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.

Crowded nightclub with confetti, smoke, and people cheering under colorful stage lights
GOING OUT

Abu Dhabi Nightlife 2026: Best Clubs, Bars & Nights Out in the Capital

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Abu Dhabi’s nightlife scene is genuinely good — and consistently underestimated by people who assume all the fun happens in Dubai. If you are looking ahead to Abu Dhabi Nightlife 2026, you’ll find the capital has a distinct character to its nights out: a bit more relaxed than Dubai’s VIP-table intensity, with some genuinely world-class venues (WHITE Abu Dhabi remains one of the best clubs in the entire MENA region), and a strong mix of Yas Island energy, Saadiyat Island sophistication, and local favourite bars that have been running for years. If you’re based in Dubai, the drive to Yas…

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What’s On This Weekend in Dubai — 30–31 May 2026

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The Eid Al Adha long weekend is here and Dubai is putting in the work. Whether you’re after a beach club party, a late-night techno set, or a family day out before Global Village closes for summer — this weekend has something worth leaving the house for. We update this page every week with the best events across Dubai. Bookmark it, check it Thursday or Friday morning, and plan accordingly. 🔥 ARTBAT at Be Beach Dubai 📅 Saturday 30 May | 🎟 From AED 300 ARTBAT are one of the biggest names on the global electronic circuit right now —…

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GOING OUT

Things to Do in Dubai This Weekend

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Updated: 20 May 2026 — covering the weekend of Friday 22 to Sunday 25 May 2026 In this guide, you’ll find the best Things to Do in Dubai this weekend and beyond. This page is updated every week with what’s actually happening in Dubai. Not a recycled list of tourist attractions — real events, current deals, and things worth leaving the house for. Dubai doesn’t slow down in May. The weather is warming up, which means rooftops and indoor venues are hitting their stride, outdoor festivals are in their final weeks before summer shuts them down, and a few seriously…

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