This May, Dubai presents an engaging calendar of cultural programming across the city, featuring exhibitions, performances, and artistic showcases from both regional and international talents. From immersive digital installations to contemporary design and cinema, the city continues to reinforce its position as a regional hub for arts and culture.
Highlights from the Month’s Cultural Calendar Include:
Arte Museum x Musée d’Orsay
Arte Museum Dubai and Musée d’Orsay in Paris have partnered to present 19th-century French art through immersive digital experiences. More than 100 artworks, including pieces by Monet and Van Gogh, are part of this sensory exhibition.
Location: Arte Museum Dubai, opposite Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall | Ongoing
Arab Cinema Week
Running from May 2 to 11, Arab Cinema Week presents 10 feature films from 10 Arab countries, including six Gulf premieres and three UAE premieres. The event showcases films from Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and others.
Various locations | Until May 11 | Tickets: Dhs56.70
Dreams of Spring at Al Habtoor Palace
Curated by Andakulova Gallery and Legends Art Club, this exhibition features artworks by Timur D’Vatz, Timur Akhmedov, and Alfiz Sabirov.
Location: Al Habtoor Palace | Until May 31
Chafic Mekawi at Terra Dubai
Dubai-based artist Chafic Mekawi presents five new works at Terra Dubai, blending regional references with contemporary digital design. The exhibition is curated by Margo Castro of the Pinkum Collection.
Location: Terra Dubai | Open all summer
Women in Contemporary Arab Art at Kutubna Cultural Centre
This exhibition brings together 35 works that examine how Arab women have been portrayed in modern and contemporary art.
Location: Kutubna Cultural Centre | Until May 18
Comedy in the Sky at Aura Skypool
In collaboration with The Laughter Factory, Aura Skypool hosts a night of stand-up comedy featuring Justin Panks, Valentina Danubio, and others. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink.
Location: Aura Skypool, Palm Tower | May 21, 8pm | Dhs250
Harmony in Diversity at ME by Meliá Dubai
As part of its Cultural Connection series, ME by Meliá is presenting a new exhibition by Rada K., a Dubai-based artist whose work focuses on contrast, connection, and material exploration.
Location: ME Dubai, Business Bay | Launching May 9
Expo 2020 Museum – Free Entry for International Museum Day
On May 17 and 18, Expo City Dubai offers free access to the Expo 2020 Museum and Garden in the Sky, reflecting on the city’s experience hosting the global event.
Location: Expo City Dubai | May 17–18
Carmina Burana – The Ballet at Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera will host a ballet interpretation of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana on May 23 and 24. Directed by Edward Clug, the performance combines classical and modern ballet.
Location: Dubai Opera | May 23–24
Tashkeel x Van Cleef & Arpels – Emergent Designer Prize Exhibition
Tashkeel presents design pieces by Gulf-based artists on the theme “Inspiring Winds,” marking 10 years of its collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels.
Location: Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba | Until June 3
Fragments of Persian Modernity at Foundry
This group show at Foundry brings together modern and contemporary works from Iran, presented by Bavan, Hoor, and Zafi Galleries.
Location: Foundry, Downtown Dubai | Until May 13
HOME: Heart Of My Existence at JD Malat Gallery
Afro-surrealist artist Kojo Marfo presents 13 new works exploring the concept of home. This marks his first solo exhibition in Dubai.
Location: JD Malat Gallery | Until May 31
