliders on Mondays, sushi on Tuesdays, pizza with soft drinks on Wednesdays and wings on Thursdays, making it a popular choice for midweek plans and group outings. The menu also features crowd favourites like the viral croissant burger alongside a dessert selection of cookie skillets, loaded waffles and milkshakes.
Visit Instagram.
Mumbai’s Irani café culture comes to Dubai with Batliwala & Co.
Mumbai’s Irani café culture comes to Dubai with Batliwala & Co, introducing a dining tradition that traces back to Persian families who made Bombay (now Mumbai) their home, where Irani cafés evolved into iconic neighbourhood institutions. Located in Business Bay’s Bay Square, the venue shifts from a daytime café to a lively evening destination with uninterrupted Burj Khalifa views from its terrace, set to an old-school Bollywood soundtrack that enhances the nostalgic atmosphere. The interiors reflect old Bombay through vintage artefacts, pantry-style provisions and layered details that open into a warm, energetic dining space and sweet shop. The menu spans Parsi and Mumbai favourites, with must-tries including salli boti, Parsi cutlet, mutton BBQ buns, Juhu-style pani puri, dhansak sets, railway chicken curry, mawa cake and freshly made in-house breads, paired with Irani chai.
For bookings, click here.
Dubai Restaurant Week returns
Dubai Restaurant Week returns from 1–17 May 2026, bringing together over 125 restaurants across Dubai and more than 25 cuisines, from fine dining to premium casual and homegrown concepts. Diners can access specially curated set menus priced at AED125 for lunch and AED250 for dinner, available exclusively via Careem DineOut. The line-up includes MICHELIN Guide-listed venues, award-winning restaurants, and globally renowned chefs such as Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay, Izu Ani, and Akira Back, alongside standout homegrown names.
Visit website.
Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi is now open
Isabel Mayfair, a fixture of London’s dining and bar scene for nearly a decade, makes its international debut in Abu Dhabi at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. The restaurant is built around an ingredient-led, seasonal menu with Mediterranean influence, designed for all-day dining and late-night socialising, and adapted for the local palate. Led by French chef Vincent Visinet, the menu balances simplicity and precision, featuring dishes such as vegetable tartlets, heirloom tomato salad, Carabineros with kaffir lime, Beef Fillet Wellington, and desserts like Red Berry Pavlova and a pistachio madeleine.
A one-night-only omakase at LahKee
View this post on Instagram
Kuto gets LahKee (Episode 4 of Who Gets LahKee) takes place from 5-7pm and 8-10pm, spotlighting Chef Mary, whose approach is shaped by over seven years in Japanese kitchens in Dubai. In collaboration with Kuto Knife Shop, the evening brings a one-night-only omakase led by Mary alongside a limited-edition signature ramen created for the occasion.
5 May. Click here to book now.
A family staycation with theme park access at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Turn a staycation into a full day of adventure with the Stay & Play package at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. The offer includes daily breakfast at Garage restaurant, 24-hour check-in and check-out, AED 150 dining credit per room per night, and complimentary Kids Club access for up to two hours. Guests receive entry to one Yas Island theme park per night, choosing from Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or SeaWorld, offering a mix of rides, attractions and family entertainment. The package also includes 50 percent savings on selected treatments at Away Spa.
Visit website.
A Work From Hotel day pass at Swissôtel Al Ghurair
Swissôtel Al Ghurair in Deira has launched a new Work From Hotel experience for remote workers, freelancers and anyone looking to shift their routine. The offering includes high-speed WiFi, tea or coffee and a quiet workspace, with two packages available: Work & Sip from AED69 for shorter sessions, and Work & Dine from AED99, which includes a meal, unlimited tea and coffee, plus access to the pool or gym. Guests also benefit from discounts on dining and spa treatments, complimentary parking, and the option to book meeting space for small gatherings.
Call or WhatsApp +9714 293 3270 or email dining.alghurair@swissotel.com.