What to do in Dubai in mayo

This is the coolest, most pleasant month of the year (highs near 24°C and lows around 14°C) — ideal for the desert, the Jumeirah beaches and Global Village without the summer swelter.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships gathers the tour's top players — the WTA draw from February 15 to 21 and the ATP from the 23rd to the 28th — with global stars at the Aviation Club.

Ramadan (through March 19) reshapes the nights — iftar tents, souqs and night markets come alive after sunset, and Eid al-Fitr (March 20-22) ends the fast with fireworks and family celebrations.

Global Village faces its final weeks before the summer closure — your last window to wander the open-air pavilions of 90-plus countries before it shuts until October.

The real heat begins (highs around 40°C) — the plan is indoors: the Dubai Aquarium, the Museum of the Future, Ski Dubai and the big air-conditioned malls.

Dubai Summer Surprises kicks off on July 2: sales of up to 90%, the indoor Modesh World funfair at the World Trade Centre and family shows to beat the heat.

Dubai Summer Surprises continues with the Great Dubai Summer Sale, and the '10 Dirham Dish' (August 3-30) keeps eating out dirt-cheap across the city.

These are the last weeks of low season — hotel rates stay rock-bottom before high season returns in October, ideal for an affordable luxury getaway.

Global Village reopens in mid-October for its new season — the open-air pavilions of 90-plus countries return, with shows, food and shopping through spring.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated from November 6 to 10 (main day the 8th): the huge Indian community and Global Village light up with fireworks, bazaars and sweets.

UAE National Day (December 2) brings parades, air shows and fireworks across the city to celebrate the country's union.