There is a sound that has become synonymous with early mornings and late evenings across Dubai’s residential districts and sports complexes: the distinctive hollow pop of a padel ball striking the back glass. It comes from rooftop courts in JLT, from indoor air-conditioned clubs in Business Bay, from floodlit courts behind hotels in Jumeirah, and from dedicated multi-court facilities that did not exist five years ago. Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport has exploded in popularity, arriving in the UAE quietly and then, over the course of a few extraordinary years, becoming one of the most talked-about, booked-out, and invested-in…
Author: Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto
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.
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The Top 20 Luxurious Hotels in the UAE form a tapestry of opulence, architectural ingenuity, and refined hospitality that is second to none. This is a nation where hotels are more than places to sleep; they are cultural landmarks, feats of design, and experiential playgrounds. Whether you’re seeking the dizzying heights of Dubai’s skyscrapers, the tranquil sands of Abu Dhabi’s deserts, or the coastal charm of Fujairah, the UAE offers luxury that is as varied as it is extraordinary. I’ve walked through the lobbies of most of these hotels over the years — some for a quick coffee, others for…
Dubai welcomed over 17 million international visitors in 2023, contributing roughly 12.7% to the UAE’s GDP. The city has built its entire modern economy around being accessible to the world — and its visa system reflects that ambition. If you’re planning your travel and need information about the Dubai Visit Visa 2026, understanding the different requirements is crucial. Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, getting into Dubai can be as effortless as stepping off the plane, or it can require advance planning and paperwork. The gap between those two experiences comes down to one thing: knowing which category…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates, has risen from humble coastal settlements to a leading global hub for trade, tourism, culture, and innovation. This transformation — achieved in just a few decades — stands as one of the most remarkable stories of modern nation-building. But to truly understand the UAE, one must explore not only its history, but also its traditions, etiquette, and the vibrant destinations that define it today. For a complete practical guide to life in the Emirates, explore our full Living in the UAE hub. Ancient Roots and Pre-Federation Life Historical Foundations Archaeological…
The UAE has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for live music, fusing luxury venues with diverse line-ups that rival London, Seoul, and Miami. From beachside EDM blowouts to orchestral performances at the Emirates Palace, the country’s 2024–2025 calendar is bursting with options. Upcoming Music Festivals in the UAE don’t just showcase global stars — they embody the Emirates’ cultural ambition, its tourism drive, and its love of entertainment on a grand scale. I’ve been to enough concerts in Dubai to know the thrill: the desert evening air, the scent of oud in the crowd, and the…
ARTBAT, the dynamic Ukrainian DJ duo, takes the stage at HIVE on June 7th. Renowned for their mesmerizing soundscapes and powerful performances, ARTBAT will (as usual) deliver an unforgettable experience that will keep us dancing all night long. ARTBAT live at Hive will be awesome. Event Details: Who is ARTBAT? ARTBAT, the amalgamation of the names of Artur and Batish, is a Kyiv-based electronic music duo that has taken the global music scene by storm. Known for their captivating soundscapes that blend melodic techno and house, ARTBAT has been a favourite on the festival circuit and in clubs worldwide. The…
Dubai is gearing up for a sensational night of music and energy as Grammy-winning superstar Macklemore is set to take the stage at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena on October 4th. The much-anticipated Macklemore Dubai Show promises to be a dynamic event. Known for his eclectic mix of hip-hop and pop, Macklemore’s performance will captivate fans and newcomers alike. Macklemore to Rock the Coca-Cola Arena. The Event Brought to you by Dubai Calendar and presented by All Things Live Middle East, this highly anticipated concert, the Macklemore Dubai Show, is part of Macklemore’s global tour. It showcases his biggest hits and…
The UAE is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, the WATERBOMB Festival, scheduled to take place on June 7-8, 2024, at Dubai Festival City. Originating in South Korea, this unique festival merges K-Pop, EDM, and an epic water fight into a thrilling multi-sensory experience. This guide explores everything you need to know about the festival, from the star-studded lineup to its historical significance, making it a must-attend event for residents and tourists alike. When the WATERBOMB Festival Touches Down, we’ll all be there. The Concept and Origin of WATERBOMB Festival The WATERBOMB Festival is…
Spanish hotel giant Palladium Hotel Group will make a significant mark in the Middle East. It will do so with its first venture in the UAE. The Ushuaïa Unexpected Hotel comes to the UAE with all the fanfare included in such a move. Known for its luxurious properties across the globe, the group is gearing up to introduce a new brand. This is The Unexpected Hotels and Residences. Their properties include iconic locations in Ibiza, Spain. Soon, they will open the Ushuaïa Unexpected Hotel in the UAE. Moreover, they have properties in Mexico, Italy, and Jamaica. This exciting development will…
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