PARTNER CONTENT Continue Reading Sundowners @ SOLAIRÈ, SOBE Every Sunday
Author: Monica Bonalto
Monica Bonalto
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.
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The rumour mill ran on this one for the best part of two years. Then, in October 2024, O Beach finally opened its doors at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai Marina. It’s the same brand behind Ibiza’s orange-cup pool parties, the sort of thing every Brit on a girls’ trip has been posting about since 2013. It’s now well into its second full season here, and it has settled into exactly what everyone hoped: a daytime party that treats a swimming pool as a stage rather than somewhere to quietly float. If you’ve already done Nikki Beach and ticked…
The Soho Garden Festival is in full force with the keinemusik family Continue Reading Rampa & Adam Port at Expo City
Key Facts Headliner: Kadim Al SahirVenue: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, DubaiDate: 23 May 2024 — this event has already taken place Experience the magic of Kadim Al Sahir Live on 23 May 2024 at Dubai’s Coca‑Cola Arena for an unforgettable evening of rich Arabic melodies, romance and nostalgia. Elevating Arabic Music: Kadim Al Sahir Returns to Dubai Dubai welcomes back a living icon of Arabic music on 23 May 2024 when Kadim Al Sahir takes the stage at the Coca‑Cola Arena. Known as the “Caesar” of Arabic song, his performance promises an enchanting journey through decades of love, passion and poetic expression. This concert brings to life not…
PARTNER CONTENT Continue Reading The Gruffalo’s Child – New Play for Kids
Earthsoul brings French Montana in to wow the city Continue Reading French Montana Live at Coca-Cola Arena
Dubai continues to cement its status as a premier global destination, witnessing an unprecedented surge in visitor numbers in the early months of 2024. 5 Million visitors so far in Dubai in 2024 is quite a jump. The city welcomed nearly 5.2 million overnight visitors from January through March, marking an 11 percent increase from the same period in 2023. Indeed, the fact that there have been 5 million visitors so far in Dubai in 2024 reflects its popularity and growing appeal. This growth underscores Dubai’s enduring appeal and its successful strategies in attracting international tourists. The positive trend was…
This season, Dubai’s premier nightlife destination, HIVE at Soho Garden Meydan, is set to host the internationally acclaimed DJ Jamie Jones. For those following Jamie Jones in Dubai, this event is not to be missed. Known for his distinctive sound that perfectly blends elements of techno and deep house, Jamie Jones has carved a niche for himself on the global electronic music scene. His upcoming performance in Dubai marks another high-caliber event. It adds to the city’s reputation as a hotspot for world-class music experiences. Jamie Jones in Dubai enhances its status even further. The event promises not only to…
For a few weeks each year, eating out in Dubai gets both better and cheaper — that is the Dubai Food Festival. It turns the city’s restaurant scene into one giant, discounted tasting menu, from AED 125 set lunches at big-name restaurants to free beachside food villages. Here is how the festival works, what is on, and how to make the most of it. Quick Reference DetailInformation WhenAnnually in the spring (the 2026 edition’s Dubai Restaurant Week ran 1–17 May 2026) Flagship eventDubai Restaurant Week — 125+ restaurants, set menus at AED 125 (2-course lunch) / AED 250 (3-course dinner)…
The sharp-witted comedian is back to make us laugh at the Coca-Cola Arena this year Continue Reading Romesh Ranganathan in Dubai: How His 2024 Coca-Cola Arena Show Went