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 .
If there’s one event changing what it means to celebrate Halloween in the UAE, it’s Geek Community Day Dubai. Returning this November for its third and biggest edition yet, Rove Hotels and Hobby Nation are turning Rove Downtown into a playground where dragons, Jedi, and Marvel heroes walk side by side. Forget pumpkins and cobwebs…
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Dubai fell hard for Japanese food, and date night followed Ask anyone who’s been dating in Dubai for more than a year where they’re taking someone new and there’s a decent chance the answer involves a robata grill, a sake list, or a chef slicing something raw and expensive three feet away. Japanese restaurants have…
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Dubai is once again rewriting the rules of global aviation. In a move of unprecedented scale and ambition, the emirate has officially launched a plan to relocate all operations from the world’s busiest international hub, Dubai International Airport (DXB), to a new, colossal megaproject at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This isn’t just an expansion;…
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Dubai makes you feel something. Not just see something or tick something off a list. It’s the kind of place where you walk into a shopping centre and find yourself face-to-face with a ten-metre aquarium. Where you can ski before lunch and watch camels at sunset. The city rewrites the rules, and frankly, it does…
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What To Know The Return of an Icon Few names in music carry the weight of Amr Diab. Known across the Arab world and beyond as “Al Hadaba” (The Hill), he has been a cultural cornerstone for decades. On 1 November 2025, he returns to Dubai for what promises to be one of the year’s…
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Yes—Zero Gravity Dubai’s original Dubai Marina venue is closed. As of 29 July 2026, the brand has not publicly confirmed the address or opening date of its promised new beachfront location. Zero Gravity’s official messaging says a refreshed experience is coming, while Visit Dubai marks the venue closed until further notice. Do not travel to…
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What To Know The desert is calling, and on October 4, 2025, it will answer with hypnotic rhythm. Boris Brejcha takes over the Tomorrowland Amare Stage at Terra Solis Dubai, bringing his futuristic “high-tech minimal” sound to the heart of the UAE. For one night only, the vast desert sky becomes the ceiling of a…
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Key Facts Headliner: Bassem Youssef Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai Date: 16 November 2025 — this event has already taken place On 16 November 2025, Bassem Youssef live Dubai takes centre stage at Coca-Cola Arena. The Egyptian-American comedy legend brings his razor-sharp wit to the emirate’s entertainment capital. This isn’t just another comedy show—it’s…
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The desert is about to come alive. On 27 September, Dubai will feel the heartbeat of Tomorrowland as Arodes takes over the Amare Stage at Terra Solis. Picture this: warm desert air, stars scattered across the sky, and a soundscape so emotional it feels like time is standing still. This isn’t just another night out—it’s…
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Key Facts Headliner: Timbaland Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai Date: 28 November 2025 — this event has already taken place The Timbaland Dubai concert lands at Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, 28 November 2025. Expect a hard‑hitting set, clean transitions, and a catalogue that shaped pop, hip‑hop, and R&B. Dubai gets a legend on a…
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Dubai does not really have an off-season for poolside lunches, but 2026 has reshuffled the line-up a little: one skypool went dark for a refurbishment, a couple of hotel pools quietly bumped their rates, and the gap between “restaurant with a nice pool” and “beach club that happens to serve food” has gotten wider. This…
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Dubai’s entertainment calendar bursts with exciting opportunities as family and kids activities in Dubai keep multiplying year-round. Fresh venues open alongside returning favourites across the emirate’s premier locations. Parents can choose from interactive markets to obstacle courses for unforgettable weekend adventures. Dubai keeps rolling out new things for families and it’s hard to keep up…
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