A modern-day oasis, Dubai is among the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East and for good reason too. Whether it’s the shimmering beach front, majestic sightseeing, shopping extravaganza, adrenaline-thumping adventure sports, or soothing drives on the desert sand, this dynamic city has something to offer for everyone. It is a great idea to visit Dubai in May as you’ll have to deal with lesser crowds and this will make it a pleasant experience to explore the various sights and sounds of the city.
What makes Dubai in May special?
- Lesser tourist crowds: While attractions and tourist spots follow a different timing during the Ramadan season, they remain open. As such, you get to explore more of Dubai at your own pace, sans the regular tourist crowds.
- The essence of Ramadan: By visiting Dubai during Ramadan, you’ll be able to see how this cosmopolitan city still manages to retain its traditional charm - not to mention the innumerable varieties of amazing food that will be up for grabs (during Iftars).
- Economical accommodation rates: Since this is the beginning of the off-season, (even high-end) rooms are easily available and at generally cheaper rates compared to the peak tourist season.
Dubai Weather in May
Dubai in May : Things to do
1
Burj Khalifa
A trip to Dubai would be incomplete without a visit to the world’s tallest building - the Burj Khalifa which stands at 828m. The massive skyscraper is both an engineering marvel and a work of art, and will surely leave you mesmerized. Visit the observation deck around sunset and witness a spectacular view of Dubai from atop.
May Timings
Sunrise - 5:30 AM – 8:00 AM
At The Top – 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
2
Garden Glow
Dubai Garden Glow is a creative outdoor exhibition that features a glow-in-the-dark garden, a dinosaur park, an ice park, and an eco-friendly garden made of recyclable materials. This magical theme park is the brainchild of several engineers and the backdrop makes for some great pictures and selfies.
May Timings
Daily, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (open till 12 AM on Fridays)
Zabeel Park, Gate No - 6 & 7 Area - B, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
3
Dubai Dolphinarium & Seal Show
The Dubai Dolphinarium is a popular family entertainment where for 45 minutes, you can witness dolphins and seals come together to entertain crowds with some amazing acrobatics, dance, and juggling. You’ll be spellbound as you watch these creatures perform stunts and interact with the audience.
May Timings
Shows at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Riyadh Street, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
4
Evening Desert Safari
A desert safari in Dubai will acquaint you with the true essence of the Arab lifestyle - sand boarding, dune bashing, camel rides, feasting under the star-lit sky, and soulful dance and music performances. Experience all this and more with an evening Desert Safari and make plenty of cherishable memories.
May Timings
Evening/Overnight Desert Safari – 4:00 PM – 9:00 AM
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
5
Dhow Cruise
An experience that is unique to this part of the world, a Dhow Cruise involves getting aboard a traditional dhow with modern fittings and amenities and cruising along the calm waters of the Creek or the Marina (depending on your choice) for a few hours. While on board, you get to enjoy a sumptuous buffet meal and other refreshments with enjoyable Arabic music playing in the background along with commentary on the history of Dubai.
May Timings
Daily, 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Deira Creek Opposite Radisson Blue Hotel
Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
6
Skydive
If you want to feel the wind in your hair as you freefall to the ground at 120 miles per hour, Skydive Dubai is the place to be. You can choose to be part of an electrifying dive from two locations (either the desert view or above Palm Jumeirah island), leap from 13,000 feet above, record your adventure, and live to tell the tale.
May Timings
Daily from 10:00 AM to Sunset
Check the official site for updated Ramadan timings
Al Seyahi St., Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
7
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an award-winning marvel that attempts to capture the skyline of Dubai to showcase both new and old sights in a single frame. This monument offers panoramic views of the metropolis and also houses a museum that celebrates the city’s rich and regal past and promising future.
May Timings
Daily, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (varies during Ramadan)
Al Kifaf, Zabeel Park Jogging Track, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
8
Museum of Illusions Dubai
The Museum of Illusions takes you on an intriguing visual experience as you interact with more than 70 exhibits modeled on science. The fun activities here take you through illusionistic rooms and playrooms with didactic games and puzzles - you’ll definitely come out smarter and happier!
May Timings
Sun to Wedn - 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (varies during Ramadan)
Thurs to Sat - 10:00 AM to 12 AM (varies during Ramadan)
Al Seef, Dubai Creek, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
9
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
The Warner Bros World is an indoor theme park that promises excitement and fun for the whole family. Here, you can explore the world of prehistoric times with the Flintstones or meet the adorable cast of Looney Tunes. Whether you want to save Gotham from the clutches of the evil men or chase Tom and Jerry in the cartoon junction, the theme park has got it all covered!
May Timings
Daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (might vary during Ramadan)
Al Falah Rd, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
10
Hatta Day Trip
Cruise along the scenic expanse of sand around Dubai and visit the Hatta Heritage Village situated in the rugged Hajar Mountains for a day trip. Here, you can learn about the local culture, explore the desert fossils, and also indulge in a sumptuous meal. What’s more, you can also interact with an expert Falcon handler and take photographs with the bird.
May Timings
All day
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Getting There ›
Dubai in May : Events to Look Out For
RAMADAN 2019
May 6 - June 4, 2019
Ramadan is synonymous with iftar (the evening fast-breaking meal) and while you’re here, you have to experience this tradition at sunset. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from because every hotel/restaurant has its spread of delicious assortments. Also, some of the landmark hotels like Atlantis and Jumeirah Beach Hotel put up some grand iftar tents where you can lounge about, play board games, smoke shisha and indulge in the feast.
RUN THE TRACK RAMADAN EDITION
May 10, 2019
Run The Track - Ramadan Night Run is a festive marathon that encourages people to run around the Motor City venue. Whether it’s the 3, 5 or 10 km run, it’s an individual event that has lots of prizes up for grabs. If you’re not looking to run, you can take to the stands and cheer the runners, while reveling in the enthusiasm of the crowd. The event starts at 7:45 PM.
DUBAI OPERA SHOW
May 1, 2019
Located in Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera is a colossal center for performing arts with a capacity to seat close to 2000 people. The show that’s scheduled for May 1st, 2019 at the Dubai Opera is the UAE debut of saxophonist Amy Dickson (winner of the Classic Brit Award) who collaborates with concert pianist Amira Fouad for a splendid session of ‘Music in the Studio’.
RIPE MARKET
November 23 - May 04, 2019
The Ripe Market is a community affair which brings the local communities’ produce and handicrafts to a global audience. Usually a pop-up event, one can get updates on social media and visit the fairs and shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, gift articles, and trinkets. Additionally, you can be a part of several activities such as outdoor cinema, yoga sessions, adventure zone, petting zoo, and more.
Dubai in May : 5-day Itinerary
5 Days in Dubai Itinerary
Dubai in May: Essentials
Dubai Weather in May
May heralds the onset of summer in Dubai and hence is an off-season for tourists. However, with clear skies and low humidity, the temperature averages to about 38°C. It’s a good idea to drive around during the day and explore the beaches and monuments in the evenings.
Where to Stay in Dubai during May
Dubai offers an array of accommodation choices for tourists right from luxurious suites to dormitories for the budget traveller. Here are some that you can choose based on your budget:
- 5 & 4 star hotels - Take your pick from among the Ritz Carlton Dubai, Sheraton Dubai Creek, Ramada Jumeirah, One & Only The Palm, Grosvenor House Dubai or Nikki Beach Resort & Spa.
- Budget Hotels - You could choose rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Safa Park, Citymax Bur Dubai, Arabian Park Hotel, Fortune Hotel Deira, or Royal Ascot Hotel for a reasonable range of accommodation.
- Hostels - Perfect for backpackers and solo travelers, a stay at the UAE Youth Hostel Association, Hey Beach, Central Dubai, Top of Marina, At The Top, or Dubai Beach Host is comfortable and easy on the wallet.
What to Pack for Visiting Dubai in May
Given that Dubai in May would be warm and sunny, it’s a good idea to keep plenty of cotton clothes - that’s usually best for sunny and warm days. You should also pack outdoor accessories like hats and shades. Windcheater jackets work well for both day-time as well as night use. Scarves and caps would be useful for desert safaris!
Getting Around Dubai in May
The public transport system in Dubai has undergone some extensive restructuring and now tourists can comfortably move about in many avenues: local buses, the Dubai Metro, Tram or Marine Taxi. If you’re looking to use public transport, you should know that the bus and metro cover most of the important tourist destinations. It’ll also be fun to get onto the tram for a joyride (this covers 11 stations between Al Sufouh and JBR). Even the waterways are well managed with the Road Transport Authority(RTA) servicing 43 stations (through Dubai Water Taxi), and over 5 water routes (through Dubai Ferry).
Dubai in May - Must Try Delicacies
Although originally a Lebanon dish, the Manousheh is an Arabic variant of a pizza. It consists of a flatbread filled with cheese, herbs, olive oil, and meat. A great dish for breakfast, you can order yours from Manoushe Street Downtown for a healthy start to your morning.
The falafel is ubiquitous to Dubai and is easily the most recognized food here. A falafel is a deep-fried ball made of ground chickpeas or fava beans. It is usually vegetarian and used with shawarmas to supplement flavours. Operation Falafel (JBR) is a great place to indulge in these tasty treats.
A sweetmeat that’s typical to the Arab region, the Knafeh is often referred to as the Queen of Desserts. It is an interesting combination of sweet and salt syrup, melted cheese, dough, and pistachios. Feras Aldiyafa Sweets is known for this delicacy and is a must-try when in Dubai.
Al Harees is a traditional dish that is served rampantly across Dubai during Ramadan or on festivals and weddings. This dish consists of a potent combination of wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt, that is baked for long hours. While this delicacy is available in many restaurants, you can savor it at Seven Sands, JBR.
The kabsa is an Arab delicacy often regarded as a national dish, which is made of rice blended with an assortment of vegetables and meat. Taste a well-cooked Kabsa at Azkadenya (in Mercato Mall) and you’ll be left craving for more!
Tips for Visiting Dubai in May
- Since Ramadan is a religious festival, it helps to dress conservatively. If you’re packing shorts and skirts, ensure that they cover your knees.
- If you’re wearing sleeveless tops, it might be a good idea to keep jackets/pashmina shawls handy. This will also help if it gets too windy at night.
- Refrain from eating or drinking in public places between sunrise and sunset - you don’t want to get in trouble with the locals, who are observing a religious fast.
- The sun can be quite harsh here, so keep those sunglasses out and dab generous amounts of sunscreen on yourself before stepping out.
- Keep water bottles handy as the heat can be very exhausting and you’ll need to remain hydrated to experience the best of the city.
Explore Dubai by Months
Planning to Visit Dubai?
For more Dubai information, here are some helpful quick links!
The post Visiting Dubai In May – The Definitive Guide appeared first on Headout Blog.
Article source here:Headout Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment