Author: Monica Bonalto

Monica Bonalto's avatar

Monica Bonalto is our go-to voice for nightlife, dining, and everything fabulous after dark. Born in Monaco and now based in the UAE, she brings European flair and insider access to the city’s most talked-about events. With a background as a features writer for major magazines across Europe, Monica has a knack for spotting the scene before it trends — from Broadway-calibre shows to secret supper clubs.

Grease The Musical is making waves at Dubai Opera as the iconic production hits the UAE stage for the very first time. This reimagined version delivers the electrifying spirit of the original Broadway hit. It brings an all-new energy that has captivated audiences for decades. A Timeless Tale, Reborn The heart of Grease lies in the sweet, nostalgic love story between Sandy and Danny. Their journey of youthful romance, high school drama, and unforgettable summer memories is spectacularly brought to life on the Dubai Opera stage. The dazzling revival brings new life to characters audiences have cherished since the musical’s…

Read More

Coca-Cola Arena: A World-Class Entertainment Marvel is not just a venue; it is a landmark of modern performance architecture in the heart of Dubai. Nestled in the ultra-modern City Walk district, this 17,000-seat indoor arena has changed live entertainment in the UAE. From rock concerts and stand-up comedy to elite sports events and family shows, the Coca-Cola Arena has become the beating heart of Dubai’s event scene. An Architectural Marvel in City Walk Located in one of Dubai’s most vibrant urban hubs, Coca-Cola Arena commands attention with its sleek, contemporary facade. What truly sets it apart is its fully integrated…

Read More

Taco Bell Dubai: Why It Never Worked is a story of hype, hope, and an unceremonious goodbye. The American Tex-Mex chain launched in the UAE in 2008 with its flagship store in Dubai Mall, a location that seemed destined to make it a hit. But just four years later, it vanished entirely from the city’s fast-food landscape. The question is, why? A Big Arrival in the City of Gold Dubai Mall was a strategic starting point. A megamall that epitomised everything bold and international about Dubai, it drew tourists and residents alike. Taco Bell’s arrival generated immediate buzz, with curious…

Read More

Every year, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix isn’t just the final race on the F1 calendar — it’s the biggest music and entertainment celebration in the region. With the track action at Yas Marina Circuit already promising drama, it’s the F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up that delivers a cultural crescendo each night. The concerts bring some of the world’s biggest artists to Etihad Park for four back-to-back nights of live music. The F1 Abu Dhabi concerts are truly a spectacle to witness. Updated: 29 June 2025 – New artists added to the rumoured line-up. In…

Read More

Dave Chappelle Live in Abu Dhabi is an event not to be missed, as one of the most influential and fearless voices in comedy, Dave Chappelle, is returning to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for one unmissable night on Friday, 27 June 2025. This isn’t just a performance—it’s a cultural moment, one that marks the crown jewel of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week 2025 season. Following the historic success of his 2024 sold-out show—which brought over 14,000 fans to the arena, making it the largest comedy audience ever assembled in the Middle East—Chappelle’s 2025 return is expected to be even…

Read More

In the dimly lit heart of East London in 2010, a cultural moment quietly unfolded in the corner of a dilapidated boiler room. A webcam, hastily taped to a wall, streamed a live DJ set onto the early internet. No stage, no crowd barriers, no press. Just raw music, sweat, and energy pulsing through underground London. That evening wasn’t merely a one-off event; it was the genesis of what would become one of the most transformative platforms in modern music history: Boiler Room. This now-global phenomenon has since reinvented the way audiences experience club culture, while democratising access to the…

Read More

Why Tomorrowland Is Still the World’s Best Music Festival becomes crystal clear the moment you step into its fairytale realm. This Belgian phenomenon transcends ordinary festival experiences through groundbreaking production, unrivalled lineups, and magical atmospheres. While competitors chase trends, Tomorrowland sets standards that others desperately attempt to replicate. Electronic dance music festivals proliferate globally, yet none capture hearts quite like this extraordinary event. From intimate beginnings to worldwide cultural phenomenon, Why Tomorrowland Is Still the World’s Best Music Festival lies in its commitment to wonder, innovation, and authentic human connection. Every element combines to create experiences that linger in memories…

Read More

To survive the summer in UAE, mastering UAE summer survival requires more than just sunscreen and staying indoors. With temperatures often soaring past 45°C, life in the Emirates during the hotter months can be intense. But that doesn’t mean you have to hide in your AC all season. From icy escapes and immersive art experiences to thrilling indoor sports and luxurious chill zones, we’ve curated 20 of the best ways to keep cool and have fun during the sweltering UAE summer. Whether you’re a Dubai resident, Abu Dhabi weekender or just visiting the region, this guide is packed with ways…

Read More

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents a paradigm shift in marine theme park experiences. This indoor wonderland on Yas Island delivers conservation education through world-class entertainment. Since opening in May 2023, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has redefined what marine parks can achieve in the Middle East. Walking through those entrance doors triggers sensory overload in the best possible way. The temperature drops immediately from desert heat to oceanic coolness. Carefully crafted lighting mimics underwater environments. Even the air carries subtle marine scents that transport you beneath the waves. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi distinguishes itself from global competitors through complete climate control and culturally sensitive…

Read More

The UAE is about to welcome one of the UK’s most influential indie rock bands of the 21st century—Franz Ferdinand—as they bring their 2025 world tour, The Human Fear, to Dubai. This highly anticipated Franz Ferdinand Dubai concert marks the spectacular conclusion of their global circuit. Here, the Scottish five-piece will headline Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday, 13 December 2025. This special performance is set to be a monumental night of music. The setlist promises fresh material alongside classic anthems that defined a generation. From Glasgow to Global: Franz Ferdinand’s Rise Formed in Glasgow in 2002, Franz Ferdinand carved out their…

Read More