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.

A family of four, including two children, is exploring an underwater aquarium tunnel with an array of fish swimming above them, including a shark. The adults are smiling, wearing casual clothing, while the children are holding colorful toys.
GOING OUT

How to Survive the Summer in UAE: 20 Fun Things to Keep Cool

By

To survive the summer in UAE, mastering UAE summer survival requires more than just sunscreen and staying indoors. With temperatures often soaring past 45°C, life in the Emirates during the hotter months can be intense. But that doesn’t mean you have to hide in your AC all season. From icy escapes and immersive art experiences to thrilling indoor sports and luxurious chill zones, we’ve hand-picked 20 of the best ways to keep cool and have fun during the sweltering UAE summer. Summer in the UAE is brutal, no sugarcoating it — I’ve spent enough Julys and Augusts here to know…

Read More
An underwater scene viewed through a tall aquarium, showcasing divers and various fish amidst vivid blue tones and rock-like structures, with people observing from the entrance.
Family

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi: The Complete 2026 Guide (Tickets, Realms & Tips)

By

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is not just another theme park on Yas Island — it is the world’s largest indoor marine-life theme park, home to the record-breaking Endless Ocean aquarium and the only marine rescue and rehabilitation centre of its kind in the region. Whether you are planning a family day, a summer escape from the heat, or a genuinely educational outing, this is the complete 2026 guide: tickets, all eight realms, what not to miss, and how to get there.Related: explore our full Yas Island area guide for Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Etihad Arena and things to do. Quick Reference…

Read More
A group of five musicians posing against a vibrant orange background, wearing matching black jackets over light blue shirts, showcasing a mix of styles and expressions.
Concerts

Franz Ferdinand to Bring ‘The Human Fear’ World Tour to Dubai

By

Key Facts Headliner: Franz FerdinandVenue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, DubaiDate: 13 December 2025 — this event has already taken place 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…

Read More
A DJ, wearing sunglasses and a black t-shirt with a definition of 'technology' printed on it, raises a finger while performing at a festival. He stands behind a DJ booth with various equipment and colorful stage lighting in a smoky atmosphere.
GOING OUT

Carl Cox to Headline PACHA ICONS at FIVE LUXE Dubai This October

By

Key Facts Headliner: Carl CoxVenue: Pacha, Dubai, DubaiDate: 17 October 2025 — this event has already taken place 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…

Read More
A grand white mosque featuring a large central dome and four tall minarets, set against a clear blue sky.
GOING OUT

20 Things to Do in Fujairah This Year

By

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
Promotional image for "SOLARAE" by Terra Solis, featuring an artistic desert scene with a large spherical structure adorned with orange flowers. Text highlights details of a poolside event occurring every Sunday, with music by Smokingroove and friends, set in a desert location under a clear blue sky.
Beach & Pool Clubs

SOLARAE at Terra Solis is Making Sundays Cool Again

By

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
Three women sitting together in a cozy bar setting, each holding drinks; one woman wears a bright green outfit, another in a yellow dress, and the third in a pink dress, all smiling at the camera.
GOING OUT

Dubai Nightlife Guide 2026: Best Clubs, Bars & Where Locals Actually Go

By

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
A silver platter featuring an assortment of grilled meats including ribs and chicken, alongside grilled corn and a small bowl of sauce, set on a wooden table with a restaurant menu partially visible.
GOING OUT

Boneyard BBQ Brunch Dubai: The Ultimate Guide 2026 (Prices, Menu & Booking)

By

📍 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,…

Read More