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.

Get ready, Dubai. The raw energy and iconic anthems of global hip-hop superstar Meek Mill in Dubai is set to ignite the city’s nightlife scene once again. He’s taking over the stage at the legendary BLU Dubai for a one-night-only performance that promises to be the talk of the town. But in a city of endless options, planning the perfect, high-status night out can feel overwhelming. Fragmented information and uncertainty about securing your spot can quickly turn excitement into stress. The Main Event: Meek Mill Live at BLU Dubai (Friday, Nov 28, 2025) This is the central event you don’t…

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Update: As of publication, Jara by Martín Berasategui at The Lana is showing as temporarily closed for dining across its official Dorchester Collection listing, Zomato and Google, with no confirmed reopening date yet announced. We are keeping this review live as a record of the experience and will update it the moment the restaurant confirms its return — check the restaurant’s official Instagram (@jarabymartinberasategui) or call The Lana directly before planning a visit. Dubai’s dazzling skyline is constantly being redefined, and so is its culinary landscape. Amid a sea of new fine dining openings, a name has emerged that carries…

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Dubai’s glittering skyline has a new crown jewel. The much-anticipated Ciel Dubai Marina is now open — it welcomed its first guests on 17 November 2025 — officially securing its title as the tallest hotel in the world and setting a new global benchmark for architectural innovation and luxury hospitality. As news and details emerge, finding a single, comprehensive source of information can be a challenge. This is your definitive insider’s guide. We go beyond the headlines to consolidate every essential detail, from its record-breaking statistics and visionary design to the unmatched guest experiences that await inside. Whether you’re planning…

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The sound is unmistakable: the fiery strum of acoustic guitars, the soulful, raspy vocals, and rhythms that transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Andalusia. For decades, the Gipsy Kings have been the world’s ambassadors of rumba flamenca. But what happens when that raw, passionate energy is fused with the sweeping grandeur of a full orchestra? You get a once-in-a-lifetime musical event. Get ready for Gipsy Kings by André Reyes Symphonic, a breathtaking performance set against the magnificent backdrop of the Dubai Opera. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a reinvention of timeless classics and an unforgettable night of cultural…

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Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has quietly become one of the most serious in the region — a point underlined by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants heading to the capital in 2026. Whether you are marking an occasion or just want a dinner worth dressing for, here are the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi right now, what they cost, and how to get a table (see also our deep dive on Novikov Abu Dhabi, one of the capital’s other standout tables). Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi (2026) RestaurantCuisineWhereWhy go Talea by Antonio GuidaItalian fine diningEmirates PalaceTable-side cacio e pepe and a…

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Get ready for an evening of relentless punchlines and razor-sharp wit, because one of comedy’s most celebrated and controversial minds is returning to the UAE. Jimmy Carr is bringing his brand-new stand-up show, ‘Laughs Funny,’ to the prestigious Dubai Opera. If you’ve been searching for a truly unforgettable night of entertainment, you know how frustrating it can be to piece together scattered event details, question the legitimacy of ticket sellers, and wonder if a show is truly worth your time. Consider this your definitive, all-in-one resource. We’ve cut through the noise to bring you the single, authoritative guide for everything…

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Get ready for an electrifying night of live music on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The chart-topping, Grammy-winning sensation Clean Bandit is heading to Dubai for a one-night-only performance, and the atmosphere is set to be unforgettable. But with so much buzz, finding clear, reliable information can be a challenge. You’re looking for dates, ticket links you can trust, and insider tips to make the night perfect. Consider this your all-access pass. Forget scattered social media posts and vague event listings. This is the single, comprehensive guide you need for Clean Bandit live at Barasti Beach. We’ll cover the…

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Eid Al Adha is one of the two great festivals of the Islamic year and one of the most significant public holidays in the UAE calendar. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, it coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and brings the country a long, cherished break for prayer, family and generosity. Because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar, the dates shift each year — so here is how Eid Al Adha works in the UAE, how the public holiday is calculated, and what Eid Al Adha 2026 confirmed dates: Arafat Day falls on Tuesday, 26 May 2026,…

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