Monica Bonalto arrived in Dubai in 2017 with a background in hospitality journalism and quickly became one of the most trusted voices in the UAE's dining and nightlife space. Over seven years on the ground, she has reviewed more than 400 venues across all seven emirates — from the sun-baked beach clubs of JBR and the rooftop terraces of DIFC, to the understated local gems that rarely make it onto tourist lists. Before joining What's Hot in UAE as Nightlife & Dining Editor, Monica contributed to Time Out Dubai, Abu Dhabi Food Festival coverage, and several regional hospitality publications. She has attended every major restaurant opening in Dubai since 2019 and maintains direct relationships with PRs and venue operators across the city — which means the information you read in her guides is always verified, never recycled from a press release. Her specialities are happy hours (she has personally verified every deal on our lists), Friday brunches, and the Northern Emirates' emerging food scene. She is based in DIFC and eats out five times a week. When she says a place is worth your money, it is. Follow Monica's work on Muck Rack , Substack , Vocal , and Medium .
The vibrant energy of Dubai is set to reach a fever pitch as Swedish House Mafia, the iconic electronic music supergroup, makes its highly anticipated return to the city. This isn’t just another concert; it’s the grand finale of the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour season, promising a revolutionary 3.0 live experience that will redefine live electronic…
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Alex Wann and SONA are two of the sharpest names on the afro-house circuit — their April 2026 show at Bohemia Five Palm was one of the UAE’s best afro-house bookings that season. Full artist profiles, genre explainer, and why Dubai has become a genuine destination on the afro-house circuit.
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Dubai Marina doesn’t need to try particularly hard to be interesting. Stack a few dozen towers around 3.5km of waterway, wedge a five-star hotel every few hundred metres, then let Pier 7 and Dubai Harbour do the rest — and you end up with the densest, most varied bar scene in the city. Skyscraper rooftops…
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Dubai’s glittering skyline and relentless pursuit of innovation often captivate global attention, yet whispers of “Dubai nightlife closures” sometimes spark concern. Headlines suggesting a decline in Dubai’s vibrant nightlife are a common misconception, leading many to question the health of its entertainment scene. However, this narrative profoundly misunderstands the city’s unique business ecosystem. Far from…
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Dubai’s dynamic nightlife pulses with unparalleled energy, constantly seeking to deliver exclusive, cutting-edge experiences for its discerning residents and visitors. For those who appreciate the refined rhythm of house music and the allure of a high-end setting, an exceptional evening awaits. Get ready to immerse yourself in the infectious world of Dombresky, the undisputed master…
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Prepare for an electrifying night as the legendary Carl Cox descends upon Dubai to deliver an unparalleled extended set, marking the grand finale of the Pacha ICONS season. This isn’t just another event; it’s a momentous occasion for discerning electronic music enthusiasts, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Playa Pacha at the exquisite Five Luxe…
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The Short Version Dubai has no shortage of venues that will slap a “Sports Bar” sign on the door and hope you don’t notice the single muted telly above the bar. This list isn’t that. Every venue below was checked against operator sites, hotel listings and recent reviews in August 2026 for what actually matters…
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Dubai, a city synonymous with luxury, innovation, and unparalleled entertainment, is once again poised to host a musical spectacle that promises to redefine the electronic music experience. At the heart of this anticipation is the highly-anticipated return of Vintage Culture, a titan of the house music scene, to the iconic Bohemia Beach Club. This isn’t…
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Easter weekend in Dubai is set to ignite with an unparalleled auditory experience as RONG Open Air descends upon the iconic Barasti Beach. For trance enthusiasts and those seeking an unforgettable holiday celebration, the dilemma often lies in navigating scattered information to piece together the full picture of such a high-calibre event. Worry no more.…
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✅ Updated June 2026 — Ushuaia Dubai and Pacha Dubai are both now fully established in the UAE market. Ushuaia continues operating from its Dubai location, while Amnesia Dubai and Hi Dubai have also expanded the Ibiza brand footprint in the UAE. The transformation from one-off Ibiza brand events to permanent UAE venues is now…
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Get ready to mark your calendars! The eagerly anticipated return of ARTBAT UPPERGROUND to Dubai is set to electrify the city on April 18, 2026, promising a monumental melodic techno spectacle at the iconic Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. This globally recognised event series, spearheaded by the acclaimed Ukrainian duo ARTBAT, is poised to deliver an…
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Booking a global DJ in Dubai often appears, at first glance, to be a straightforward financial transaction — a simple splash of cash for star power. That’s a significant oversimplification of a complex, multi-layered financial and logistical reality. Event organisers, promoters, and brands frequently underestimate the total investment required, get caught out by opaque logistical…
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