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.

A group of playful people in Candy Museum Dubai
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Candy Museum Dubai: Complete Visitor Guide

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If your Instagram feed needs a serious sugar rush, Candy Museum Dubai is built for exactly that. It’s part sweet shop, part interactive art installation, part full-blown sensory experience — a candy-coloured playground of oversized lollipop forests, marshmallow clouds and ball pits that photograph beautifully and, refreshingly, are actually fun to walk through rather than just stand in front of. It’s become a go-to for families, groups of friends and content creators alike, and it’s small enough to fit into a half-day out without derailing your whole itinerary. Here’s what to expect. What Is Candy Museum Dubai? Candy Museum is…

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Luxury boutique entrance with Bâoli Dubai and Prada signs, modern cream architecture, and lush landscaping
Restaurants

Bâoli Dubai: Complete Guide to J1 Beach’s Iconic Restaurant & Club

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Bâoli Dubai at a Glance Few names in Dubai’s dining and nightlife scene carry as much history as Bâoli. Born in Cannes and long associated with the international jet-set circuit, Bâoli Dubai has built a reputation on barefoot glamour by day and champagne-fuelled nights that slide effortlessly into the early hours. This guide covers exactly what you need to know before you go — location, concept, dress code, dining versus club nights, and how to actually get a table. Location Bâoli Dubai is located at J1 Beach in Jumeirah 1, part of the same beachfront strip that has become one…

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Man sitting on a reflective floor in a vivid blue and orange digital art installation with cartoon-like floating figures
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House of Hype Dubai: Everything You Need to Know

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If your feed has been full of neon corridors, secret doors and people mid-scream inside what looks like a fever dream, chances are you have already seen House of Hype without realising what it was. Tucked inside Dubai Mall, this is not a restaurant, a bar or a nightclub in the traditional sense. Instead, it is Dubai’s answer to the immersive-experience trend. Moreover, it has quickly become one of the most talked-about things to do in the city after dark. Honestly, it is popular during the day too. What Exactly Is House of Hype? House of Hype is a high-energy,…

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A girl bowling at Dubai International Bowling Centre
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Dubai International Bowling Centre: Complete Guide

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Bowling doesn’t need reinventing, but Dubai International Bowling Centre has quietly become one of the city’s most reliable, no-frills nights out — decent lanes, arcade games to fill the gaps between frames, and none of the velvet-rope pretension that comes with a lot of Dubai’s newer entertainment venues. It’s a solid pick for birthdays, corporate nights, first dates that need a low-pressure activity, or just a Tuesday evening with nothing better to do. Here’s the practical rundown before you book a lane. Location Dubai International Bowling Centre is located in Al Mankhool, near the Trade Centre area of Bur Dubai…

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