Author: Monica Bonalto

I’ve lived in the UAE long enough to know that its skyline and desert get all the headlines — but if you follow the coastline, you discover an entirely different side to the Emirates. Our shores are as diverse as our cities: stretches of golden sand in Dubai, wild mountain-backed bays in Fujairah, and eco-protected havens in Abu Dhabi. I still remember my first proper beach day in the UAE — it was January, the weather was perfect, and I drove out to a quiet stretch in Fujairah thinking it would be empty. Ended up sharing the sand with a…

Sixty years ago, Dubai was a small pearling and trading town on the Creek. Today it’s one of the most recognisable cities on the planet — a skyline most people can identify from a thumbnail, a name that’s become shorthand for a particular kind of ambition. The journey spans desert winds and towering cranes, dhow sails and jet engines, pearl divers and tech entrepreneurs. Walking through modern Dubai feels surreal when you consider its humble origins. Fifty years ago, camels wandered where skyscrapers now pierce clouds. Traditional wind towers cooled homes where air-conditioned towers now house millions. The contrast captures…

Dubai transforms each morning into a culinary adventure that mirrors the city’s extraordinary diversity. The best breakfast in Dubai spans from humble street-side eateries in Old Dubai to sky-high dining rooms overlooking the Arabian Gulf. This comprehensive exploration reveals 23 exceptional venues that define morning dining excellence across the Emirates’ most dynamic metropolis. I’ve chased breakfast all over Dubai for years — early mornings in Deira when the streets are still quiet, rushed hotel buffets before a meeting, lazy brunches with friends on a Friday when the whole city seems to slow down. Some days I crave the crispy paratha…

Dubai’s restaurant and bar scene keeps moving fast, and 2026 has brought a fresh wave of openings worth knowing about — from Michelin-pedigree chef debuts to beach clubs, steakhouses and hidden speakeasies. Some of these landed in late 2025 and are still very much the ones to book; others are true 2026 arrivals. Either way, this is Dubai’s hospitality scene doing what it does best: importing global concepts and giving them a distinctly Dubai-sized upgrade. A quick note before you dive in: this list is updated to reflect current status, including a couple of high-profile venues that have since had…

The UAE has become one of the most reliable stops on the global touring circuit, and 2026 is a bumper year. Between Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena and Etihad Park on Yas Island, the calendar runs from intimate singer-songwriter nights to stadium-scale spectacles. Here are the shows worth planning around — and where to book them. Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Downtown Dubai’s 17,000-seat arena keeps the hits coming in 2026. Air Supply bring their 50th Anniversary Celebration Tour and its timeless ballads (“All Out of Love”, “Making Love Out of Nothing At All”); Josh Groban arrives with his…

Moving to UAE first time transforms your life completely. This comprehensive guide addresses every concern, challenge, and opportunity awaiting new UAE residents. From visa requirements to cultural nuances, we explore the practical realities of relocating to this extraordinary nation. The United Arab Emirates attracts millions seeking career advancement, lifestyle enhancement, or educational opportunities. Yet moving to UAE first time requires careful preparation and cultural understanding. This guide provides insider knowledge gained from countless expatriate experiences across all seven emirates. The Seven Emirates Unveiled Each emirate offers distinct characteristics that shape your UAE experience. Abu Dhabi commands respect as the capital,…

Get ready for an evening of mesmerizing music and captivating performances. Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena will host a spectacular concert on June 21, 2024. It features two of the Arab world’s most beloved music icons, Hussain Al Jassmi & Sherine Abdel Wahab live. This event promises to be a highlight in the cultural calendar of the UAE. It offers an unforgettable experience for fans of Middle Eastern music. Fans interested in witnessing Hussain Al Jassmi & Sherine Abdel Wahab perform live will find it especially exciting. Hussain Al Jassmi, affectionately known as “Al Jabal” (The Mountain), is a celebrated Emirati singer.…

PARTNER CONTENT Continue Reading Sundowners @ SOLAIRÈ, SOBE Every Sunday

For years, “O Beach is coming to Dubai” was one of the city’s most-repeated nightlife rumours. That wait is over. Ibiza’s most famous day club — the one with the orange cups, the aerial performers and the pool parties that run from noon to night — is open and firing on the Dubai Marina waterfront. Here is the up-to-date 2026 guide: which days it actually parties, what a pool pass costs, and exactly how to get there. It has also picked up Time Out Dubai’s Best Beach Club award since opening — a genuine local accolade, not just marketing spin.…

The Soho Garden Festival is in full force with the keinemusik family Continue Reading Rampa & Adam Port at Expo City