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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. 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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GOING OUT

Marco Carola and Music On Dubai: Pacha Icons Tech-House Extravaganza

Key Facts Headliner: Marco Carola Venue: Pacha, Dubai, Dubai Date: 13 February 2026 — this event has already taken place Dubai, prepare for an unparalleled night of pulsating beats and electrifying energy as the global phenomenon arrives at the city’s newest luxury hotspot, Pacha Icons Dubai. Led by the undisputed maestro of tech-house, Marco Carola…

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Living in the UAE

Dubai New Year’s Eve: Your RTA-Backed Guide to Road Closures & Extended Metro Hours

Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are legendary, drawing millions with their spectacular fireworks, vibrant events, and unmatched energy. However, navigating the city’s bustling streets and crowded public transport on 31 December can often feel like a challenge, threatening to overshadow the festive spirit. The excitement of celebrating against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa is…

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Family

Global Village Dubai: Tickets, Hours, Attractions & Unforgettable Experiences

Welcome to Global Village Dubai, where the world comes alive! As Dubai’s premier multicultural family destination, Global Village brings together the best of culture, entertainment, shopping, and dining from across the globe in one spectacular location. Planning a visit to such a vast and vibrant attraction can seem daunting, with questions about tickets, opening hours,…

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A group of people at a music event with one person in a white shirt and red cap using headphones at a DJ booth, surrounded by a crowd holding smartphones. Above them is a large, abstract cloud-like decoration.
GOING OUT

Keinemusik’s Historic Desert Debut: Pacha ICONS Dubai 2026

Dubai’s vibrant nightlife is perpetually gearing up for its next monumental event, but nothing quite on the scale of what’s on the horizon. The desert sands are set to transform into an unparalleled auditory and visual spectacle as Keinemusik prepares for its historic full trio debut at Pacha ICONS Dubai. For an event of this…

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Family

Dubai’s Best Christmas Markets & Winter Festivals 2026: Your Complete Guide

As the cooler breezes sweep across the desert city, Dubai transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, a lively tapestry woven with festive lights, joyous carols, and the enchanting aroma of gingerbread. But with so many spectacular events vying for your attention, how do you find the best experiences and plan your holiday outings without the…

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Events & Entertainment

Alserkal Avenue: Dubai’s Creative Heart & Its Transformative Design Miami Partnership

Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition and audacious innovation, is rapidly evolving beyond its iconic skyline to become a global cultural powerhouse. At the pulsating heart of this transformation lies Alserkal Avenue, an industrial quarter reimagined as a vibrant cultural district. For residents and visitors alike, understanding Alserkal’s dynamic present – its sprawling galleries, experimental…

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GOING OUT

Marco Carola’s Got The Music On in Dubai

The desert city is pulsating, the anticipation is palpable, and a titan of techno is making his grand return. For aficionados of deep, hypnotic grooves, the name Marco Carola isn’t just a DJ, it’s a phenomenon. His “Music On” events are legendary, crafting immersive sonic journeys that captivate dancefloors worldwide. As Dubai solidifies its status…

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Two DJs featured in front of a vibrant nightclub scene with the word "Hedonism" in large white letters above, and a crowd dancing under colorful lights in the background.
GOING OUT

Verde Beach Dubai: Afrojack, Diplo & Hedonïsm

Verde Beach Dubai made its name with big bookings. Afrojack and Diplo have both played sets there as part of the club’s Hedonism party series [VERIFY: exact dates and frequency of the Afrojack/Diplo Hedonism events], and for a while that was the whole pitch: a beach club you visited because of who was on the…

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Concerts

Alicia Keys at Saadiyat Nights NYE: The Ultimate Guide

Get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve as global music icon Alicia Keys returns to Abu Dhabi for a spectacular headline performance at Saadiyat Nights. As the clock ticks down to 2026, the capital is buzzing with plans, but finding clear, consolidated information about the biggest events can be a frustrating search through scattered…

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