Author: Monica Bonalto

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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.

Visitors walking outside a building marked 'Downtown Design' with stacks of red and pink spherical sculptures arranged in clusters around the area.
Events & Entertainment

Downtown Design Dubai 2026: Dates, Highlights & How to Visit

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If you care even slightly about furniture, objects, or the business of good taste, Downtown Design is the one week of the Dubai calendar to block out. It is the Middle East’s leading design fair and the anchor of Dubai Design Week — the moment the global design industry comes to the city, and the best chance a resident has to see hundreds of brands and independent studios under one roof. Here is what is happening in 2026, and exactly how to make the most of it. Quick Visitor Reference DetailInformation Dates (2026)4–8 November 2026 VenueDubai Design District (d3), off…

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Events & Entertainment

Sole DXB 2026: Dates, Line-Up & Guide to Dubai’s Street Culture Festival

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Sole DXB is the closest thing the region has to a cultural pilgrimage — three days where sneakers, music, street style, basketball and art collide at Dubai Design District. It is where the community that lives online all year finally shows up in person. Here is your guide to Sole DXB 2026: dates, line-up, what actually happens, and how to do it right. Quick Reference DetailInformation Dates (2026)Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December 2026 (13th edition) VenueDubai Design District (d3) Getting thereNo metro at d3 — Red Line to Business Bay then a short taxi, or ~AED 25–35 by cab…

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Concerts

Eric Prydz Brings HOLO to Dubai for the First Time

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What better way to sign off the 44th edition of GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and startup show, than with a sensational live performance by Swedish DJ Eric Prydz? On 18 October, Dubai will witness Prydz’s ground-breaking show HOLO at Expo City Arena, Expo City Dubai. He is known for merging technology with music. This debut promises an unforgettable experience. It is a must-see for electronic music fans. It is also great for tech enthusiasts alike. Eric Prydz Brings HOLO to Dubai and we want in. A Fusion of Music and Technology: The HOLO Experience Eric Prydz is not…

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A vibrant nighttime scene at Global Village, featuring large illuminated letters spelling '#Globalvillage' in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery. In the background, a bustling fairground with brightly lit buildings is visible, including a sign for 'Mission Speed Stunt Show.' Fireworks explode in the night sky, adding a festive ambiance.
GOING OUT

Global Village Dubai: Complete Guide (Season 30 Recap + Season 31 Preview)

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Global Village Dubai: Everything You Need to Know Global Village Dubai is the world’s largest tourism, leisure, entertainment and shopping destination — a sprawling open-air cultural extravaganza that runs every year from October to May. Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the park hosts over 90 countries across massive pavilions, each showcasing food, souvenirs, performances, and culture from around the globe. With more than 90 million visitors since its launch in 1997, Global Village is one of Dubai’s most iconic annual events and a must-visit for residents and tourists alike. Global Village Season 30 Recap (2025–2026) & When Season…

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Concerts

Wiz Khalifa Back in Dubai This November

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Wiz Khalifa, the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated rapper and producer, will make a massive return to Dubai this November. Fans in the UAE are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most exciting concerts of the year. Wiz Khalifa will perform live at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This event will bring his electrifying stage presence and chart-topping hits like Black and Yellow and See You Again to the heart of Dubai’s entertainment scene. This marks a major comeback for the superstar in the region. Pre-pandemic, Wiz Khalifa was no stranger to Dubai’s clubbing circuit. He…

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A DJ wearing a distinctive theatrical mask and a black T-shirt is performing in a large, glass-domed venue. A crowd of people is gathered around him, enjoying the music. The room is dominated by an enormous spherical object resembling a moon as a backdrop.
GOING OUT

Soho Garden Dubai: Venue Guide, Clubs, Location & Tickets

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Soho Garden is not a club so much as a small nightlife city. Set out at Meydan, away from the Downtown crush, it packs several distinct venues into one sprawling complex — which is exactly why it can host a marathon open-air rave and an intimate late-night room on the same night. Here is the guide to Soho Garden Dubai: the venues inside, where it is, when it opens, and how to get there. Quick Reference DetailInformation LocationMeydan — Grand Stand, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba 1, beside the Meydan Hotel and Racecourse Getting thereNo nearby metro — taxi…

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GOING OUT

Ushuaia Dubai Opening with Calvin Harris

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The highly anticipated Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience will redefine the nightlife scene in the UAE. Its grand opening is scheduled for October 26, 2024. Leading the charge is none other than Calvin Harris, the globally acclaimed DJ and producer known for his chart-topping hits and electrifying performances. This event marks the first of many extraordinary nights planned at Dubai Harbour. Ushuaïa Dubai promises to bring the iconic Ibiza vibe to the heart of Dubai. The Ushuaia Dubai Opening with Calvin Harris is a big thing. Calvin Harris: The Headliner Calvin Harris needs little introduction. With a career that boasts multiple…

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A person with silver hair wearing a black leather jacket stands in front of a colorful, illuminated fantasy-themed backdrop featuring castles and towers, with fireworks lighting up the sky.
GOING OUT

From Tomorrowland to Barasti with DJ Liu

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As the outdoor party season kicks off, Barasti Beach Bar is set to host one of the biggest names in electronic dance music. Fresh off the stage from TomorrowLand Belgium 2024, DJ Liu will bring his electrifying set to Dubai on Saturday, 26 October. Barasti is going to be special with the presence of DJ Liu. Therefore, it creates an event not to be missed. About DJ Liu DJ Liu, a Brazilian sensation, has been making waves in the EDM scene for nearly a decade. Best known for his chart-topping hits “All I Want” and “Close to Me,” a collaboration…

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A large crowd at a nighttime outdoor concert, with many people holding up glowing smartphones. A gigantic, illuminated robot figure towers over the crowd, with palm trees visible on either side of the scene.
Concerts

Afterlife Abu Dhabi: Tale Of Us, Yas Island & What to Expect

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When Afterlife landed in Abu Dhabi, it did more than add another date to the UAE’s crowded events calendar — it brought one of electronic music’s most cinematic productions to the region for the first time. If you have heard the name and want to know what Afterlife Abu Dhabi actually is, who has played it, where it happens and how to get there, this is the complete guide. What Is Afterlife? Afterlife is the event brand founded by Italian duo Tale Of Us. It is globally known for fusing melodic techno with immersive stagecraft — towering visuals, sculptural LED,…

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A performer in a vibrant, patterned yellow and black outfit sings energetically on stage, with a drummer and bassist in the background under blue stage lighting.
Concerts

Kasabian Set to Rock Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena

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Key Facts Headliner: KasabianVenue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, DubaiDate: 13 October 2024 — this event has already taken place The legendary British band Kasabian is gearing up for their highly anticipated Kasabian Dubai Concert. They will deliver a high-energy performance at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on 13th October 2024. Known for their electrifying stage presence and chart-topping hits, the Kasabian Dubai Concert promises a night of unforgettable music. This is a night that fans won’t want to miss. A Night of Iconic Anthems With a string of successful albums and iconic tracks like “Fire,” “Club Foot,” and “L.S.F.,” Kasabian…

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