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 .
Key Facts Venue: Ushuaïa Dubai, Dubai Harbour, Dubai Date: 31 December 2025 — this event has already taken place New Year’s Eve in Dubai is a global spectacle, a city-wide celebration defined by dazzling fireworks and world-class entertainment. But for the discerning electronic music enthusiast, the sheer volume of options can lead to information overload,…
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Dubai doesn’t really sleep, but its kitchens are a different story. Plenty of places that call themselves “late-night” quietly pull the shutters down at 1am on a Tuesday, which is exactly when your hunger tends to show up. This list sticks to what’s actually open when you need it: genuine 24-hour kitchens first, then the…
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Key Facts Headliner: Black Coffee Venue: Ushuaïa Dubai, Dubai Harbour, Dubai Date: 27 December 2025 — this event has already taken place The memory still echoes through Dubai’s vibrant nightlife scene: a sold-out show, a sea of over 15,000 people moving as one under the stars, and a sound that felt both ancient and futuristic.…
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PUMA has taken another major stride in reshaping Dubai’s running culture. The global sports brand has partnered with LFG Dubai, a homegrown fitness and social club redefining what community means in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Together, they’re merging performance, culture, and connection to empower runners of all levels — from first-timers to…
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Living in the UAE is an adventure, but let’s be honest: booking a flight out can often feel like the most challenging part of the journey. You’re met with a maze of websites, fluctuating prices that seem to change by the minute, and a nagging feeling that you’re probably overpaying. If you’ve ever felt the…
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The buzz is constant: Is Idris Elba in the UAE? What’s the story behind that incredible UAE campaign video? When is he coming back? For fans and residents in the UAE, tracking the movements and projects of the global superstar can feel like piecing together a puzzle from scattered news headlines, outdated social media posts,…
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The roar of the city is replaced by the sound of ten thousand running shoes hitting the pavement. You look up and see the iconic skyline of Dubai—the Museum of the Future, the towering Burj Khalifa—from a perspective few ever get to experience: the middle of a completely empty Sheikh Zayed Road. This is the…
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Key Facts Headliner: Mariah Carey Venue: Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Date: 7 February 2026 — this event has already taken place Mariah Carey is coming back to Abu Dhabi. And if last year’s chaos taught us anything, you should probably sort tickets now. Related: explore our full Saadiyat Island area guide for the Cultural…
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The moment darkness falls over Dubai, something shifts. Not just the temperature—though that helps. The entire city sheds its daytime corporate skin and reveals something wilder underneath. Deciding where to go in Dubai at night can feel overwhelming when the options change every week, but after enough random evenings out I’ve learned to trust the…
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The MICHELIN Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi 2025 ran from 21 to 23 November at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, bringing together some of the planet’s most decorated chefs for three days of extraordinary dining. The festival is confirmed to return for 2026 on the same 21–23 November dates at the same venue — the chef…
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Power Slap UAE is coming back to Space 42 Arena on Friday, October 24, 2025. The world’s premier slap fighting promotion returns during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, sitting right alongside UFC 321: ASPINALL vs GANE. If you witnessed last year’s sold-out chaos, you know exactly what’s coming. If you missed it, prepare for something completely…
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Sharjah has a lot more going on than most people realise. Our Sharjah guide covers culture, events, beaches and everything worth doing in the emirate.
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