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…
Author: Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto
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.
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📍 AddressBAI Bar & Terrace, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Canal View, Business Bay 📅 WhenEvery Saturday, 1pm – 4pm 💰 PricesAED 249 (soft drinks) · AED 299 (house beverages) 👨👩👧 KidsUnder 10 dine free 📞 Booking056 995 8210 The Boneyard BBQ Brunch at BAI Bar & Terrace does exactly what it promises: smoke, meat, live music, and three hours of free-flowing drinks at a Business Bay canal-front venue every Saturday. It is not the fanciest brunch in Dubai, and it does not try to be. What it does is deliver the sensory full package — the smell of binchotan charcoal,…
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…
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…
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…
Looking for the most Instagrammable places in the UAE to refresh your feed? Whether you’re a seasoned content creator, a travel enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a great snap, the UAE is bursting with photogenic hotspots. From jaw-dropping skylines to surreal desert landscapes, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of must-visit Instagram spots across the Emirates. Every time I scroll through my camera roll I realise half the photos are from these same few corners of Dubai that somehow never get old. There was that golden hour at the Dubai Frame when the light hit just right and the…
The sound of the underground comes alive under the stars on 10 May 2025 as renowned Greek DJ and producer Argy presents Argy Live at Terra Solis, taking over the decks at Terra Solis Dubai. This is not just another night in the desert—it’s a full-throttle techno experience set to ignite Dubai’s nightlife. With a career spanning almost two decades, Argy brings his genre-defining blend of techno and melodic house to one of the most unique venues in the region. As the sun sets over the golden dunes of Dubai, the anticipation rises for a night soundtracked by one of…
Word on the grapevine is that the Jiggaman is coming back to the UAE Continue Reading Is Jay-Z Coming Back To Dubai?
Mary J. Blige is bringing the heat to Dubai this summer — and if you know anything about R&B royalty, you’ll know this is going to be historic. On 24 June 2025, the Grammy-winning icon, often dubbed the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, will take over the Coca-Cola Arena for what is shaping up to be the most anticipated concert event of the year in the UAE. The Queen of Hip-Hop herself will make a lasting impression. Tickets go on sale 2 May at 4PM GST — and if you’re even slightly a fan, you’ll want to act fast. A Return…
Looking for the ultimate guide to luxury staycations in the UAE? Whether you’re a long-time resident or planning an indulgent break close to home, the UAE offers some of the world’s finest staycation experiences. From desert retreats to beachfront villas, the Emirates have redefined the art of luxurious living. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your next perfect escape. I’ve booked a few of these staycations when I just needed to feel like I was on holiday without actually leaving the country. One weekend I checked into a beachfront spot in Ras Al Khaimah — nothing fancy on…