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
piehaus debuts new collaboration series
piehaus has launched its new Counter Culture Series, an ongoing collaboration featuring chefs, creatives, and cultural voices across the UAE through limited-edition pies. The first edition sees Emirati pastry chef Sahar Al Awadhi collaborate with Chef Milan Jurkovic on the Chebab Pie, inspired by traditional Emirati chebab and made with saffron-cardamom dough, cream cheese, and date syrup. Created for Eid Al Adha, the pie is available for dine-in and takeaway, including a family-size version for gatherings and shared tables.
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CHUNK Bakehouse lands in Abu Dhabi
CHUNK Bakehouse is launching in Abu Dhabi on May 22 with a cloud kitchen in Reem Island, marking its first on-demand presence in the capital. The UAE dessert brand known for its Dreamcakes and cookies will deliver across Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha, Al Rawdah and nearby areas, with the same menu and pricing as Dubai. Orders will be available via major delivery platforms and CHUNK’s online platform, bringing its full dessert range to Abu Dhabi for the first time.
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Spend Saturdays at The Nine
The Nine at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk in Wafi City hosts its Saturday Welly Club, a weekly dining experience centred around Beef Wellington. Available every Saturday for lunch and dinner, the gastropub serves tableside-carved Beef Wellington with classic sides including whipped potato, onion marmalade, beef jus and Yorkshire pudding, paired with red grape.
Every Saturday, from 12:30pm. AED195 per person, including a glass of grape. Call +9714 281 4111 or email dine.dubaitheobelisk@sofitel.com.
The Dish by Chef Sperxos arrives at Depachika Food Hall
Chef Sperxos has opened the second location of The Dish by Chef Sperxos at Depachika Food Hall, Palm Jumeirah Mall. The new opening follows the launch of the first The Dish by Chef Sperxos at One&Only One Za’abeel in May 2025 and marks the brand’s continued expansion in Dubai. Drawing from different cuisines and cultures, Chef Sperxos combines international influences with a modern Mediterranean approach focused on seasonal ingredients and contemporary presentation.
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TANSŌ opens its doors in Jumeirah 1
TANSŌ is a chef-led Japanese dining concept focused on technique, seasonal ingredients and a kitchen-first approach. Set inside a villa space with bold interiors and an alcohol-free beverage programme, the restaurant serves dishes such as Hamachi Apple, miso marrow buns and A5 Wagyu Striploin Ishiyaki alongside Daichi Volume 01, a seasonal menu created from local ingredients using Japanese techniques.
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The Royal Stables hosts a free family weekend in Abu Dhabi
The Royal Stables is hosting its End of Season Family Weekend from 15–17 May, with free entry from 4pm to 9:30pm daily. The event includes dressage and showjumping training shows, pony rides, a Kids Village with workshops and activities, raffle draws, and live entertainment, alongside an artisanal farmer’s market supported by Fresh on Table showcasing local produce and UAE-made brands. Guests can also expect food trucks, coffee stalls, and café experiences throughout the weekend, with the event ending in a pony fancy dress competition on Sunday.
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Try Orfali Bros’ seven-course tasting menu
Orfali Bros is serving its AED350 ‘OG’ Tasting Menu, a seven-course experience built around the restaurant’s best-known dishes. The menu includes signatures such as the Corn Bomb with Parmigiano Reggiano and huitlacoche, the Umami Éclair with porcini emulsion and beef coppa, Orfali Bayaldi with eggplant and makdous, and ORF Labaniyeh with braised lamb neck and yogurt. Optional add-ons include the Caviar Bun and Kebab Bel Karaz, while a non-alcoholic pairing is available for AED80.
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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.
Spend the day by the sea at Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge
Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge is offering Hideaway Passes from Friday to Sunday, giving guests beach access from 10am until sunset. Passes start from AED100 for ladies and AED150 for gents, both fully redeemable on food and beverages, with an additional 20% off dining and drinks throughout the day.
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Pickl and PICKILINI launch a limited-edition collab
Pickl has teamed up with UAE pickle brand PICKILINI for a limited-edition collaboration launching on 18 May across select UAE branches for two weeks. Priced at AED80, the (Pickl)ini Edit includes Pickl’s chicken tenders and fries served with PICKILINI’s handcrafted pickles and a pickle and beef bacon cheese dip, available for dine-in and delivery at selected locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah while stocks last.
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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.
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Ernst launches limited-edition menu for asparagus season
Ernst Biergarten & Wirtshaus is celebrating Germany’s beloved asparagus season with a limited-edition Bavarian menu available until the end of May, featuring traditional white asparagus dishes such as asparagus cream soup, asparagus pasta with salmon, non-halal tenderloin with asparagus and baby potatoes, and white asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, alongside classic schnitzel sides and desserts like strawberries with cream, with a three-course set menu also available for AED150 per person.
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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.
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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 until the end of 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.
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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.
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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.
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Homegrown brand VOCCA partners with Netflix for themed collection
Homegrown chocolate brand VOCCA has partnered with Netflix to launch a limited-edition chocolate collection inspired by Bridgerton. The range includes flavours such as Pretzel & Almond in Matcha, Mixed Berries Pistachio, Lemon Tart Raspberry, and Coffee Cardamom Pearls. The collection is available online via VOCCA’s website and across delivery platforms including Noon, Careem, talabat, Deliveroo, and Keeta.
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A one-night-only omakase at LahKee
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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 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.