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.

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…

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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. In barely 50 years, the UAE went from pearl diving to the Mars Hope Probe, from fishing villages to one of the world’s busiest airline hubs. How it happened is a story worth knowing. 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 finds trace human settlement here back to around 6,000 BCE. Early communities thrived…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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📍 AddressDubai Harbour, near Dubai Marina ⏰ HoursDaily 6pm – 3am (event-dependent) 💰 EntryFrom approx. AED 200 per person (varies by event) 🎂 Age21+ strictly enforced 👔 Dress CodeCasual — no flip-flops or sandals 🎟️ Ticketsdubai.clubtickets.com · platinumlist.net Ushuaïa is one of the most recognised nightlife brands in the world — its original Ibiza venue has been running outdoor DJ events since 2011 and helped define what a modern open-air club looks like. Dubai Harbour is its UAE landing point, and it has brought the same formula: world-class DJ bookings, festival-level production, an open-air setting, and views that no indoor…

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The Spinneys supermarket chain is more than a retail brand in the UAE — it is a household name woven into the daily lives of residents. For over a century, Spinneys has evolved from a single store in Alexandria into one of the Middle East’s most iconic retailers. With a reputation for quality, innovation, and community engagement, Spinneys has become synonymous with premium groceries, fresh produce, and a superior shopping experience. This is the story of how Spinneys grew from humble beginnings to become a leader in the UAE’s retail landscape. For a complete practical guide to life in the…

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The Best DJ Myth persists because taste, context, and culture shape what feels “best.” From radio’s pioneers to today’s festivals, DJing keeps evolving, and so do arguments about who the greatest is. Music history, technology, personal preference, and global culture all prove there is no such thing as a single “best DJ.” The Evolution of DJing DJing began in the early 20th century with radio presenters who played recorded music for mass audiences. These broadcasters were tastemakers, but even then debates about the Best DJ Myth began. Who had the best selections? Who connected with the crowd most? The arguments…

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The United Arab Emirates transforms after sunset into a dazzling playground of lights, music, and endless possibilities. Finding the 20 best nightclubs in the UAE requires navigating a landscape that seamlessly blends Arabian mystique with international glamour. From Dubai’s sky-high venues overlooking glittering cityscapes to Abu Dhabi’s waterfront sanctuaries, this definitive guide unveils the Emirates’ most electrifying nightlife destinations. Dubai leads this nocturnal revolution with venues that defy conventional clubbing concepts. Rooftop spaces suspend dancers above the desert skyline. Underground chambers pulse with electronic beats that echo through marble corridors. Abu Dhabi contributes its own sophisticated interpretation of nightlife culture,…

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