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 .
This isn’t just another auction; it’s a statement. The decision to launch the first-ever Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi is a powerful acknowledgment of the region’s burgeoning influence. Charles F. Stewart, Sotheby’s CEO, noted that the UAE is rapidly establishing itself as a “global centre for art, luxury and culture,” making Abu Dhabi the…
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Yas Island is home to far more than the circuit. Our Abu Dhabi guide covers everything happening across Yas Island, Saadiyat and the city.
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As the final moments of the year tick away, the magic of New Year’s Eve in Dubai becomes palpable, especially along the iconic shores of Palm Jumeirah. But with a dazzling array of parties and events, the pressure to choose the perfect celebration can be overwhelming. Sifting through endless event pages, deciphering vague package details,…
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Saadiyat Nights has quickly become Abu Dhabi’s marquee winter concert series — an open-air run of shows under the stars on Saadiyat Island, where the line-up reads like a festival headliner list stretched across three months. Here is how it works, who has played the most recent season, the venue, and how to get tickets…
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Get ready, Dubai. The raw energy and iconic anthems of global hip-hop superstar Meek Mill in Dubai is set to ignite the city’s nightlife scene once again. He’s taking over the stage at the legendary BLU Dubai for a one-night-only performance that promises to be the talk of the town. But in a city of…
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Martín Berasategui does not need Dubai. The man already has more Michelin stars to his name than most chefs have restaurants, and his flagship in the Basque hills has held three stars since 2001 without interruption. So when his group opened Jara on the 18th floor of The Lana, Dorchester Collection, in Business Bay, the…
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Dubai’s glittering skyline has a new crown jewel. The much-anticipated Ciel Dubai Marina is now open — it welcomed its first guests on 17 November 2025 — officially securing its title as the tallest hotel in the world and setting a new global benchmark for architectural innovation and luxury hospitality. As news and details emerge,…
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The F1 weekend is just one slice of what Abu Dhabi offers. See our full Abu Dhabi events and nightlife guide for year-round options.
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The sound is unmistakable: the fiery strum of acoustic guitars, the soulful, raspy vocals, and rhythms that transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Andalusia. For decades, the Gipsy Kings have been the world’s ambassadors of rumba flamenca. But what happens when that raw, passionate energy is fused with the sweeping grandeur of a full…
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Yas Island keeps growing. Our Abu Dhabi guide covers all the entertainment, nightlife and events across the island and the wider capital. Related: explore our full Yas Island area guide for Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Etihad Arena and things to do.
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Dubai’s food media loves to talk about Abu Dhabi like it’s a day trip with good hummus. It isn’t. The capital now has three Michelin-starred restaurants of its own, a Bib Gourmand list that keeps growing, and a stretch of Al Maryah Island where you can eat Peruvian, Japanese and French-Mediterranean within a five-minute walk…
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Get ready for an evening of relentless punchlines and razor-sharp wit, because one of comedy’s most celebrated and controversial minds is returning to the UAE. Jimmy Carr is bringing his brand-new stand-up show, ‘Laughs Funny,’ to the prestigious Dubai Opera. If you’ve been searching for a truly unforgettable night of entertainment, you know how frustrating…
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