Author: Monica Bonalto

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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.

GOING OUT

AURA Skypool Is Temporarily Closed: Here’s When It Reopens

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If a day at one of Dubai’s most iconic pools was on your summer plans, you’ll need to be patient. AURA Skypool, the Palm Jumeirah hotspot perched high above the city, has temporarily closed for renovations. In fact, it won’t be welcoming guests back until 1 September. The venue confirmed the news on its Instagram on Saturday, 31 May, with a suitably dramatic teaser: “A New Chapter Rises.” AURA says it is closed while it undergoes a refresh and will return later this year. The venue will return “renewed and reimagined for an even more extraordinary experience.” In fact, AURA…

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Where to Find the Best Ramen in Dubai

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Craving a steaming bowl of ramen? Same. Dubai’s ramen scene has quietly become one of the most exciting in the region, stretching from Michelin-recognised counters to tucked-away neighbourhood gems where the noodles are made in-house and the broth has been simmering since dawn. Whether you’re after a quick solo slurp on your lunch break, somewhere to impress visiting friends, or a proper occasion spot, we’ve rounded up the bowls worth knowing about. Here are the best ramen restaurants in Dubai right now. YUi Perfect for: casual, lunch, dining solo As Dubai’s original ramen-only restaurant, YUi is, for our money, the best…

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Things to Do in Dubai in Summer 2026: The Complete Indoor & Outdoor Guide

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Summer in Dubai is divisive. Temperatures hit 42–46°C by July, humidity makes it feel closer to 50°C, and the sun will genuinely cook you in minutes. But the city doesn’t shut down — it transforms. Hotels drop their rates dramatically, the malls go into full entertainment mode, and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) floods the city with deals, events, and discounts from July through August. If you know where to look, a summer visit to Dubai can be brilliant value and surprisingly fun. This guide covers the best things to do in Dubai in summer 2026 — indoor activities, cooler outdoor…

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Fujairah: The Complete Guide for Residents and Visitors

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Fujairah is the only emirate that sits entirely on the east coast, facing the Gulf of Oman rather than the Arabian Gulf. If you’re planning a visit, this is Fujairah: The Complete Guide to everything you need to know. That geographical fact matters more than it sounds: the water is clearer, the marine life is richer, the landscape is mountainous and dramatic, and the whole feel of the place is different to the west-coast emirates. For Dubai residents, Fujairah is the classic weekend escape — a 1.5–2 hour drive via the E611 through the mountains, and you arrive somewhere that…

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Abu Dhabi Nightlife 2026: Best Clubs, Bars & Nights Out in the Capital

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Abu Dhabi’s nightlife scene is genuinely good — and consistently underestimated by people who assume all the fun happens in Dubai. If you are looking ahead to Abu Dhabi Nightlife 2026, you’ll find the capital has a distinct character to its nights out: a bit more relaxed than Dubai’s VIP-table intensity, with some genuinely world-class venues (WHITE Abu Dhabi remains one of the best clubs in the entire MENA region), and a strong mix of Yas Island energy, Saadiyat Island sophistication, and local favourite bars that have been running for years. If you’re based in Dubai, the drive to Yas…

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