With temperatures set to soar during May in Abu Dhabi, finding indoor entertainment is always a top priority for locals and visitors alike.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Abu Dhabi in May as well, it just comes down to timing, with mornings and evenings being the ideal time to be outside. In saying that, many of the top beach clubs offer breakfast promotions if you want to beat the mid-day heat.
While May could be considered a tourist shoulder season in Abu Dhabi, there are still plenty of events and offers to avail.
It would be the perfect time to take advantage of reduced crowds and enjoy a staycation.
From a star-studded Comedy Week to Olympic qualifying Judo World Champs, not to mention a performance from Arabic super-star Mohamed Abdo, the May events calendar will be as hot as the weather.
May Events & Offers in Abu Dhabi
Deals at Diablitos, Yas Marina, Through May
Arguably the best location to watch the sunset over Yas Marina, Diablitos has some incredible deals throughout May.
If food and music are your passion, head down to Diablitos at 6 pm on a Thursday, for Cheers Night. Just AED 125 secures you three house drinks and a delicious pizza. With over 15 tasty options and beer, wine spirits and sangria on offer, Cheers Night is one to mark on your social calendar.
If it’s a ladies or gents night you’re looking for, then look no further, Diablotos has got you covered.
On Wednesdays from 6 pm, ladies can enjoy three hours of free-flowing house sparkling wine and sangria for just AED 100 while gents pay just AED 150 for three hours of unlimited beers and house spirits. As a bonus, both men and women get 20% off food while purchasing a package.
Reservations: phone +971 2 565 1175
Location: Located near gangway three on the Yas Marina promenade, Yas Marina, Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
Andaz Summer Pool Pass, Through May
May in Abu Dhabi can be scorching, so what better way to cool down, than to go up! Perched 19 floors above ground level is the highest pool deck in Abu Dhabi, at Andaz Capital Gate.
From May 1st, the iconic leaning tower of Abu Dhabi is offering the Andaz Summer Pool Pass. It’s a refreshing and luxurious break from the heat, whether you’re looking for a leisurely swim or a poolside cocktail.
For just AED 150, enjoy access from 8 am to 8 pm, along with AED 100 credit for delicious bites and beverages. Soak up the sun and stunning skyline from the heart of Abu Dhabi, a relaxing escape from the bustling city below.
Reserve your position by the pool here
Location: Andaz Capital Gate, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi
Contact: phone +971 2 596 1234 email abudhabi.capitalgate@hyatt.com
Cirque Du Soleil, CRYSTAL until May 5th
Experience Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, blending ice and air acrobatics.
Witness a groundbreaking show that merges skating and acrobatics, pushing the boundaries of circus arts.
Watch acrobats and skaters perform seamlessly on ice and in the air, combining multiple disciplines for a fantastic audience experience.
Check out tickets to Cirque Du Soleil here.
Location: Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, until May 5th
Join the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, a global platform for the creative and publishing industries to connect and grow.
Discover opportunities, the latest trends, and passions while meeting like-minded individuals. This year, the fair honours Egypt’s contributions to literature, art, and culture.
Enjoy thought-provoking talks, workshops, music shows, cooking demonstrations, and activities for children and youth.
Explore the “Book of the World” pillar focusing on “Kalila and Dimna” by Abdullah Ibn al-Muqaffa. Admission is free, and it is held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from April 29 to May 05, 2024, from 9 am to 10 pm.
Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
Fatima Al Hashmi, A Musical Journey Through Arabic Language, May 4th
The Cultural Foundation and Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will present a one-of-a-kind event, “A Musical Journey through Arabic Language,” starring Fatima Al Hashmi this May in Abu Dhabi.
This special evening promises a diverse range of songs, highlighting various Arabic dialects. Al Hashmi infuses a modern twist into the world of Arabic music, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary styles.
Audiences are in for a treat as the beauty and intricacies of the Arabic language are showcased through music. The show starts at 8 pm and ends at 11 pm.
Secure your tickets to the show here.
Location: Cultural Foundation
Mohammed Abdu, May 10th
Respectfully crowned the ‘Artist for the Arabs’, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Othman Al-Dahl Al-Asiri, widely known as Mohammed Abdu, will grace the stage on May 10th in Abu Dhabi.
Boasting a discography of over 125 albums, Mohammed Abdu is arguably Saudi’s premier vocalist, his rich and artistic career spanning over six decades. Mohammed has an expansive range of music, some 300 patriotic compositions and a of trove moving melodies.
Join for an evening filled with heartwarming tunes and captivating songs, as Mohammed journeys through some of his extensive repertoire.
Doors open at 7:30 pm while the performance will commence at 9 pm and finish at midnight.
View tickets for a night of musical mastery here.
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Scorpions, Love At First Sting Tour, May 17th
Renowned German rock band “Scorpions” are coming to Abu Dhabi as part of their “Love at First Sting” 2024 world tour.
A rollicking combination of heavy metal, hard rock, and glam metal, the band smashes out crowd favourites like “Still Loving You” and “Big City Nights”.
Off the back of a Las Vegas residency, Scorpions mark the 40th anniversary of their album “Love at First Sting” with this refreshed world tour. Released in 1984, the album contains some of Scorpion’s most loved songs.
Rock out and rock on in celebration of this iconic album, at Etihad Arena this May in Abu Dhabi. The band fires up at 8 pm.
Grab your tickets to “Love at First Sting” here.
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, May 18th to May 26th
For the first time in Abu Dhabi’s entertainment scene, Comedy Week is coming and the lineup is incredible. Some of the world’s top comedians join regional favourites to bring laughter to Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
With performances from Aziz Ansari, Tommy Tiernan & Kevin Bridges, Bassem Youssef & Maz Jobrani, Tom Segura, Jo Koy, Bad Friends, Andrew Schulz, and Chris Tucker, this debut of the annual event is sure to set the bar for years to come.
Comedy Week will be a week to remember, so grab your friends and head out to one of the many shows on offer this May in Abu Dhabi.
Pick your favourite comedian to watch here.
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Judo World Championships, May 19th to May 24th
The 2024 Judo World Championships are hitting Abu Dhabi this May. It forms part of the IJF World Tour and crucially, the qualification period for the Summer Olympics in Paris this year.
It will be an exciting opportunity to see some of the most talented Judoka in the world battle it out for the most prized position in international sport, Olympic qualification.
Over the week, hundreds of judokas from 100+ nations will compete in the individual matches, with mixed team events concluding the final day of the championship.
With the stakes and talent so high, this is certainly a sporting event not to be missed in Abu Dhabi this May.
Matches run from 10 am to 6 pm and are free to attend.
Location: Mubadala Arena
The Gruffalo’s Child, May 24 to May 25th
Gather your little people and head to The Gruffalo’s Child, written by acclaimed author Julia Donaldson and performed by Tall Stories.
The enchanting story, a sequel to “The Gruffalo”, explores themes of bravery, curiosity, and the loving bond between parent and child. Follow the Gruffalos child deep into the snowy woods, who ignores her father’s warnings, to find the Big Bad Mouse.
Suitable for children six years old and upwards, there is a 6 pm on Friday and a matinee at 11 am on Saturday. It is sure to be one of the best things to do indoors with children this May in Abu Dhabi.
Purchase tickets for the Gruffalo’s Child here.
Location: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Fontana Circus, Multiple Dates Through May
Fontana’s Musical Fountain and mesmerizing circus acts return to the capital this year. It was a huge hit in 2023 as the weather warms up over the summer, it is the ideal indoor activity for kids and adults alike.
This show features sensational water displays synchronised with music and circus performances. From aerialists to dancers, mark this in your calendar for May 2024.
The tent will be based in Yas Island this year; make sure to book tickets in advance. Children aged 2 and under enter for free, but all others require a valid ticket.
Purchase tickets here to Fontana Circus.
Location: Yas Island
Impossible Show, Multiple Dates Through May
Experience the magic of Drummond Money-Coutts at Abu Dhabi’s exclusive DMC Theatre in the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
For the first time in the UAE, witness the IMPOSSIBLE show. This show features an array of illusions and mind-bending performances. It is set to be a fantastic evening.
Buy your tickets here to the Impossible Show.
Location: DMC Theatre, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Using them will not cost you any extra, but we will receive a small commission to keep us writing.