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.

The UAE is about to welcome one of the UK’s most influential indie rock bands of the 21st century—Franz Ferdinand—as they bring their 2025 world tour, The Human Fear, to Dubai. This highly anticipated Franz Ferdinand Dubai concert marks the spectacular conclusion of their global circuit. Here, the Scottish five-piece will headline Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday, 13 December 2025. This special performance is set to be a monumental night of music. The setlist promises fresh material alongside classic anthems that defined a generation. From Glasgow to Global: Franz Ferdinand’s Rise Formed in Glasgow in 2002, Franz Ferdinand carved out their…

Read More

The UAE nightlife scene is about to hit a new high this autumn. Carl Cox gets set for a thrilling live performance in Dubai 2025. One of the most legendary names in global electronic music, he returns to Dubai to headline the season opener of PACHA ICONS at the beachfront hotspot FIVE LUXE. Scheduled for Friday, 17 October 2025, this monumental event marks the beginning of a new series of epic Ibiza-style nights at Playa Pacha. This event brings the spirit of the White Isle directly to the UAE with Carl Cox live in Dubai 2025. View this post on…

Read More

Fujairah, one of the UAE’s best-kept secrets, is more than just a beachside escape—it’s a cultural treasure trove with rugged mountains, serene mosques, ancient forts, and underwater adventures. Whether you’re planning a long weekend away or you’re a UAE resident keen on exploring beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Fujairah offers a refreshing pace of life and a long list of things to do in 2025. Here’s our guide to the 20 best experiences in this underappreciated gem. Fujairah always sneaks up on me in the best way — every drive up the coast feels like leaving the city behind without…

Read More

Ski Dubai still feels like a fever dream every time I step inside — one minute you’re sweating in 40°C heat outside Mall of the Emirates, the next you’re standing in actual snow wearing a jacket you rented five minutes ago. I went a couple of months back with a group who’d never seen snow before; watching them try to slide down the beginner slope while laughing and falling over was pure chaos in the best way. The penguins waddling around the glass enclosure still catch me off guard — they look completely unbothered by the whole thing. I usually…

Read More

Looking for the ultimate Sunday escape in Dubai? SOLARAE at Terra Solis delivers a luxurious, music-infused experience where sun-soaked vibes, exceptional dining, and world-class DJs come together in a dazzling desert setting. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy weekend or kicking off the week in style, SOLARAE offers a vibrant atmosphere that blends brunch culture with festival spirit. With its backdrop of golden dunes and a crowd that knows how to party, this is Dubai’s most stylish desert hangout — redefining what Sundays are meant to feel like. This isn’t just brunch — it’s an all-day journey into sound, flavour,…

Read More

Dubai’s nightlife in 2025 is not just thriving—it’s dominating. From world-renowned nightclubs and luxury rooftops to exclusive speakeasies and curated ladies’ nights, this Dubai Nightlife Guide is your definitive authority on everything Dubai nightlife. I’ve been out in Dubai long enough to know that nightlife here changes every season — what was buzzing last year can feel quiet now, and suddenly some small bar or rooftop you ignored becomes the place everyone talks about. Last month I went to a mid-week thing in a hotel lounge that usually stays low-key, and by 1 a.m. the dance floor was full, people…

Read More

Boneyard BBQ Brunch is redefining Saturdays in Dubai. Set on the stylish terrace of BAI Bar & Terrace at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View, promising bold BBQ flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and a buzzing vibe to take your weekend to new heights. I finally made it to Boneyard’s brunch a few weeks ago after hearing friends talk about it for months, and it lived up to the hype in the best possible way. We rolled in around noon on a Friday, the place was already buzzing — smoke in the air, country music playing low, tables full of…

Read More

Looking for the best UAE hotels with private pools? Whether you’re after privacy, romance, or all-out luxury, this definitive guide to the top private pool hotels in the UAE is designed to help you find the most exclusive stays in the country. These resorts aren’t just beautiful—they’re tailor-made for summer, offering privacy, luxury, and the kind of escape only a private pool can provide. I’ve stayed at a few of these private-pool hotels when I wanted to completely switch off without leaving the country. One time in Abu Dhabi I had a villa with a plunge pool right off the…

Read More

Dubai is a city that constantly evolves, offering a plethora of activities that cater to diverse interests. Whether you are a food enthusiast, adventure seeker, or culture lover, Dubai has something for everyone. This guide will take you through 106 amazing things to do in Dubai in 2026, from exquisite dining experiences to unique adventures and cultural highlights. I’ve lived in Dubai long enough that I sometimes forget how insane the list of things to do actually is until someone visits and asks “what should we see first?” Last weekend I took a friend who hadn’t been here in years…

Read More

When nu-metal exploded onto the mainstream stage in the late ’90s, it wasn’t just a genre shift—it was a movement. Leading that sonic rebellion, with baggy jeans and middle fingers in the air, was Limp Bizkit. Now, decades later, the icons of controlled chaos are bringing that same fire back to the stage. Limp Bizkit Live in Abu Dhabi is set to reignite the madness. The event offers fans across the UAE a rare chance to witness the band in all their head-banging, crowd-surfing glory. Mark your calendars: on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, the mighty Etihad Arena on Yas Island…

Read More