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.

Two lounge chairs with towels overlook a blue infinity pool and a city skyline with tall skyscrapers in the background.
Beach & Pool Clubs

Best Pools & Pool Bars in Dubai 2026: Day Passes, Rooftop Infinity Pools & Beach Clubs

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Dubai does not do things by halves. The city that built an archipelago of islands in the shape of a palm tree, and a hotel shaped like a sail, applies the same logic to its pool scene. If you’re searching for the Best Pools & Pool Bars in Dubai, you’ll find that what you get here is not simply a place to cool down from the heat — it is an entire leisure category, ranging from the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool suspended 200 metres above Palm Jumeirah to adults-only swim-up bars, DJ-powered beach clubs, and serene family retreats shaded…

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Balloons in blue, gold, and white decorate an indoor space with a bright "zuma" sign on a wall.
GOING OUT

Zuma Dubai DIFC — Full Guide 2026

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📍 AddressGate Village Building 3, DIFC, Dubai ⏰ HoursDaily 12pm – 2am 💰 PriceAED 350–700 per person (average spend) 🍶 CuisineContemporary Japanese / Izakaya / Robatayaki 📞 Phone+971 4 425 5660 👔 Dress CodeSmart elegant — no shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear 🔖 Reservationszumarestaurant.com ⭐ AwardsMichelin Guide Dubai listed Zuma is the sort of restaurant that does not need to shout. It has been in DIFC since 2008, it holds a place in the Michelin Guide Dubai, and on any given Friday evening its bar is one of the most genuinely energetic rooms in the city. It attracts finance professionals, visiting…

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A rooftop pool with a woman sitting in a stylish cabana, overlooking a city skyline dominated by the Burj Khalifa.
Living in the UAE

Address Hotel Dubai Mall: The Definitive Pre-Booking Guide for an Informed & Flawless Stay

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Dubai, a city a byword for ambition and unmatched luxury, beckons discerning travellers from across the globe. Amidst its glittering skyline and lively cultural tapestry, the Address Hotel Dubai Mall stands as a beacon of five-star hospitality, directly connected to one of the world’s most iconic shopping and entertainment destinations. Yet, with so many options and details to consider, securing the perfect luxury stay can feel like a complex endeavour. This isn’t just another hotel review. This is your definitive pre-booking guide, carefully crafted to provide unbiased insights, insider tips, and everything you absolutely must know for a flawless, informed…

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