Where to listen this May: 25hours Hotel One Central

If you’re a music lover in Dubai, 25hours Hotel One Central is worth noting this May. Now a go-to spot for nightlife in the city, the venue has found its audience, with a series of events at Nomad Day Bar and Monkey Bar, ranging from sunset sessions to late-night rooftop takeovers.

THE DISTRICT

Kicking things off this weekend is a brand-new concept, THE DISTRICT, at Nomad Day Bar on 2 May (8pm–2am). Chris Jif opens with melodic house, before Beirut-born DJs Klo and Kurlz take over back-to-back, blending soulful grooves with a more genre-fluid sound. Kurlz closes the night with deep tech and nu disco. Tickets start from AED105, or AED145 including a welcome drink.

Sound Dè Favela

Up on the rooftop, Monkey Bar hosts Sound Dè Favela (2 May, 5pm), a Brazilian-inspired takeover. The line-up includes DJ Caio Prince, Kampai, Rose-end and Cheb Moha, with sets moving between baile funk, amapiano and afro-house. Alongside the music, the night features football, fashion and street culture references, with a community-led focus that extends beyond the dancefloor. Tickets from AED145. 

Visit: Sound Dè Favela · Luma

Love Me Reggae

On 9 May, Love Me Reggae (2pm–9pm) shifts the pace. Set in Monkey Bar, the one-day takeover runs from afternoon into sunset, with reggae-led DJ sets and a more relaxed, open-air atmosphere. Tickets at AED 105. 

Visit: Love Me Reggae

Art in the Middle Top Tip

Book ahead, tickets are already on sale, and these tend to fill up quickly.