Our picks of Dubai’s best cultural offerings this month.
2 May: Support the Arts
Marking a milestone – its 10th edition – is World Art Dubai, which returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 2 to 5 May. Showcasing over 400 local and international artists, both emerging and established, the region’s largest contemporary art fair will bring the likes of mixed media, digital art, photography, graffiti, sculptures and more under one roof. Learn more here.
4 May: Think Digital
Digital creativity and electronic music will once again collide as MICRO MUTEK.AE returns to Alserkal Avenue from 4 to 5 May for its third edition. Spanning immersive live performances, special installations, and audio-visual experiences that push the boundaries of artistic expression, the cutting-edge festival will bring together 30 sound and visual artists from around the world — Japanese DJ Satoshi Tomiie, sound researcher Bint Mbareh, and Grammy-winning musician Luis Resto included. Learn more here.
5 May: Express Yourself
Open, honest, vulnerable — when’s the last time you had a truly expressive conversation as opposed to making small talk? Join the Connected Collective movement, which came to life out of a dire global need for deeper, more authentic human connection, as it returns to Kave for a two-hour session that will prompt friends and strangers to dive a little deeper into themselves and those around them. Learn more here.
7 May: Tune In
Season 43 of The Fridge Concert Series continues, bringing an eclectic mix of emerging and established artists from across the region and beyond to Alserkal Avenue. A Night of Qisse will see multidisciplinary singer-songwriter Gaya perform alongside a stellar ensemble of renowned musicians on 7 May, followed by homegrown pop and indie band TalkinToys taking the stage on 14 May. Learn more here.
10 May: Feel the Music
Taking over Coca-Cola Arena for one night only is Cinema Medley, a contemporary symphonic experience that brings the soundtracks of iconic films and TV series to life — think: Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Batman, Gladiator, and The Phantom of the Opera. The show is a production by Imperial Orchestra, a St. Petersburg-based orchestra that features 80 musicians under the masterful direction of conductor Lev Dunaev. Learn more here.
11 May: Release Your Roar
Treat your child – or inner child – to a night at the theatre as The Lion Inside runs at Zabeel Theatre for two nights. This heartwarming story of self-discovery and courage tells the story of a timid mouse seeking its mighty, lion-like roar in the busy animal kingdom, only to realise that courage comes in all sizes and even the most unassuming creatures possess immense strength. Learn more here.
13 May: Revisit a Classic
Immerse yourself in the charm of silent cinema as Charlie Chaplin’s cinematic masterpiece The Kid comes to Dubai Opera for one night as part of Film Music Week. The endearing story of the Tramp and his unexpected companion will be enhanced by the live, emotive soundtrack performed by the talented Armenian Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Timothy Brock. Learn more here.
18 May: Snap Happy
You constantly take photos with your smartphone — now take them up a notch by attending the Smartphone Photography & Editing workshop at Gulf Photo Plus. The three-hour session will delve into essential camera controls as well as the fundamentals of using light and shadow. Also on the roster? How to develop your own personal style, which apps help conduct in-camera editing, and more. Learn more here.
23 May: Parada, Pasada
Back for its 12th edition, the Dubai Tango Festival is the place to be if you want to discover what makes this type of dance so intense and sensual. The annual event will span global tango champions, expert-led workshops, milongas, a gala show and more from 23 to 26 May at Lapita Hotel, Dubai Parks and Resorts. Learn more here.
