Author: Monica Bonalto

Grease The Musical is making waves at Dubai Opera as the iconic production hits the UAE stage for the very first time. This reimagined version delivers the electrifying spirit of the original Broadway hit. It brings an all-new energy that has captivated audiences for decades. A Timeless Tale, Reborn The heart of Grease lies in the sweet, nostalgic love story between Sandy and Danny. Their journey of youthful romance, high school drama, and unforgettable summer memories is spectacularly brought to life on the Dubai Opera stage. The dazzling revival brings new life to characters audiences have cherished since the musical’s…

Coca-Cola Arena: A World-Class Entertainment Marvel is not just a venue; it is a landmark of modern performance architecture in the heart of Dubai. Nestled in the ultra-modern City Walk district, this 17,000-seat indoor arena has changed live entertainment in the UAE. From rock concerts and stand-up comedy to elite sports events and family shows, the Coca-Cola Arena has become the beating heart of Dubai’s event scene. Coca-Cola Arena has become one of those venues where I always check the calendar first whenever I’m in the mood for something live. I was there for a show a few months back…

Taco Bell Dubai: Why It Never Worked is a story of hype, hope, and an unceremonious goodbye. The American Tex-Mex chain launched in the UAE in 2008 with its flagship store in Dubai Mall, a location that seemed destined to make it a hit. But just four years later, it vanished entirely from the city’s fast-food landscape. The question is, why? Taco Bell in Dubai still feels like a guilty pleasure that sneaks up on you. I stopped by the one in JLT on a late-night craving run — the place was bright, a little chaotic, the line moving fast…

Every year, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix isn’t just the final race on the F1 calendar — it’s the biggest music and entertainment celebration in the region. With the track action at Yas Marina Circuit already promising drama, it’s the F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up that delivers a cultural crescendo each night. The concerts bring some of the world’s biggest artists to Etihad Park for four back-to-back nights of live music. The F1 Abu Dhabi concerts are truly a spectacle to witness. Updated: 29 June 2025 – New artists added to the rumoured line-up. In…

Dave Chappelle Live in Abu Dhabi is an event not to be missed, as one of the most influential and fearless voices in comedy, Dave Chappelle, is returning to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for one unmissable night on Friday, 27 June 2025. This isn’t just a performance—it’s a cultural moment, one that marks the crown jewel of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week 2025 season. Following the historic success of his 2024 sold-out show—which brought over 14,000 fans to the arena, making it the largest comedy audience ever assembled in the Middle East—Chappelle’s 2025 return is expected to be even…

In the dimly lit heart of East London in 2010, a cultural moment quietly unfolded in the corner of a dilapidated boiler room. A webcam, hastily taped to a wall, streamed a live DJ set onto the early internet. No stage, no crowd barriers, no press. Just raw music, sweat, and energy pulsing through underground London. That evening wasn’t merely a one-off event; it was the genesis of what would become one of the most transformative platforms in modern music history: Boiler Room. This now-global phenomenon has since reinvented the way audiences experience club culture, while democratising access to the…

Why Tomorrowland Is Still the World’s Best Music Festival becomes crystal clear the moment you step into its fairytale realm. This Belgian phenomenon transcends ordinary festival experiences through groundbreaking production, unrivalled lineups, and magical atmospheres. While competitors chase trends, Tomorrowland sets standards that others desperately attempt to replicate. Tomorrowland hits different when you’re actually there — the first time I went I wasn’t prepared for how massive it feels once you step past the entrance. The main stage alone is like walking into a dream someone built with lasers and flowers; one minute you’re dancing with 50,000 strangers, the next…

To survive the summer in UAE, mastering UAE summer survival requires more than just sunscreen and staying indoors. With temperatures often soaring past 45°C, life in the Emirates during the hotter months can be intense. But that doesn’t mean you have to hide in your AC all season. From icy escapes and immersive art experiences to thrilling indoor sports and luxurious chill zones, we’ve curated 20 of the best ways to keep cool and have fun during the sweltering UAE summer. Summer in the UAE is brutal, no sugarcoating it — I’ve spent enough Julys and Augusts here to know…

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents a paradigm shift in marine theme park experiences. This indoor wonderland on Yas Island delivers conservation education through world-class entertainment. Since opening in May 2023, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has redefined what marine parks can achieve in the Middle East. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi caught me off guard the first time I went — I expected more of a theme park chaos, but it felt surprisingly calm and almost peaceful in places. I spent a solid hour just sitting by the dolphin lagoon watching them glide around in circles, sunlight bouncing off the water, while kids nearby were…

The UAE is about to welcome one of the UK’s most influential indie rock bands of the 21st century—Franz Ferdinand—as they bring their 2025 world tour, The Human Fear, to Dubai. This highly anticipated Franz Ferdinand Dubai concert marks the spectacular conclusion of their global circuit. Here, the Scottish five-piece will headline Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday, 13 December 2025. This special performance is set to be a monumental night of music. The setlist promises fresh material alongside classic anthems that defined a generation. From Glasgow to Global: Franz Ferdinand’s Rise Formed in Glasgow in 2002, Franz Ferdinand carved out their…