Dubai’s May calendar is particularly stacked, from chef-led tasting menus and immersive island festivals to terrarium workshops, rooftop Nikkei nights and a live experience with one of the world’s most recognisable therapists, there’s plenty happening across the city this month. Here’s our recommendation on what’s worth checking out.
Escape to The World Islands for a Nine-Day Bluefin Tuna Festival
The Heart of Europe is hosting Tunaria Festival this month, a nine-day celebration dedicated to premium bluefin tuna. The experience includes live tuna-cutting ceremonies, chef-led tasting experiences, gala dinners and curated island staycations.
The festival’s standout moment is the traditional Ronqueo del Atún tuna-cutting performance, where chefs break down the fish live while guests sample everything from sashimi to lightly seared cuts on the spot.
When: May 1 to 9
Where: The Heart of Europe, The World Islands
For bookings and more information, visit thoe.com
Make Your Own Perfume or Terrarium at Rohini
Rohini at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is hosting a series of hands-on workshops this May, including a perfume-making experience and a terrarium workshop for Mother’s Day weekend.
The terrarium experience includes a guided session where guests build their own miniature green world to take home, while the perfume workshop focuses on blending a personalised signature scent.
Terrarium Workshop: May 9
Perfume Workshop: May 10
Price: AED 200 per person
To book your experience, contact: Pearl 055 268 7950 (Terrarium workshop) or Soobika, 050 169 5891 (perfume workshop)
Experience Marisa Peer Live at TODA
Marisa Peer returns to Dubai this month for Your Mind, Your Rules: Live with Marisa Peer at Theatre of Digital Art (TODA). Blending live mindset work with TODA’s immersive digital art environment, the evening moves beyond a traditional book launch or talk. It is an interactive, guided experience where insight becomes practical transformation, offering attendees tools they can apply immediately in their everyday lives.
Guests will gain a deeper understanding of why they think the way they do, the hidden patterns driving their behaviour, and how to work with their mind to create meaningful change – whether in confidence, relationship or personal success.
When: May 17
Time: 7:30 pm onwards
Price: AED 380
For tickets, visit toda.ae
Try Central American Street Eats at Girl & the Goose
Our favourite, Girl & the Goose is marking its first anniversary with a refreshed menu centred around Central American street food.
New additions include Honduran Chicken Quesadillas, Fire-Grilled Corn Ribs and fresh ceviches, all rooted in Chef Gabriela Chamorro’s interpretation of comforting, everyday Central American dining.
Beyond the new Street Eats section, Girl & the Goose continues to celebrate the hearty, indulgent signatures. From Gigi’s Steak & Frites to Gigi’s Guacamole, and the new Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche joining the restaurant’s must-try Ceviche category, these comfort-forward house specials sit alongside dishes inspired by Chef Gabriela’s global travel, such as Achiote Chicken Dumplings.
Spend the Day Eating Your Way Through Armani/Caffè
Armani/Caffè is rolling out a full line-up of experiences this May, making it an easy stop whether you’re after breakfast, coffee, dessert or an early dinner between shopping sessions at Dubai Mall.
Start the morning with the Morning Ritual at Armani, which pairs Italian coffee with a freshly baked croissant for AED 49, or opt for the Breakfast ’Til Noon menu featuring an egg dish, pastry, juice and hot beverage for AED 65.
Later in the day, UAE residents can book the Sapori di Casa two-course dining experience for AED 79, with dishes including risotto, bruschetta and calamari fritti. Then there’s the standout offering: the Unlimited Tiramisu Bar, running daily from 3 pm to 7 pm with unlimited servings of tiramisu flavours including pistachio, raspberry, mango and gold tiramisu alongside a hot drink for AED 65.
The café is also bringing back its Croissant con Gelato for the summer season, alongside the signature Gold Cappuccino.
Where: Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue
When: Daily throughout May
Spend the Afternoon at The Lana’s New Tea Experience
The Lana has partnered with AVANTCHA for a limited-edition afternoon tea experience running throughout the summer at The Gallery. Served beneath the hotel’s soaring interiors, the experience combines pâtisserie, tea pairings and an interactive iced tea component inspired by the classic British afternoon tea tradition.
When: Daily until August 31
Time: 12 pm to 6 pm
Price: AED 300 per person
For more information, visit: dorchestercollection.com
Try Jun’s New Seven-Course Tasting Menu
Jun’s has launched The Short Story Volume 2, a new seven-course tasting menu designed as a more accessible way to experience Chef Kelvin Cheung’s cooking. The menu still carries the creativity and layered flavours the restaurant is known for, just in a shorter format that works equally well for a lunch or dinner.
There’s also a full vegetarian version available.
Price: AED 255 per person
Where: Jun’s, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
When: Daily, 12 pm to 1 am
Book a Table at Dubai’s New Neo-Tokyo Dining Gallery
One of the city’s most anticipated openings this month is TANSŌ, a chef-led Japanese dining concept opening inside a discreet villa in Jumeirah 1. Expect bold interiors and dishes that move between precision and comfort, from Hamachi Apple sashimi to A5 Wagyu Striploin Ishiyaki finished tableside on hot stone.
The restaurant is also completely alcohol-free by design, shifting the focus firmly back onto food, atmosphere and craft.
When: Opens May 7
Where: Jumeirah 1
