The memory still echoes through Dubai’s vibrant nightlife scene: a sold-out show, a sea of over 15,000 people moving as one under the stars, and a sound that felt both ancient and futuristic. This was the scene in 2024 when Black Coffee last graced the decks at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour. The event created a wave of FOMO (fear of missing out) that was felt across the city. Now, the wait is over. Black Coffee at Ushuaïa Experience is one not to miss. On Saturday, 27th December 2025, the Grammy-winning pioneer of Afro house, Black Coffee, returns to the iconic open-air…
Author: Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto
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.
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The tennis world is buzzing with the announcement of a monumental clash between two of the sport’s most compelling and powerful personalities. But finding clear, consolidated information about this modern-day “Battle of the Sexes” can feel like a wild goose chase through scattered press releases and fragmented news reports. You’re left wondering: what’s the real story, what’s at stake, and most importantly, how can I be there? This is your definitive hub for the Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios Dubai Showdown. We’ve cut through the noise to bring you everything you need to know in one place. From the deep historical context…
PUMA has taken another major stride in reshaping Dubai’s running culture. The global sports brand has partnered with LFG Dubai, a homegrown fitness and social club redefining what community means in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Together, they’re merging performance, culture, and connection to empower runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned athletes — to push boundaries and discover their best selves. Puma running Dubai can only be a good thing. What Makes LFG Dubai Special If you’ve seen groups running along Kite Beach at sunrise or powering through Al Quoz on a Sunday evening, you’ve…
Living in the UAE is an adventure, but let’s be honest: booking a flight out can often feel like the most challenging part of the journey. You’re met with a maze of websites, fluctuating prices that seem to change by the minute, and a nagging feeling that you’re probably overpaying. If you’ve ever felt the frustration of seeing expensive flights from Dubai and wondered if there’s a secret to unlocking better UAE travel deals, you’re in the right place. Welcome to the Ultimate UAE Flight Booking Playbook. This isn’t just another list of generic travel tips. This is your definitive,…
The buzz is constant: Is Idris Elba in the UAE? What’s the story behind that incredible UAE campaign video? When is he coming back? For fans and residents in the UAE, tracking the movements and projects of the global superstar can feel like piecing together a puzzle from scattered news headlines, outdated social media posts, and conflicting reports. It’s frustrating when you just want the complete, accurate story. Consider this your definitive answer. We’ve cut through the noise to create the single, most comprehensive, and constantly updated resource on Idris Elba’s deepening relationship with the UAE. Here, we connect the…
The roar of the city is replaced by the sound of ten thousand running shoes hitting the pavement. You look up and see the iconic skyline of Dubai—the Museum of the Future, the towering Burj Khalifa—from a perspective few ever get to experience: the middle of a completely empty Sheikh Zayed Road. This is the magic of Dubai Run 2025, the city’s largest community fitness event. But planning for this unforgettable day can feel like a race in itself. Information is scattered across official websites, news articles, and social media updates, leaving you with more questions than answers. That’s where…
Mariah Carey is coming back to Abu Dhabi. And if last year’s chaos taught us anything, you should probably sort tickets now. The five-octave legend returns to Saadiyat Nights on 7 February 2026. This marks her second Abu Dhabi performance after selling out the venue’s opening show in January 2024. That debut sold out weeks in advance. Fans queued for hours. Social media exploded with videos of her hitting those impossible high notes under the stars. This time around, she’s bringing “The Celebration of Mimi” tour to the UAE capital. Expect the hits. Expect the vocals. Expect an evening that…
The moment darkness falls over Dubai, something shifts. Not just the temperature—though that helps. The entire city sheds its daytime corporate skin and reveals something wilder underneath. Deciding where to go in Dubai at night can feel overwhelming when the options change every week, but after enough random evenings out I’ve learned to trust the mood more than the plan. There are nights when I just want to wander DIFC with no destination — start at a low-key lounge with good music, see if the crowd pulls you to a rooftop next door, then end up somewhere unexpected because a…
The Abu Dhabi food scene goes well beyond this one event. Our best restaurants in Abu Dhabi guide and Abu Dhabi hub have everything you need.
Power Slap UAE is coming back to Space 42 Arena on Friday, October 24, 2025. The world’s premier slap fighting promotion returns during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, sitting right alongside UFC 321: ASPINALL vs GANE. If you witnessed last year’s sold-out chaos, you know exactly what’s coming. If you missed it, prepare for something completely different from traditional combat sports. This isn’t boxing with gloves or MMA with submissions. This is raw, direct, impossibly tense competition that makes entire arenas hold their breath simultaneously. The format is simple, the stakes are brutal, and the atmosphere is electric. What Actually Happens…