Author: Monica Bonalto

Monica Bonalto's avatar

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.

News

What’s On This Weekend in Dubai — 30–31 May 2026

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The Eid Al Adha long weekend is here and Dubai is putting in the work. Whether you’re after a beach club party, a late-night techno set, or a family day out before Global Village closes for summer — this weekend has something worth leaving the house for. We update this page every week with the best events across Dubai. Bookmark it, check it Thursday or Friday morning, and plan accordingly. 🔥 ARTBAT at Be Beach Dubai 📅 Saturday 30 May | 🎟 From AED 300 ARTBAT are one of the biggest names on the global electronic circuit right now —…

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Bars

Best Happy Hours in Dubai 2026: Deals by Area — DIFC, Downtown, Marina & More

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Dubai’s happy hour scene is more developed than most people realise. Across the city’s bar and restaurant network, there are genuinely excellent drink deals running daily — from Dhs32 beers at Barasti to all-you-can-sip offers at AED 90 — and the variety by area and time of day gives you real options wherever you are in the city. This guide breaks down the best happy hour deals in Dubai in 2026 by area, with specific venues, prices, and times so you can plan your evening properly. DIFC Happy Hours DIFC runs some of the best after-work happy hours in Dubai…

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GOING OUT

Things to Do in Dubai This Weekend

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Updated: 20 May 2026 — covering the weekend of Friday 22 to Sunday 25 May 2026 In this guide, you’ll find the best Things to Do in Dubai this weekend and beyond. This page is updated every week with what’s actually happening in Dubai. Not a recycled list of tourist attractions — real events, current deals, and things worth leaving the house for. Dubai doesn’t slow down in May. The weather is warming up, which means rooftops and indoor venues are hitting their stride, outdoor festivals are in their final weeks before summer shuts them down, and a few seriously…

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