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.

A luxurious hotel entrance with palm trees and warm lighting at dusk.

✅ Updated June 2026 Opening hours: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is open daily 10am–11pm (shops); restaurants and bars vary, most open noon or 6pm for dinner service. Entry: Free — no ticket required to browse the souk or walk the waterways. Insider tip: The abra (water taxi) connecting the souk to the hotels is free for guests and a short walk from the main entrance. Evening visits are best — the lights reflecting off the canals after sunset are genuinely beautiful. Nestled along a shimmering network of waterways, with the iconic Burj Al Arab majestically framing the horizon, Souk Madinat Jumeirah…

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East End Dubs is one of deep house’s most precise architects — a London producer whose April 2026 Bohemia Dubai show delivered exactly what his Fabric and Watergate reputation promises. Full artist guide, key tracks, and what his UAE visit tells us about the city’s evolving electronic music scene. Continue Reading East End Dubs in Dubai: Deep House Artist Guide, Bohemia Show & UAE Circuit

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Bâoli brought its Cannes formula — restaurant, pool and beach club in one — to Dubai, and it has become one of the city’s better day-to-night addresses. The cooking is coastal French-Mediterranean with a Japanese accent; the setting is J1 Beach on Jumeirah 1. This guide covers the food, the drinks, the pool, the party and how to plan a visit. The Exquisite French-Mediterranean & Japanese Fusion Cuisine at Bâoli Dubai The kitchen’s signature is that French-Mediterranean-meets-Japanese mix: sharing plates running from sashimi to robata skewers to pasta, with the steaks doing a lot of the heavy lifting. A Culinary…

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Dubai has two three-Michelin-starred restaurants — Trèsind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén — plus three two-star and fourteen one-star kitchens, verified against the current MICHELIN Guide Dubai list (checked 29 July 2026). This guide sorts the city’s best dining by what actually decides where people book: Michelin standing, view, occasion and price, with the reasoning for each pick below.Best forPickWhyUltimate fine dining (3 stars)Trèsind Studio or FZN by Björn FrantzénDubai’s only three-Michelin-star restaurantsBest skyline viewAl MuntahaNear the top of Burj Al ArabMost distinctive settingOssianoUnderwater room at Atlantis The Palm, one-starRomantic occasionPierchic or L’Olivo at Al MaharaNamed by both the…

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A vibrant opera performance set in a lively street scene with singers dressed in period costumes and a backdrop of vintage buildings.

March in Abu Dhabi is an electrifying symphony of culture, entertainment, and sport, transforming the emirate into a dynamic hub of activity. If you’re looking for Abu Dhabi March Events, but navigating the fragmented landscape of event listings can often feel like a treasure hunt without a map. What’s Hot in UAE is here to be your definitive compass, cutting through the clutter to offer a meticulously curated, one-stop resource for everything happening this month. Whether you’re a resident seeking new experiences or a visitor planning an unforgettable trip, this guide is designed to help you effortlessly discover, plan, and…

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✅ Updated June 2026 — Red Bull Basement UAE 2026 applications have closed. Watch redbull.com/basement for the next UAE cycle. The winning UAE project progresses to the Red Bull Basement Global Summit alongside finalists from 50+ countries. The UAE stands as a dynamic hub of innovation, consistently fostering a future-forward environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. For ambitious student innovators, Red Bull Basement UAE 2026 emerges as the ultimate launchpad, offering an unparalleled opportunity to transform raw ideas into functional, AI-powered prototypes. This article cuts through the noise, detailing how this prestigious program empowers young visionaries, backing them with world-class technological tools,…

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The vibrant energy of Dubai is set to reach a fever pitch as Swedish House Mafia, the iconic electronic music supergroup, makes its highly anticipated return to the city. This isn’t just another concert; it’s the grand finale of the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour season, promising a revolutionary 3.0 live experience that will redefine live electronic music. If you’re planning to attend the Swedish House Mafia Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour show, you won’t want to miss a detail. For fans eagerly awaiting this landmark event, the challenge often lies in navigating the myriad of details – from securing precious tickets to understanding…

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Alex Wann and SONA are two of the sharpest names on the afro-house circuit — their April 2026 show at Bohemia Five Palm was one of the UAE’s best afro-house bookings that season. Full artist profiles, genre explainer, and why Dubai has become a genuine destination on the afro-house circuit. Continue Reading Alex Wann & SONA in Dubai: Afro-House Artists, Bohemia Show & UAE Scene Guide

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Dubai Marina has one of the most concentrated bar scenes in the city — and also one of the most varied. There are rooftop lounges with proper skyline views, high-energy nightlife spots with serious DJ bookings, a 25-year-old beach bar institution, and a few genuinely good cocktail bars mixed in. This guide covers the best of them, with locations, timings, and what makes each one worth going to.Related: explore our full Dubai Marina area guide for the best bars and restaurants, beach clubs, and things to do along the waterfront. Rooftop Revelry & Panoramic Views: Elevated Experiences in Dubai Marina…

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A crowded nightclub with vibrant blue and red lighting, featuring a neon "SKY20" sign and smoke effects above the bar.

Dubai’s glittering skyline and relentless pursuit of innovation often captivate global attention, yet whispers of “Dubai nightlife closures” sometimes spark concern. Headlines suggesting a decline in Dubai’s vibrant nightlife are a common misconception, leading many to question the health of its entertainment scene. However, this narrative profoundly misunderstands the city’s unique business ecosystem. Far from signalling failure, these strategic exits are, in fact, the engine of Dubai’s continuous growth and an integral part of its dynamic evolution. Unlike traditional nightlife capitals where legacy often dictates longevity, Dubai operates on a faster, more adaptive lifecycle. Here, constant reinvention, driven by ambitious…

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