What’s On in May: 7 gigs, parties and festivals to book in Dubai

Face the music…

The weather is on the rise here in Dubai, but so is the city’s entertainment scene, with a packed calendar of unmissable gigs, concerts, and nightlife events.

From chart-topping artists to underground beats, here’s your guide to the city’s best music moments this month…

Here are the unmissable gigs, parties and events in May 2025 

Defected Records

When: Saturday, May 10
Where: Bohemia, FIVE Palm Jumeirah

Pioneering independent house music label, Defected Records is celebrating a night of house music at one of Dubai’s hottest beach clubs this May. The electrifying night will feature tunes by British DJ and record produce, Sam Divine; rising Amsterdam-based DJ/producers Makèz; electronic music producer N-YOU-UP and Lebanese electronic music maker, Codeface. Nab your tickets or tables now. Prices start from Dhs150.

Book via bohemiadubai.com

ANOTR

When: Friday, May 10
Where: Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE JBR

Playa Pacha’s season comes to a close on May 10 with ANOTR. The Amsterdam-based duo seamlessly blend disco, soul, funk, and jazz into hypnotic, high-energy grooves. Joining them on the night is Toman – known for his buzzing, high-energetic sets, and BLONDi, popular for her infectious vibe and deep connection to the music. Ticket prices to the season closing start from Dhs150.

Book via platinumlist.net

*Limp Bizkit is coming to Abu Dhabi in August*

Damian Lazarus

When: Friday, May 10
Where: Be Beach

On May 10, Damian Lazarus steps in with his signature sound – the man known for turning dancefloors into groovy journeys. It’s part of Be Beach’s stacked May line-up, with international DJs taking over every Saturday as the sun sets and the dancefloor opens up. A true pioneer in the world of electronic music, Lazarus has built his reputation on pushing boundaries. The Crosstown Rebels label boss has been shaping underground scenes from London to Los Angeles, but it’s his Day Zero festival in Mexico and the spellbinding Get Lost parties that really show his vision: music that’s immersive, atmospheric, and just a little bit otherworldly. And you just have to see him perform.

@bebeachdxb

elrow Dubai

When: Saturday, May 17
Where: Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai

elrow Dubai returns this May injecting the kind of craziness this city needs, knows and loves. The Rowlympic Games mega line-up set to perform include Patrick Topping, Stassi Sanlin, Tini Gessler, Bora Uzer, Quilliam, Ilario Alicante, and Franky Rizado. Expect over-the-top decorations and a bright visual assault on the senses with confetti bursts, dancers in stunning costumes and top party vibes. Prices start from Dhs250, with VIP packages and table packages available for an elevated experience.

Book via elrowdubai.com

Mathame

When: Saturday, May 17Where: BCH:CLB Dubai

Missed the Italian brother duo over New Year’s Eve in Dubai? They return with their tech beats to Palm Jumeirah this May. The electrifying duo have worked with the likes of Tiësto, and their distinct carefully crafted sound and sets have been well received, not just here in Dubai but around the world. Catch them at BCH:CLB on May 17 from just Dhs125.

Book via platinumlist.net

KYGO

When: Friday, May 30Where: Coca-Cola Arena

Chart-topping DJ and music producer KYGO is bringing his World Tour – Part Two to Coca-Cola Arena on May 30. If you’ve ever had Firestone on repeat or vibed to It Ain’t Me, then this is a show you don’t want to miss. You can experience his signature sound in person for a starting price of Dhs395.

Book via coca-cola-arena.com

DJ Gordo

When: Saturday, May 31
Where: BCH:CLB Dubai

Diamanté Anthony Blackmon, or DJ Gordo returns to Dubai this May. The American DJ, record producer, and former rapper has impressed fans with his powerful and diverse sounds. The DJ has made a name for himself in the dance music scene and has played at popular music festivals including Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival. On May 31, he heads to the Palm Jumeirah with his chart-topping hits and collabs with Drake and other popular names in the industry. Experience his magic up-close for a starting price of Dhs125.

Book via platinumlist.net

Images: Supplied