Author: Monica Bonalto

If you’re looking to party in the UAE’s most exclusive venues, securing a VIP table or booth is the only way to guarantee a premium clubbing experience. Whether it’s Dubai’s high-end superclubs or Abu Dhabi’s elite nightlife spots, booking the best tables requires strategy, timing, and insider knowledge. Here’s everything you need to know to secure the most sought-after VIP spots. I’ve learned the hard way that getting a good table in Dubai isn’t just about money — it’s about timing, who you know, and sometimes just pure luck. I once called a club on a Tuesday afternoon for a…

Key Facts Headliner: StingVenue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu DhabiDate: 3 May 2025 — this event has already taken place Music lovers in Abu Dhabi, get ready! The legendary 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting is set to bring his electrifying STING 3.0 World Tour to Etihad Arena. This will be for one exclusive night on 3 May 2025. This once-in-a-lifetime event promises an unforgettable evening of nostalgia. The music icon will deliver a dynamic blend of his greatest hits, timeless classics, and rare gems. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new listener, this is an extraordinary opportunity. You can…

Key Facts Headliner: Break The BlockVenue: Expo City, Expo City, DubaiDate: 1 February 2025 — this event has already taken place If you’re looking for a night filled with electrifying music, mouth-watering food, and an incredible sense of community, look no further than Break The Block. It is happening on 1 February 2025 at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai. This vibrant event promises to bring together people from all walks of life for a celebration of freedom, individuality, and authenticity. With an eclectic line-up of internationally acclaimed artists, it focuses on community and creativity. Break The Block is shaping…

Mark your calendars, art enthusiasts! The much-anticipated Art Dubai 2025 is set to take place from 18th to 20th April at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah. This prestigious art fair is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about contemporary and modern art, showcasing a dazzling array of talent from around the world. Art Dubai 2025 A World-Class Showcase Art Dubai is renowned for bringing together artists, galleries, and collectors from across the globe. The 17th edition in 2024 featured over 400 artists from 40 countries, and the upcoming event promises to be even more spectacular. With dedicated sections such as Contemporary,…

In an electrifying announcement, dance music legend Norman Cook, famously known as Fatboy Slim, is set to light up Dubai once again. Scheduled for Saturday, 25th January 2025, this marks the iconic artist’s first performance in the city in three years. For fans of big beat and electronic dance music, this is an event that simply cannot be missed. Fatboy Slim Returns to Dubai and we will be there. A City of Musical Legends Dubai has established itself as a global hub for premier music events, regularly hosting the world’s biggest names in dance music. However, few acts truly stand…

In Dubai, the best sneaker stores stopped being just shops a while ago. The ones worth travelling for are part boutique, part gallery, part clubhouse — places where the drop is only half the reason to show up. If you want the shoes and the culture around them, these are the stores to know in 2026, where they are, and what makes each one more than a wall of boxes. Dubai’s Sneaker Stores That Double as Cultural Hubs StoreLocationWhy it is a hub Amongst FewPalm Strip, Jumeirah Beach RoadHomegrown streetwear label and sneaker retailer with an in-store café, barbershop and…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly embracing non-fungible tokens (NFTs), a groundbreaking technology that is revolutionising the art and fashion industries. These digital assets are not only redefining ownership but also transforming creative expression in ways never seen before. For a country that thrives on innovation and positions itself as a global hub for culture and technology, NFTs are a natural fit. They reflect the UAE’s vision for the future while opening up new avenues for artists, designers, and collectors alike. NFTs and the UAE Art Scene is something to pay close attention to. I got pulled into the…

The UAE is at the forefront of embracing innovation. The rise of pop-up culture is a testament to this dynamic energy. Temporary shops, galleries, and cafés are redefining the cultural landscape. They offer exciting and unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. From bustling pop-up markets to serene desert cafés, these short-lived spaces have become a vibrant part of the UAE’s cultural tapestry. They embody the essence of Pop-Up Culture. Pop-ups in Dubai used to feel like a novelty, but now they’re basically part of how the city breathes. I’ve queued for a limited-edition sneaker drop at one, ended up…

Beyond the UAE’s renowned landmarks and luxury attractions lies a rich mix of hidden gems offering unique entertainment experiences. For those eager to venture off the beaten path, the following venues provide immersive adventures that delve deep into the nation’s innovative spirit and ultimately, the UAE’s best kept secrets. Some of these secrets I only discovered because I took a random exit off the highway or followed a friend who swore “you have to see this place”. One afternoon I ended up at a tiny fishing village in Umm Al Quwain — no tourists, just old boats bobbing in the…

From house beats rolling over the surf to hip-hop shaking stadiums, the United Arab Emirates has transformed into a world-class music festival hub. Over the last decade, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have leveraged cutting-edge infrastructure, government-backed cultural initiatives, and a community representing over 200 nationalities to create a festival season that rivals Europe’s summer circuit. The UAE’s rise is no accident—this is a nation that has turned its deserts and futuristic skylines into a global cultural stage. Here’s a comprehensive, data-driven guide to why the UAE is dominating the music festival scene, with insider planning tips and event-by-event detail. Why…