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, a city synonymous with innovation and unparalleled experiences, continually redefines entertainment. Beyond its dazzling skyscrapers and luxurious malls, there’s a dynamic scene of indoor activities thriving year-round. Among these, bowling has transcended its traditional image, evolving into a sophisticated and immersive entertainment phenomenon. Visiting a Dubai bowling center is a fantastic way to experience this trend, with diverse, high-quality, and engaging indoor activities that cater to all ages and preferences sometimes being a challenge in a city so rich with options. This guide cuts through the noise, offering Your Definitive Guide to Dubai’s Premier Bowling & Entertainment Hubs: Experience…

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A rooftop pool with a woman sitting in a stylish cabana, overlooking a city skyline dominated by the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai, a city a byword for ambition and unmatched luxury, beckons discerning travellers from across the globe. Amidst its glittering skyline and lively cultural tapestry, the Address Hotel Dubai Mall stands as a beacon of five-star hospitality, directly connected to one of the world’s most iconic shopping and entertainment destinations. Yet, with so many options and details to consider, securing the perfect luxury stay can feel like a complex endeavour. This isn’t just another hotel review. This is your definitive pre-booking guide, carefully crafted to provide unbiased insights, insider tips, and everything you absolutely must know for a flawless, informed…

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A stylish, dimly-lit bar interior with lush greenery, an arched wooden ceiling, and shelves of bottles behind the counter.

SushiSamba sits on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower, and the pitch is right there in the address: Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian food and a 360-degree view over Palm Jumeirah, the Gulf and the skyline. This guide covers booking, the menu, prices, the room and the view. Mastering Your Visit: Reservations, Location, and Essential Tips for Sushisamba Dubai How to Secure a Table: The Sushisamba Dubai Reservations Guide Book ahead. It is reservation-only, and the good slots — weekend evenings especially — go fast. For a weekend evening or an occasion, give it two to four weeks. Booking is through the official…

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Dubai, a city known for high-end places to spend time. Yet, among them, Nammos Dubai stands out as a unique beacon, perfectly encapsulating the city’s lavish spirit while injecting an infectious dose of lively, uninhibited fun. It’s not just a venue; it’s a lifestyle, a sun-drenched sanctuary where the elite unwind, celebrate, and indulge in an atmosphere of Mediterranean chic and boundless energy. Are you planning a visit and seeking to understand the full Nammos experience? Curious about the menu, eager to decipher the dress code, or wondering how to secure your coveted reservation? This definitive guide will navigate you…

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A luxurious hotel entrance with palm trees and warm lighting at dusk.

✅ Updated June 2026 Opening hours: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is open daily 10am–11pm (shops); restaurants and bars vary, most open noon or 6pm for dinner service. Entry: Free — no ticket required to browse the souk or walk the waterways. Insider tip: The abra (water taxi) connecting the souk to the hotels is free for guests and a short walk from the main entrance. Evening visits are best — the lights reflecting off the canals after sunset are genuinely beautiful. Nestled along a shimmering network of waterways, with the iconic Burj Al Arab majestically framing the horizon, Souk Madinat Jumeirah…

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East End Dubs is one of deep house’s most precise architects — a London producer whose April 2026 Bohemia Dubai show delivered exactly what his Fabric and Watergate reputation promises. Full artist guide, key tracks, and what his UAE visit tells us about the city’s evolving electronic music scene. Continue Reading East End Dubs in Dubai: Deep House Artist Guide, Bohemia Show & UAE Circuit

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