Rock, Symphony & Festivals: Your Guide to May Events in the UAE

If you’re in the UAE this May and are looking for live music events, you’re in for a treat.

This month, you can find concerts by rock legends like Guns N’ Roses, world-renowned electronic DJs like Agents of Time, Kygo, and an orchestral performance by the great Hans Zimmer.

Here’s a look at some of those top concerts happening in the UAE this May.

Zamna Festival – Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience – May 9

Originating in Mexico, in 2017, Zamna Festival is known to be an immersive journey that plays underground techno and tribal beats, includes state-of-the-art production values like bespoke lighting setups, cutting-edge sound design, and captivating visual installations, with a stunning natural backdrop.

For Zamna’s Dubai Edition, the lineup will have Agents Of Time and Ben Böhmer, among others.

Amelie Lens – HIVE, Soho Garden, Dubai – May 9

Belgian techno sensation DJ Amelie Lens is coming to Dubai once again with a high-energy performance at HIVE, Soho Garden Meydan. Known for her hypnotic beats and relentless energy, Lens has become a leading figure in the global techno movement. Her debut EP, Exhale, released in 2016, marked the beginning of her meteoric rise.

elrow Music Festival – Expo City, Dubai – May 17

elrow returns to Dubai for its third edition this Saturday at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai. This year’s theme, Rowlympic Games, plays on Olympic themes, mixing dancefloor madness with cheeky competitions and theatrical fun.

It’s a carnival-like event that will include wild costumes, house and techno music, confetti explosions, and top DJs like Patrick Topping, Tini Gessler, and Bora Uzer.

BINI – Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai – May 18

BINI, the Filipino P-Pop group, will bring their catchy tunes and energetic performances to Dubai. Known for their high-energy choreography and impressive vocals, this pop concert is one you won’t want to miss.

The band was formed in 2019 through ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy, and they have gained recognition for their strong vocal performances and synchronized dance routines, with hit singles like “Pantropiko” and “Salamin, Salamin.”

Guns N’ Roses – Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi – May 27

Rock legends Guns N’ Roses will return to the UAE this May, as part of their 2025 European and Middle East tour. Known for their high-energy performances and anthemic hits, the band is expected to deliver classics like Sweet Child O’ Mine, November Rain, and Welcome to the Jungle.

Kygo – Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai – May 30

Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo is set to perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on May 30, as part of his “World Tour – Part Two.” Kygo is known for his tropical house sound, including hits like “Firestone,” “Stole the Show,” and “Stargazing.” The concert will also feature special guest Victoria Nadine, adding to the evening’s musical experience.

Hans Zimmer Live – Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi – May 31, 2025

With compositions from “Interstellar” and “The Lion King,” Hans Zimmer will perform his magical film scores live with an orchestra. “I am very excited to be performing for the first time in the city where ‘Dune: Part Two’ was filmed and served as the inspiration for the score,” stated Hans Zimmer with Time Out Abu Dhabi.

Catch These Acts While You Can

May in the UAE seems like a powerful month for diverse live music concerts, with rock icons, rising pop stars, and electrifying DJs lighting up the region’s top venues. It’s the perfect time to plan a few unforgettable nights out, whether you’re after nostalgia, cinematic drama, or a non-stop party.

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