Hiking trails UAE easy access reward spontaneous adventurers with spectacular coastal boardwalks, dramatic mountain routes, and peaceful wadi walks. This comprehensive guide covers the UAE’s most accessible trails using recent local knowledge and insider tips. Every recommended route offers straightforward parking, clear waymarking, family-friendly gradients, and realistic timings perfect for cooler months. Hiking in the UAE can feel like a secret escape if you know where to go, and I’ve found the best ones are the short drives that don’t demand a full day commitment. There’s this trail near Hatta I keep returning to — barely 30 minutes from Dubai,…
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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For venue guides, nightlife spots and things to do beyond the concerts, check our full Abu Dhabi guide.
Checking your UAE visa status online takes about two minutes — if you go to the right platform. The UAE runs two separate systems depending on which emirate issued your visa, and going to the wrong one is the most common source of confusion. Here’s exactly what to use and where to find it. The UAE divides visa management between Dubai’s GDRFA and federal ICP authority serving remaining emirates. Dubai visas require GDRFA access while Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah use ICP services exclusively. Official Platforms and Contact Information Dubai residents access visa…
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Dubai tickets are now officially available, marking the return of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries to the UAE. This iconic showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium promises to be a landmark moment in cricket history. With a capacity of 25,000, the stadium is expected to be at full capacity, with fans from across the world flying in to witness a battle that transcends sport. Tickets are available through PlatinumList, offering fans multiple ways to enjoy this unmissable event. General entry starts at AED 50 for Dubai-based group stage matches, and AED 40 for…
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…
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:…