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. 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 ever there were a city ready for the firebrand energy of Akaash Singh, it’s Dubai in 2025. With the Dubai Comedy Festival attracting the biggest names in the business, Akaash Singh’s upcoming performance at the iconic Dubai Opera, presented by Live Nation Middle East, stands out as a highlight in the global comedy calendar.…
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Dubai doesn’t merely serve coffee. It stages it. From warehouse-roasted single-origin brews to lattes served in terracotta cups under arches made of Spanish concrete, the coolest coffee shops Dubai has to offer don’t just caffeinate—they curate. Dubai’s coffee scene keeps evolving fast, and the best spots rarely stay secret for long. The common thread across…
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Dubai Opera stands as the emirate’s most prestigious cultural landmark. This architectural masterpiece transforms the city’s artistic landscape whilst honouring maritime heritage. Located in Downtown Dubai’s beating heart, the dhow-shaped venue redefines what performance spaces can achieve. Looking for the current programme? See our full Dubai Opera 2026 tickets and schedule guide for what’s on,…
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Walk into Amazónico on a Tuesday lunchtime and you’ll find bankers in DIFC lanyards picking at ceviche under floor-to-ceiling foliage. Come back on Saturday night and the same room has turned into something closer to a Rio street party, with a percussionist working the room and a rooftop upstairs that doesn’t stop until 3am. Few…
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In a city obsessed with visual spectacle, Honeycomb HiFi flips the script and asks: What if we listened more? Hidden behind an unmarked door in the Pullman Dubai Downtown, Honeycomb HiFi is a transportive space where sound, taste, and art collide. This is not your average Japanese restaurant. Nor is it just a vinyl listening…
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Grease The Musical is making waves at Dubai Opera as the iconic production hits the UAE stage for the very first time. This reimagined version delivers the electrifying spirit of the original Broadway hit. It brings an all-new energy that has captivated audiences for decades. A Timeless Tale, Reborn The heart of Grease lies in…
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Key Facts Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai Capacity: 17,000 (configurable for concerts, sports, and family shows) Opened: 6 June 2019 (originally Dubai Arena, renamed under a naming-rights deal) Owner/Operator: Owned by Dubai Holding and managed by Legends Global, the international venue operator behind more than 450 venues worldwide Coca-Cola Arena: A World-Class Entertainment Marvel…
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Quick answer: We could not verify any Taco Bell restaurant operating in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE as of 28 July 2026. The chain entered the UAE in 2008 and withdrew in 2012. Old restaurant pages still surface in search, but they are not evidence of an open branch. We also found no official…
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The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stopped being just a race a long time ago. The Yasalam After-Race Concerts turn the F1 season finale into a four-night music festival — and the best part is they come included with your race ticket. Here is the guide to the 2026 After-Race Concerts: the line-up, the venue, and…
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Dave Chappelle has performed in Abu Dhabi twice — first at a record-breaking sold-out show in May 2024, then again on Friday, 27 June 2025, both at Etihad Arena as part of Abu Dhabi’s growing comedy calendar. Here’s a recap of both nights, plus a look at why Abu Dhabi has become a serious stop…
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In the dimly lit heart of East London in 2010, a cultural moment quietly unfolded in the corner of a dilapidated boiler room. A webcam, hastily taped to a wall, streamed a live DJ set onto the early internet. No stage, no crowd barriers, no press. Just raw music, sweat, and energy pulsing through underground…
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Why Tomorrowland Is Still the World’s Best Music Festival becomes crystal clear the moment you step into its fairytale realm. This Belgian phenomenon transcends ordinary festival experiences through groundbreaking production, unrivalled lineups, and magical atmospheres. While competitors chase trends, Tomorrowland sets standards that others desperately attempt to replicate. Tomorrowland hits different when you’re actually there…
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