Author: Monica Bonalto

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Monica Bonalto is our go-to voice for nightlife, dining, and everything fabulous after dark. Born in Monaco and now based in the UAE, she brings European flair and insider access to the city’s most talked-about events. With a background as a features writer for major magazines across Europe, Monica has a knack for spotting the scene before it trends — from Broadway-calibre shows to secret supper clubs.

If ever there were a city ready for the firebrand energy of Akaash Singh, it’s Dubai in 2025. With the Dubai Comedy Festival attracting the biggest names in the business, Akaash Singh’s upcoming performance at the iconic Dubai Opera, presented by Live Nation Middle East, stands out as a highlight in the global comedy calendar. The Akaash Singh Dubai Comedy Festival performance is not just another gig. It’s the arrival of one of the most fearless voices in stand-up, podcasting, and modern satire — in a city rapidly becoming a global hub for uncensored laughter and cultural crossfire. From MTV…

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Dubai doesn’t merely serve coffee. It stages it. From warehouse-roasted single-origin brews to lattes served in terracotta cups under arches made of Spanish concrete, the coolest coffee shops Dubai has to offer don’t just caffeinate—they curate. In 2026, the coffee scene in Dubai is an intersection of art, architecture, ritual, and taste. These cafés aren’t an afterthought. They’re intentional spaces where locals and visitors gather for inspiration, conversation, and of course, expertly crafted espresso. The focus is as much on where the bean came from as it is on how the light falls on your table. You don’t just visit…

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Dubai Opera stands as the emirate’s most prestigious cultural landmark. This architectural masterpiece transforms the city’s artistic landscape whilst honouring maritime heritage. Located in Downtown Dubai’s beating heart, the dhow-shaped venue redefines what performance spaces can achieve. The venue attracts global superstars, hosts world-class productions, and creates unforgettable experiences. Every detail reflects Dubai’s commitment to excellence and innovation. From intimate chamber concerts to spectacular Broadway musicals, Dubai Opera: A Cut Above the Rest delivers cultural experiences that rival the world’s greatest venues. The Maritime-Inspired Architectural Marvel Danish architect Janus Rostock crafted Dubai Opera’s distinctive dhow design with remarkable vision. The…

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In the heart of DIFC’s high-rise glamour lies a restaurant unlike any other — Amazonico Dubai. Here, every sense is engaged in a journey through the depths of Latin America, refracted through the lens of Dubai’s elite culinary and nightlife scene. This isn’t just another fancy dinner spot — it’s an ecosystem of rhythm, fire, flavour, and spectacle. A Restaurant Born from the Amazon, Raised in Global Glamour Originally launched in Madrid, Amazonico rapidly expanded its reach with branches in London, Monaco, and now Dubai. It has become a cornerstone of high-end dining in these locations. The concept is rooted…

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In a city obsessed with visual spectacle, Honeycomb HiFi flips the script and asks: What if we listened more? Hidden behind an unmarked door in the Pullman Dubai Downtown, Honeycomb HiFi is a transportive space where sound, taste, and art collide. This is not your average Japanese restaurant. Nor is it just a vinyl listening bar. It’s a mood — curated, intentional, immersive — and rapidly becoming one of the most important cultural touchpoints in Dubai’s underground nightlife renaissance. A Listening Bar Rooted in Tokyo, Reimagined in Dubai The idea of a listening bar isn’t new — it originated in…

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Grease The Musical is making waves at Dubai Opera as the iconic production hits the UAE stage for the very first time. This reimagined version delivers the electrifying spirit of the original Broadway hit. It brings an all-new energy that has captivated audiences for decades. A Timeless Tale, Reborn The heart of Grease lies in the sweet, nostalgic love story between Sandy and Danny. Their journey of youthful romance, high school drama, and unforgettable summer memories is spectacularly brought to life on the Dubai Opera stage. The dazzling revival brings new life to characters audiences have cherished since the musical’s…

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Coca-Cola Arena: A World-Class Entertainment Marvel is not just a venue; it is a landmark of modern performance architecture in the heart of Dubai. Nestled in the ultra-modern City Walk district, this 17,000-seat indoor arena has changed live entertainment in the UAE. From rock concerts and stand-up comedy to elite sports events and family shows, the Coca-Cola Arena has become the beating heart of Dubai’s event scene. An Architectural Marvel in City Walk Located in one of Dubai’s most vibrant urban hubs, Coca-Cola Arena commands attention with its sleek, contemporary facade. What truly sets it apart is its fully integrated…

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Taco Bell Dubai: Why It Never Worked is a story of hype, hope, and an unceremonious goodbye. The American Tex-Mex chain launched in the UAE in 2008 with its flagship store in Dubai Mall, a location that seemed destined to make it a hit. But just four years later, it vanished entirely from the city’s fast-food landscape. The question is, why? A Big Arrival in the City of Gold Dubai Mall was a strategic starting point. A megamall that epitomised everything bold and international about Dubai, it drew tourists and residents alike. Taco Bell’s arrival generated immediate buzz, with curious…

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Every year, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix isn’t just the final race on the F1 calendar — it’s the biggest music and entertainment celebration in the region. With the track action at Yas Marina Circuit already promising drama, it’s the F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up that delivers a cultural crescendo each night. The concerts bring some of the world’s biggest artists to Etihad Park for four back-to-back nights of live music. The F1 Abu Dhabi concerts are truly a spectacle to witness. Updated: 29 June 2025 – New artists added to the rumoured line-up. In…

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Dave Chappelle Live in Abu Dhabi is an event not to be missed, as one of the most influential and fearless voices in comedy, Dave Chappelle, is returning to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for one unmissable night on Friday, 27 June 2025. This isn’t just a performance—it’s a cultural moment, one that marks the crown jewel of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week 2025 season. Following the historic success of his 2024 sold-out show—which brought over 14,000 fans to the arena, making it the largest comedy audience ever assembled in the Middle East—Chappelle’s 2025 return is expected to be even…

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