May begins with a weekend, putting a fresh and fun start to the month. And as public life goes back to normal, you can expect the continuous throes of traffic and crowds once again. But it’s a complaint we happily embrace, and we make the most of the weekend experimenting with new launches, restaurants, and experiences. Here’s our guide to the spots worth leaving the house for.
To Shop
H&M x Stella McCartney
Launching in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, and online, the second collaboration between Stella McCartney and H&M comes 20 years since their initial partnership. Building on their original collab collection, the new launch is a blend between past and present, combining signatures such as oversized shirting, sweeping trenches, and sharp tailoring with McCartney’s early archive. You can also expect the signature Falabella chain, which is incorporated in rib-knit dresses, tops, and bags.
TUMI
Releasing their latest collection titled “Mediterranean Escape”, TUMI brings vibrant new colours, prints, and textures across the brand’s most iconic silhouettes. The new colourways are Thyme, a lush green; Washed Yellow, a cheerful pastel yellow; Pink Clay, a sun-washed terracotta; and Horizon Blue, a deeper shade of blue inspired by where the sky meets the sea. Each shade brings its own charm to the sculptural silhouette, and since vacation season is upon us, the new collection captures the energy of the rhythm in travel.
To Dine
amongst few café | Jumeirah 1
Dubai-based streetwear brand, amongst few, has been slowly growing its community through its limited drops and cultural expansions. Featuring a record studio and a barber, the brand has once again expanded to a cafe. With a rough concrete aesthetic that defines both the brand and its ambience, the space is filled to the brim with creative energy. Of course, you can find clothing here, but you can also get cosy with vinyl records, sip on speciality coffees, and indulge in their comforting food menu.
Julith | Al Quoz
While Judith is known for their caffeinated brews, the roastery is opening its doors to matcha lovers as well this weekend. Celebrating Matcha Day—which falls on Saturday, May 2—the coffee shop is partnering with Oatly to release three limited-edition drinks. Following Julith’s flavour-led approach, these drinks reimagine matcha with a new palette. The Cantaloupe Matcha is fresh, the Roasted Matcha Cold Foam is nutty and deep, and the Carrot Cake Matcha Latte is the typical sweet treat, indulgent and layered. And in case this menu isn’t tempting enough, Julith is also giving away complimentary matcha drinks throughout the day while stock lasts!
Solenn | Marsa Boulevard
Sitting by the waterfront, Solenn brings plates of fusion Mediterranean recipes to Marsa Boulevard’s easygoing energy. Their menu spans from mezze to share among the table to indulgent burgers and pastas, and Josper-oven mains. It’s cosy and refined, ideal for a slow evening meal that stretches across the night.
To Experience
SWELL | Al Quoz
The latest health club to hit Dubai’s wellness scene, at first glance, SWELL wins on aesthetics alone. Designed with a retro feel in mind, the interiors are calming and understated. Tucked in Al Quoz, you can take your pick from heated and non-heated movement classes to cold plunges and saunas that foster muscle recovery. Either way, it’s a space worth checking out to have a wellness-focused weekend.
Mama Quilla | COYA Dubai
Mama Quilla is a charitable initiative set to honour Peruvian heritage, cultural preservation, and philanthropy, inspired by the Andean symbol representing protection, femininity, fertility, and natural cycles. This weekend, COYA is partnering up with Dubai Cares to curate a one-night-only experience that blends dining with art. Spotlighting an exclusive art exhibition by RALMA Studio, led by Emirati artist Reem Al Mazrouei, guests can explore art that expands on identity, femininity, and cultural storytelling, followed by a relaxed, refined dinner, with 15% of proceeds contributing to Dubai Cares. A unique take on the typical dinner experience, it’s a way to explore local talent while expanding the palate.
To Watch
The Devil Wears Prada 2
A movie that doesn’t need much introduction! The hyped sequel of a cult favourite, The Devil Wears Prada 2, takes us back to our favourite Runway cast, now 20 years in the future. The so-called “devil” Miranda Priestly reunites with her former assistant Andy Sachs as she tries to face off her former assistant turned rival, Emily Charlton. A cheeky, lighthearted weekend watch, expect equiste fashion, zingy one-liners, and of course, plenty of pop-culture references.
Beef Season 2 | Netflix
The second season of a comedy-drama anthology that took the world by storm when it was initially released in 2023, Beef is a fun watch if you’re particularly looking for something to binge. The show follows the story of two strangers who get into a road rage incident that further spirals into a chaotic feud. With incredible acting from an ensemble cast and layered, nuanced writing, it’s a show that keeps you hooked.
