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.

The desert city is pulsating, the anticipation is palpable, and a titan of techno is making his grand return. For aficionados of deep, hypnotic grooves, the name Marco Carola isn’t just a DJ, it’s a phenomenon. His “Music On” events are legendary, crafting immersive sonic journeys that captivate dancefloors worldwide. As Dubai solidifies its status as a global nightlife hub, securing a spot at one of Carola’s Music On in Dubai exclusive appearances is more than just attending a party—it’s experiencing a moment. But in the fast-paced world of Dubai’s entertainment, reliable, insider information on major events can be elusive.…

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Verde Beach Dubai made its name with big bookings. Afrojack and Diplo have both played sets there as part of the club’s Hedonism party series [VERIFY: exact dates and frequency of the Afrojack/Diplo Hedonism events], and for a while that was the whole pitch: a beach club you visited because of who was on the decks that weekend. Search for it now, though, and most people aren’t looking for a specific DJ. They’re looking for a straight answer on where it is, what it costs, and whether it’s actually open. Here’s that answer. What Is Verde Beach Dubai Verde Beach…

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Get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve as global music icon Alicia Keys returns to Abu Dhabi for a spectacular headline performance at Saadiyat Nights. As the clock ticks down to 2026, the capital is buzzing with plans, but finding clear, consolidated information about the biggest events can be a frustrating search through scattered announcements and endless social media posts. This guide cuts through the noise. Consider this your single, comprehensive insider’s pass to everything you need to know about celebrating NYE with Alicia Keys at Saadiyat Nights—from securing the best tickets and understanding the full concert series lineup…

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Cassian at Terra Solis is shaping up to be one of December’s standout events in Dubai. The combination of Tomorrowland’s signature atmosphere and the desert’s natural openness feels like the perfect stage for a producer who thrives on emotional depth and melodic precision. On 6 December, the Amare Stage becomes the backdrop for a night built around sound, space and the kind of energy the city saves for its most memorable moments. This event sits at the intersection of artistry and environment, creating a rare opportunity to see a Grammy-winning producer at his creative peak. From the moment the announcement…

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The queen of contemporary techno is returning to conquer Dubai. Amelie Lens has officially announced her monumental comeback, and the city’s electronic music scene is already buzzing with anticipation. But with a major event like this, scattered information, unconfirmed details, and endless social media noise can make it hard to get the facts straight. Are you looking for official ticket links? Wondering about set times? Trying to figure out the vibe at the venue? You can stop searching. This is your single, definitive source for everything you need to know about Amelie Lens’s EXHALE show in Dubai. We’ve compiled all…

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Dubai’s glittering entertainment scene is set to welcome a global music icon this December. As the city buzzes with energy, seven-time GRAMMY® winner and creative force will.i.am is preparing to take the stage for an exclusive, one-night-only performance. But finding clear, consolidated information—from accurate showtimes to reliable ticket links and details about the stunning venue—can be a frustrating search across scattered websites and social media posts. Consider this your definitive, all-in-one guide. We’ve cut through the noise to bring you everything you need to know about Will.i.am Live at Privilege Dubai. This isn’t just about the concert; it’s about the…

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Dubai’s nightlife is legendary, a dazzling landscape of rooftop lounges, superclubs, and world-class DJs. But for the discerning music lover, the search is always on for something more—an experience that transcends the ordinary, a night that resonates long after the last beat fades. What if you could witness the raw, emotional power of a symphony orchestra colliding with the euphoric energy of the greatest dance anthems of all time? Synthony and Faithless Soundsystem coming. Synthony teaming up with Faithless Soundsystem at Bla Bla has me buzzing already — I caught a similar hybrid set a while back and it was…

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As the clock ticks down to a new year, the search for the perfect, most exclusive New Year’s Eve party in Dubai begins. In a city brimming with spectacular options, the challenge isn’t finding a party—it’s finding the party. A truly unique, A-list experience that transcends the ordinary and defines the start of a new chapter. This year, the search is over. The definitive answer is the grand reopening of Nammos Dubai, headlined by a one-night-only performance from global superstar Maluma. This is not just another event; it’s the pinnacle of luxury, music, and celebration. This guide will provide a…

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This isn’t just another auction; it’s a statement. The decision to launch the first-ever Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi is a powerful acknowledgment of the region’s burgeoning influence. Charles F. Stewart, Sotheby’s CEO, noted that the UAE is rapidly establishing itself as a “global centre for art, luxury and culture,” making Abu Dhabi the perfect stage for an event of this magnitude. The significance is further underscored by a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), signaling deep institutional support and a shared vision to cement the capital’s status as a world-class cultural destination. The numbers alone…

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