There’s something magical about finding a place that feels like a secret. In Dubai, where opulence rules and every corner reveals another architectural marvel, the art of hidden nightlife still thrives. But it’s not just about mystery for mystery’s sake. The city’s finest speakeasies offer a transportive experience, blending curated aesthetics, deep-cut cocktails, and that all-important feeling of being in the know. We dive deep into four Speakeasies in Dubai —Galaxy, Samba Room, Paradiso, and Ly_La—that don’t just serve drinks; they serve story, soul, and sensory delight. A Galaxy Hidden in Plain Sight At the heart of DIFC, tucked behind…
Author: Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto is our go-to voice for nightlife, dining, and everything fabulous after dark. Born in Monaco and now based in the UAE, she brings European flair and insider access to the city’s most talked-about events. With a background as a features writer for major magazines across Europe, Monica has a knack for spotting the scene before it trends — from Broadway-calibre shows to secret supper clubs.
On 2 October 2025, the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai will erupt in laughter as Tom Segura takes the stage to open the 7th Dubai Comedy Festival. The American comedian, actor, and podcasting juggernaut is bringing his wildly popular Come Together tour to the UAE for one night only. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, this event is set to be one of the year’s most talked-about performances — and a perfect kickoff to a festival now cemented in the region’s cultural calendar. Tom Segura’s Dubai 2025 show is not just another stand-up gig. It’s a global comic powerhouse landing in…
Sometimes, living somewhere for a long time can carry the burden of remembering some of the great things that no longer exist in your chosen home. Memorable spots, amazing clubs where you had that one awesome night and various places where you had the best of times. Like any city, places come and go and depending on how legendary they were, their mystique lives on, though the people who regularly went. Listen to any wealthy New Yorker who lived there through the 70s & 80s, and they’ll no doubt recall cherished memories of Studio 54 and other clubs that now…
Sebastian Maniscalco heads to Abu Dhabi this October, marking his explosive Middle East debut. The American comedy titan brings his record-breaking “It Ain’t Right” tour to Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on 8 October 2025 — a major moment for fans in the UAE comedy scene. From viral specials to sold-out stadiums, Maniscalco’s rise to international fame has been meteoric. His unmatched physicality, Chicago-born Italian delivery, and razor-sharp take on modern absurdities have made him a household name. Now, UAE audiences can finally experience that magic live. Why Abu Dhabi Matters for Comedy The UAE has hosted legends…
Dubai’s love for global flavours is unmatched, but when it comes to tacos — those handheld Mexican masterpieces — the obsession is real. The city’s culinary evolution means that tacos are no longer an afterthought but a full-blown food movement. From brisket-packed tortillas to Baja-style fish with zesty crema, tacos in Dubai now hold their own on the world stage. This isn’t a casual roundup. It’s a deep dive into Dubai’s taco revolution, where creativity meets tradition, and every taco tells a story. If you’re searching for the best tacos in Dubai, your cravings end here. The Taco Revolution: Why…
When it comes to doing things at scale, the UAE doesn’t hold back — and neither does Travis Scott. The Travis Scott Abu Dhabi concert is now officially locked in. It will take over Etihad Park on Yas Island on 15 November 2025. As part of the ongoing Circus Maximus World Tour, this promises to be more than just a performance — it’s shaping up to be a cultural phenomenon. Backed by jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, laser-laced visuals, and industrial-sized set pieces, the event has stunned crowds across the globe. This marks a defining moment in Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global…
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. The Akaash Singh Dubai Comedy Festival performance is not just another gig. It’s the arrival of one of the most fearless voices in stand-up, podcasting, and modern satire — in a city rapidly becoming a global hub for uncensored laughter and cultural crossfire. From MTV…
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. In 2026, the coffee scene in Dubai is an intersection of art, architecture, ritual, and taste. These cafés aren’t an afterthought. They’re intentional spaces where locals and visitors gather for inspiration, conversation, and of course, expertly crafted espresso. The focus is as much on where the bean came from as it is on how the light falls on your table. You don’t just visit…
Dubai Opera: A Cut Above the Rest is more than just a performance venue—it’s a cultural monument that elevates the UAE’s artistic reputation on the global stage. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this dhow-shaped architectural marvel blends tradition with modernity. It offers a spectacular canvas for world-class performances and elite private events. With its 2,000-seat capacity, adaptable spaces, and stunning skyline backdrop, Dubai Opera is undeniably one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Architectural Elegance That Stands Apart Dubai Opera’s dhow-shaped structure pays tribute to the region’s maritime heritage while radiating contemporary elegance. Designed by architect…
In the heart of DIFC’s high-rise glamour lies a restaurant unlike any other — Amazonico Dubai. Here, every sense is engaged in a journey through the depths of Latin America, refracted through the lens of Dubai’s elite culinary and nightlife scene. This isn’t just another fancy dinner spot — it’s an ecosystem of rhythm, fire, flavour, and spectacle. A Restaurant Born from the Amazon, Raised in Global Glamour Originally launched in Madrid, Amazonico rapidly expanded its reach with branches in London, Monaco, and now Dubai. It has become a cornerstone of high-end dining in these locations. The concept is rooted…