Dubai Welcomes Another Month of Art-Culture Cool This May

As the calendar flips to May, Dubai brims with artistic flair and cultural excitement. For the avid arts-and-culture enthusiast, this month promises an array of engaging events to nourish the creative spirit. Dive into the myriad events that await you in this vibrant city!

Arte Museum x Musée d’Orsay

The immersive digital art space, Arte Museum Dubai, has teamed up with the iconic Musée d’Orsay in Paris. This collaboration allows visitors to experience the rich emotional and cultural depth of 19th-century French art like never before. Engage your senses as over 100 masterpieces, from Monet’s serene Water Lilies to Van Gogh’s mesmerizing Starry Night, come to life in this compelling exhibition.

• Location: ARTE Museum, opposite Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall
• Dates: Ongoing from February 19, Mon to Thurs 10 AM – 11 PM, Fri to Sun 10 AM – 12 AM
• More Info: Visit Arte Museum

Arab Cinema Week

Starting May 2 and running until May 11, Arab Cinema Week is an artistic celebration that showcases the best of regional cinema. This festival features ten feature films, including six Gulf Premieres and three UAE Premieres, bringing narratives from across ten Arab nations, including Lebanon, Sudan, and Egypt, to the big screen.

Discover powerful stories that reflect the cultural tapestry of the Arab world.

• Tickets: Priced at Dhs56.70
• Full Schedule: Check Here

Dreams of Spring at Al Habtoor Palace

Al Habtoor Palace is home to the enchanting Dreams of Spring exhibition, featuring carefully curated pieces from acclaimed artists including Timur D’Vatz and Alfiz Sabirov. Curated by Andakulova Gallery, known for promoting Central Asian artists, this exhibition runs until May 31, promising a visual feast for all.

• Location: Al Habtoor Palace
• Dates: Until May 31
• More Info: Follow on Instagram

Terra Dubai x Pinkum Collection

Terra Dubai presents an innovative exhibition featuring works by Canadian-Lebanese designer Chafic Mekawi, curated by Margo Castro of Pinkum Collection. This exhibition, blending traditional Gulf elements with a modern perspective, invites visitors to explore themes of Arab identity and cultural symbolism through striking designs.

• Location: Terra Dubai
• Dates: All summer, Sun to Thurs 8 AM – 11 PM, Fri to Sat 8 AM – 12 PM
• Contact: Tel: (0) 4 388 8582
• More Info: Follow Terra Dubai on Instagram

Women in Contemporary Arab Art at Kutubna Cultural Centre

The Women in Contemporary Arab Art exhibition at Kutubna Cultural Centre offers a powerful look at the representation of Arab women in art over the decades. This collective display features 35 works that emphasize strength and cultural transformation, showcasing both classic and modern artistic styles.

• Location: Kutubna Cultural Centre
• Dates: Until May 18, daily from 10 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: Tel: (0) 4 447 4050
• More Info: Follow on Instagram

Comedy in the Sky at Aura Skypool

After a successful run, Comedy in the Sky returns to Aura Skypool. Enjoy a night of laughter featuring comedians like Justin Panks and Valentina Danubio against a stunning panoramic backdrop of the city, starting at 8 PM on May 21. Guests are treated to a complimentary drink as part of this festive evening.

• Location: Aura Skypool, The Palm Tower
• Date: May 21, 8 PM
• Tickets: Dhs250
• Contact: Tel: (0) 4 566 2121
• More Info: Follow Aura Skypool on Instagram

The ME by Meliá

The ME by Meliá Dubai invites guests to experience Harmony in Diversity, an exhibition by Dubai-based artist Rada K. This captivating display, part of the hotel’s Cultural Connection series, transforms the space into a dynamic gallery showcasing contrasting styles and materials.

• Location: ME by Meliá, Business Bay
• Launch Date: May 9
• Contact: Tel: (0) 525 2500
• More Info: Follow on Instagram

Expo City

In celebration of International Museum Day, Expo City Dubai opens its doors for free entry to the Expo 2020 Museum and Garden in the Sky from May 17 to 18. Experience the journey of Dubai’s unprecedented hosting of the World Expo amid the challenges posed by a global pandemic.

• Location: Expo City
• Dates: May 17 and 18
• More Info: Follow Expo City on Instagram

Carmina Burana – The Ballet

The iconic Carmina Burana: The Ballet makes its Dubai debut at Dubai Opera on May 23 and 24. Featuring a vivid blend of classical and contemporary ballet under the direction of Edward Clug, this performance will channel the raw energy of fate, desire, and destiny.

• Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
• Dates: May 23 and 24
• More Info: Follow Dubai Opera on Instagram

Tashkeel x Van Cleef & Arpels

Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba presents a striking exhibition celebrating ten years of the Emergent Designer Prize in partnership with Van Cleef & Arpels. Running until June 3, this creative showcase features innovative works centered around the theme “Inspiring Winds,” integrating Gulf heritage with sustainable design.

• Location: Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba
• Dates: Until June 3, daily 8 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: Tel: (0) 4 336 3313
• More Info: Follow Tashkeel on Instagram

Fragments of Persian Modernity

Presented by Bavan Gallery, Fragments of Persian Modernity at Foundry features a powerful exploration of Iran’s artistic evolution. This exhibition runs through various mediums, highlighting influential artists and their contributions, delving into themes of identity and cultural change.

• Location: Foundry, Downtown Dubai
• Dates: Until May 13, daily 10 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: Tel: (0) 4 367 3696
• More Info: Follow Foundry on Instagram

HOME: Heart Of My Existence at JD Malat Gallery

Afro-Surrealist artist Kojo Marfo makes his Dubai debut with HOME: Heart Of My Existence, exploring the concept of home shaped by memory and identity. His vibrant, large-scale works convey emotion and cultural nuances that resonate with contemporary audiences.

• Location: JD Malat Gallery, Downtown Dubai
• Dates: Until May 31, daily 10 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: Tel: (0) 4 257 0076
• More Info: Follow JD Malat Gallery on Instagram

Embrace the richness of Dubai’s cultural scene this May, from captivating exhibitions to lively performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy!