Author: Monica Bonalto

Monica Bonalto's avatar

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.

A collage featuring four men in front of a colorful skyline with a gradient pink to orange background and silhouettes of tall buildings.
Events & Entertainment

Mega Campus Summit Dubai 2026: James Cameron, Magnus Carlsen, Wim Hof — Here Is What to Know

By

Dubai is hosting one of the most genuinely remarkable events on its 2026 calendar: the Mega Campus Summit, a two-day speaker event at Coca-Cola Arena that holds an official Guinness World Record as the world’s largest lecture event. The 2026 edition takes place on 19–20 September with a lineup that, frankly, you wouldn’t normally expect to see on the same stage: James Cameron, Magnus Carlsen, Robert Greene, Wim Hof, and Dave Ulrich. Tickets start from Dhs276 with early bird pricing currently available. Here is everything you need to know before you go. What Is Mega Campus Summit? Mega Campus Summit…

Read More
A group of people at a music event with one person in a white shirt and red cap using headphones at a DJ booth, surrounded by a crowd holding smartphones. Above them is a large, abstract cloud-like decoration.
GOING OUT

Keinemusik Is Coming to Dubai for Pacha Icons at Bab Al Shams Arena

By

Keinemusik is coming to Dubai as part of the iconic Pacha Icons series — and if you know what either of those names means, you already know this is one of the more significant bookings on the UAE’s electronic music calendar. The event takes place at Bab Al Shams Arena in Dubai, with tickets starting from Dhs375. Here’s everything you need to know, including who exactly Keinemusik are, what the Pacha Icons concept is, and what to expect on the night. Who Are Keinemusik? Keinemusik is a Berlin-based music collective, DJ crew, and record label that has become one of…

Read More
Colorful doughnut and zalabieh shop entrance with neon signage and patterned black-and-white floor
GOING OUT

Lucky 2000: Abu Dhabi’s Italian-Inspired Doughnut Shop Has Opened at Souq Al Mina

By

Abu Dhabi has a quietly impressive dessert scene, and it just got a notable new addition. Lucky 2000 Abu Dhabi, the latest project from the team behind Marmellata Bakery and Barbassi, has opened at Souq Al Mina in Mina Zayed — and from its first weekend, it’s been pulling in queues. The concept is focused and confident: filled doughnuts, made fresh, assembled to order, served at a waterfront location that’s already one of Abu Dhabi’s most atmospheric food destinations. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. The Concept: A Love Letter to the Zeppole Lucky 2000’s founding inspiration…

Read More