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.

Global Superstar Shakira OFFLIMITS Music Festival becomes reality on April 4, 2026, as Abu Dhabi prepares for one of its most significant live music moments in recent years. The Colombian icon will headline OFFLIMITS Music Festival at Etihad Park, marking a major statement for the UAE’s largest open-format music event. OFFLIMITS returns for its second edition with confidence, scale, and a headline booking that instantly elevates the festival into the global conversation. OFFLIMITS Music Festival Is Not a Typical Festival OFFLIMITS Music Festival was designed to avoid boxes. It does not follow a single genre, a single audience, or a…

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Prepare for an extraordinary spectacle as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships returns in 2026, promising an unparalleled display of talent and excitement. This year, the tournament elevates its status with a historic announcement: the confirmed attendance of all top 20 women’s players for the WTA 1000 event, setting the stage for a truly unprecedented gathering of tennis elite. Following the thrilling Women’s Week, the ATP 500 men’s tournament will continue the action, featuring top male players battling for supremacy. The Unprecedented Star-Studded Line-Up: Who’s Playing at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2026? The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships…

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Excitement for the John Mayer Saadiyat Nights debut was high, but fans now have a new date to look forward to. The highly anticipated performance, initially scheduled for an earlier date, has been officially postponed. According to the official announcement from Saadiyat Nights organizers, the change is due to unforeseen circumstances, a common occurrence in the dynamic world of live events [1]. This rescheduling directly addresses the crucial question: “When is the John Mayer concert at Saadiyat Nights now?”Related: explore our full Saadiyat Island area guide for the Cultural District, Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches and things to do. John Mayer’s…

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The pulsating heart of Dubai’s nightlife is set to throb with an electrifying rhythm as electronic music maestro Loco Dice in Dubai makes his highly anticipated return. For discerning house and techno aficionados, the quest for precise event details, the essence of the artist’s unique sound, and the unparalleled vibe of the venue can often feel like navigating a maze of fragmented information. When & Where: Your Date with the Electronic Visionary Mark your calendars: Loco Dice is scheduled to take over Bohemia Beach Club at Five Palm Jumeirah on Friday, January 31, 2026. The beats will commence at 6:00…

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Dubai’s glittering skyline isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a stage for some of the world’s most electrifying nightlife experiences. And when a global icon like Grammy-winning Roger Sanchez takes the decks, the city truly comes alive. This guide invites you to immerse yourself in the unparalleled energy of Skyline Saturdays at The Penthouse Dubai, an exclusive event at the opulent FIVE Palm Jumeirah. Prepare for an unforgettable night where iconic house music Dubai meets breathtaking views and an atmosphere unlike any other. We’ll dive into Roger Sanchez’s illustrious legacy, reveal crucial event specifics, explore the premium ambiance of the venue,…

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The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to ignite Dubai with its highly anticipated “Road To Dubai” series, culminating in a spectacular fight night featuring a headline clash that promises unparalleled action. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the iconic Coca-Cola Arena will host a showdown between the undefeated lightweight sensation Usman Nurmagomedov and England’s formidable challenger, Alfie “The Axe Man” Davis. This landmark event solidifies Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for combat sports, offering an unforgettable experience for both avid MMA fans and newcomers. The Nurmagomedov vs Davis match is one everyone’s got their eye on. PFL Road…

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Veganuary began as a January challenge, but Dubai’s plant-based dining scene has stopped waiting for the calendar to give it permission. What used to mean picking through a menu for the one salad a kitchen could strip of cheese has turned into Michelin-starred tasting menus, dedicated vegan cafés, and long-running restaurants that treat vegetables as the main event rather than an afterthought. Whether you’re doing Veganuary properly this January, easing into plant-based eating any other month, or simply passing through Dubai and want a meal that doesn’t involve interrogating a waiter, this guide rounds up where to actually eat well.…

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