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 .
Get ready for an electrifying night of live music on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The chart-topping, Grammy-winning sensation Clean Bandit is heading to Dubai for a one-night-only performance, and the atmosphere is set to be unforgettable. But with so much buzz, finding clear, reliable information can be a challenge. You’re looking for dates,…
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Eid Al Adha is one of the two great festivals of the Islamic year and one of the most significant public holidays in the UAE calendar. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, it coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and brings the country a long, cherished break for prayer, family and generosity. Because…
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The pulse of the global dance music scene is about to beat right in the heart of Dubai. Global superstar, fashion icon, and producer Peggy Gou is set to bring her unparalleled energy to the city for a can’t-miss performance. As part of the legendary Pacha Icons series, she will take over the breathtaking open-air…
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What is Aura Skypool, exactly? Aura Skypool sits on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower on Palm Jumeirah, roughly [VERIFY: 200 metres, sources vary between ~200m and 210m] above the ground, with a 360-degree glass-edged deck that wraps entirely around the building. There’s no wall blocking any angle, which is the whole point: on…
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Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, a visionary whose momentum has slowed? Do you feel the hum of potential but find yourself searching for the spark to ignite your next big breakthrough? In a world of constant noise, finding genuine inspiration and forging career-defining connections can feel impossible. This feeling of stagnant professional growth isn’t…
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When a titan of electronic music and a legendary nightlife institution converge, the result is more than just a party—it’s a cultural moment. For fans of authentic, high-energy dance music, the search for that electric, soul-stirring Ibiza vibe can be a challenge, even in a city as vibrant as Dubai. The scene is vast, the…
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UAE National Day is 2 December 2026. See what is officially confirmed for fireworks, Dubai’s celebration window, holiday dates and live venue status.
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The dream of a Maldivian-style getaway—waking up in a secluded villa suspended over turquoise waters—is a powerful one. For years, UAE residents and international travellers have looked to distant shores for this experience. But the landscape of luxury is shifting. With the groundbreaking announcement of The St. Regis Mirfa Beach Resort, a new era of…
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Are you tired of the same old Dubai weekend plans? Scrolling through endless options only to find nothing that truly excites you? If you’re looking for a genuinely unique and laugh-out-loud evening, your search ends here. The solution isn’t another brunch or movie night; it’s an unforgettable experience with one of the region’s sharpest comedic…
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Dubai’s vibrant nightlife offers an endless sea of choices, but every so often, an event emerges that is simply unmissable. For enthusiasts of authentic house music, the return of the legendary Jamie Jones is one such moment. The challenge for any music lover in the city is cutting through the noise to find the events…
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Planning your UAE public holidays 2026 is the key to opening up memorable vacations, cherished family time, and well-deserved breaks. For residents in the UAE, this planning often comes with a significant challenge: the uncertainty of Islamic holiday dates. Juggling fixed holidays with those dependent on the lunar calendar can make booking travel and scheduling…
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Sharjah’s cultural calendar goes way beyond the Book Fair. Our complete Sharjah guide covers museums, events, beaches and things to do across the emirate.
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