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 .
Spinneys is originally from Alexandria, Egypt. British Army officer Arthur Rawdon Spinney established the brand there in 1924. It is not originally Lebanese, British or Emirati—although each description captures part of its later story. The founder was British, Spinneys expanded into Lebanon, and the business that UAE shoppers know developed its own deep roots in…
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The Best DJ Myth persists because taste, context, and culture shape what feels “best.” From radio’s pioneers to today’s festivals, DJing keeps evolving, and so do arguments about who the greatest is. Music history, technology, personal preference, and global culture all prove there is no such thing as a single “best DJ.” The Evolution of…
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Dubai’s club scene rewrites itself every season, which is exactly why so many “best nightclubs” lists online are already out of date. Empire at Yas Marina has closed for good, Cirque le Soir’s old Fairmont address now belongs to ICY, and Vault at the JW Marriott Marquis has quietly repositioned itself as a cocktail bar…
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Nobu: the man who made us love sushi represents one of culinary history’s most remarkable transformation stories. Nobu Matsuhisa’s revolutionary approach to Japanese cuisine fundamentally altered how the world perceives and consumes sushi. This legendary chef transcended cultural boundaries by merging traditional Japanese precision with bold Peruvian influences, creating a fusion philosophy that redefined global…
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Fujairah, one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and modern attractions. Known for its stunning coastline along the Gulf of Oman and its mountainous landscapes, Fujairah is a must-visit destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Here are 10 things to do…
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Competition closed — May 2024. This giveaway ran in May 2024 and is no longer open to entries. The winner was announced on Instagram at the time. We have kept this page online as a record of the event, but please do not attempt to enter: no entries are being accepted or judged. (Stay tuned…
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I’ve lived in the UAE long enough to know that its skyline and desert get all the headlines — but if you follow the coastline, you discover an entirely different side to the Emirates. Our shores are as diverse as our cities: stretches of golden sand in Dubai, wild mountain-backed bays in Fujairah, and eco-protected…
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Sixty years ago, Dubai was a small pearling and trading town on the Creek. Today it’s one of the most recognisable cities on the planet — a skyline most people can identify from a thumbnail, a name that’s become shorthand for a particular kind of ambition. The journey spans desert winds and towering cranes, dhow…
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Dubai transforms each morning into a culinary adventure that mirrors the city’s extraordinary diversity. The best breakfast in Dubai spans from humble street-side eateries in Old Dubai to sky-high dining rooms overlooking the Arabian Gulf. This comprehensive exploration reveals 23 exceptional venues that define morning dining excellence across the Emirates’ most dynamic metropolis. I’ve chased…
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Dubai’s restaurant scene has been getting all the headlines this year, and fair enough: the city has been on a genuine tear when it comes to new dining rooms. But a separate, equally interesting story has been unfolding after dark, one that’s got nothing to do with tasting menus. New bars, lounges, rooftops and full-blown…
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The UAE has become one of the most reliable stops on the global touring circuit, and 2026 is a bumper year. Between Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena and Etihad Park on Yas Island, the calendar runs from intimate singer-songwriter nights to stadium-scale spectacles. Here are the shows worth planning around — and…
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Moving to UAE first time transforms your life completely. This comprehensive guide addresses every concern, challenge, and opportunity awaiting new UAE residents. From visa requirements to cultural nuances, we explore the practical realities of relocating to this extraordinary nation. The United Arab Emirates attracts millions seeking career advancement, lifestyle enhancement, or educational opportunities. Yet moving…
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