Author: Monica Bonalto

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Monica Bonalto is our go-to voice for nightlife, dining, and everything fabulous after dark. Born in Monaco and now based in the UAE, she brings European flair and insider access to the city’s most talked-about events. With a background as a features writer for major magazines across Europe, Monica has a knack for spotting the scene before it trends — from Broadway-calibre shows to secret supper clubs.

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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The UAE nightlife scene is about to hit a new high this autumn. Carl Cox gets set for a thrilling live performance in Dubai 2025. One of the most legendary names in global electronic music, he returns to Dubai to headline the season opener of PACHA ICONS at the beachfront hotspot FIVE LUXE. Scheduled for Friday, 17 October 2025, this monumental event marks the beginning of a new series of epic Ibiza-style nights at Playa Pacha. This event brings the spirit of the White Isle directly to the UAE with Carl Cox live in Dubai 2025. View this post on…

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Fujairah, one of the UAE’s best-kept secrets, is more than just a beachside escape—it’s a cultural treasure trove with rugged mountains, serene mosques, ancient forts, and underwater adventures. Whether you’re planning a long weekend away or you’re a UAE resident keen on exploring beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Fujairah offers a refreshing pace of life and a long list of things to do in 2025. Here’s our guide to the 20 best experiences in this underappreciated gem. Fujairah always sneaks up on me in the best way — every drive up the coast feels like leaving the city behind without…

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The Ultimate Guide to Ski Dubai reveals why this extraordinary indoor ski resort remains unmatched globally. Hidden within Mall of the Emirates, this winter wonderland defies every expectation about desert cities. Since 2005, The Ultimate Guide to Ski Dubai has helped millions discover authentic alpine experiences in the heart of Arabia. Ski Dubai still feels like a fever dream every time I step inside — one minute you’re sweating in 40°C heat outside Mall of the Emirates, the next you’re standing in actual snow wearing a jacket you rented five minutes ago. I went a couple of months back with…

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Looking for the ultimate Sunday escape in Dubai? SOLARAE at Terra Solis delivers a luxurious, music-infused experience where sun-soaked vibes, exceptional dining, and world-class DJs come together in a dazzling desert setting. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy weekend or kicking off the week in style, SOLARAE offers a vibrant atmosphere that blends brunch culture with festival spirit. With its backdrop of golden dunes and a crowd that knows how to party, this is Dubai’s most stylish desert hangout — redefining what Sundays are meant to feel like. This isn’t just brunch — it’s an all-day journey into sound, flavour,…

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