A viral post put Swiggy under the microscope. An X user compared dine-in prices with an app order. The same four dishes cost ₹810 in the restaurant and ₹1,473 on Swiggy. The difference reached 81%. He asked a blunt question: “Is this the real cost of convenience?” The debate took off. I’ve gone back and forth on Swiggy vs actually going out to eat more times than I care to count, especially on nights when the heat is unbearable or I’m just wiped from the day. There was this one evening I ordered from a spot in Jumeirah that does…
Author: Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto is What's Hot in UAE's voice for nightlife, dining, and everything worth doing after dark. Born in Monaco and now based in the UAE, she brings European flair and genuine insider access to the Emirates' most talked-about venues and events. With a background writing features for major magazines across Europe, she has a knack for spotting the scene before it trends. Her work is indexed on Muckrack. Find her on Medium, Vocal, Substack, and Mastodon.
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How to get your Emirates ID faster is the goal for every resident in 2025. You want a clean plan. You want zero drama, and you want a card that arrives without delays. This guide gives you the steps that work right now. I tested each step against current rules and service updates. I also added the small moves that shave days off the wait. The fast answer: who truly gets 24 hours ICP runs an urgent track called Fawri. ICP issues cards in 24 hours through Fawri. Nationals and GCC nationals use it for first issue, renewal, and replacement.…
If you love house music that actually smiles back at you, this is your weekend sorted. Defected is rolling into Dubai with a lineup built for good-energy dancers: Purple Disco Machine headlines alongside DiOSA and Kori Hall. Sea breeze, skyline glow, disco glitter — job done. Purple Disco Machine Brings the Glitter to Dubai’s Bohemia Beach Club Defected at Bohemia — Purple Disco Machine, DiOSA & Kori HallSaturday 8 November • from 5pm • Bohemia Beach Club, FIVE Palm Jumeirah If you love house music that actually smiles back at you, this is your weekend sorted. Defected is rolling into…
Hugel Live at Pure Pacha is officially happening at FIVE Luxe JBR on Friday 14th November, bringing Ibiza’s legendary club brand and France’s hottest DJ to our doorstep. The producer behind “Morenita” and countless summer anthems transforms JBR into a Latin house paradise for one unforgettable night. This collaboration between Pure Pacha’s iconic cherry logo and Hugel’s infectious beats creates the kind of magic that turns ordinary Friday evenings into legendary stories. For Dubai’s party scene, Hugel Live at Pure Pacha represents a seismic shift towards sophisticated Latin house experiences. Why Hugel Makes Dubai Dance French producer Hugel crafted his…
The Macy Gray – On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour is set to light up Dubai in spectacular fashion, celebrating not just an album, but an enduring legacy. On 29 August 2025, Coca-Cola Arena will welcome the GRAMMY®-winning soul icon as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2025, marking 25 years since she redefined modern soul with her debut On How Life Is. Macy Gray live in Dubai is a winner in our books for a possible best concert of the year! A Voice That Changed the Sound of a Generation In 1999, Macy Gray’s raspy, velvet voice burst through…
There’s something magical about discovering a place that feels like a secret. In a city where skyscrapers pierce the desert horizon and every restaurant tries to outdo the last with spectacle, the art of hidden nightlife still thrives. These aren’t just bars—they’re immersive experiences where entry feels like being handed a key to another world. Dubai’s finest speakeasies blend intimacy, curated cocktails, and a sense of exclusivity. But to stand out in this competitive city, they must also deliver design, atmosphere, and drink menus worthy of the hype. Here’s the ultimate insider’s look at the Top 4 Speakeasies in Dubai:…
On 2 October 2025, the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai will erupt in laughter as Tom Segura takes the stage to open the 7th Dubai Comedy Festival. The American comedian, actor, and podcasting juggernaut is bringing his wildly popular Come Together tour to the UAE for one night only. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, this event is set to be one of the year’s most talked-about performances — and a perfect kickoff to a festival now cemented in the region’s cultural calendar. Tom Segura’s Dubai 2025 show is not just another stand-up gig. It’s a global comic powerhouse landing in…
Sometimes, living somewhere for a long time can carry the burden of remembering some of the great things that no longer exist in your chosen home. Memorable spots, amazing clubs where you had that one awesome night and various places where you had the best of times. Like any city, places come and go and depending on how legendary they were, their mystique lives on, though the people who regularly went. Listen to any wealthy New Yorker who lived there through the 70s & 80s, and they’ll no doubt recall cherished memories of Studio 54 and other clubs that now…
Sebastian Maniscalco heads to Abu Dhabi this October, marking his explosive Middle East debut. The American comedy titan brings his record-breaking “It Ain’t Right” tour to Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on 8 October 2025 — a major moment for fans in the UAE comedy scene. From viral specials to sold-out stadiums, Maniscalco’s rise to international fame has been meteoric. His unmatched physicality, Chicago-born Italian delivery, and razor-sharp take on modern absurdities have made him a household name. Now, UAE audiences can finally experience that magic live. Why Abu Dhabi Matters for Comedy The UAE has hosted legends…
It is 7:30 AM on a Monday. The Metro platform at Business Bay is already filling, and your train is due in two minutes. You tap your NOL card, the reader flashes green, and you’re through. That seamless entry is not luck; it is the direct result of a quick balance check before you left home. In Dubai, where every minute counts and public transport moves with clockwork precision, knowing your Nol card balance before you travel is non-negotiable. This guide cuts straight to the chase, giving you every official path, clean steps, and practical fixes to verify your Nol…