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 .
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…
Read Story
Planning the full F1 weekend? Our Abu Dhabi guide covers nightlife, after-parties, restaurants and accommodation across Yas Island and the city.
Read Story
Cassian at Terra Solis is shaping up to be one of December’s standout events in Dubai. The combination of Tomorrowland’s signature atmosphere and the desert’s natural openness feels like the perfect stage for a producer who thrives on emotional depth and melodic precision. On 6 December, the Amare Stage becomes the backdrop for a night…
Read Story
The queen of contemporary techno is returning to conquer Dubai. Amelie Lens has officially announced her monumental comeback, and the city’s electronic music scene is already buzzing with anticipation. But with a major event like this, scattered information, unconfirmed details, and endless social media noise can make it hard to get the facts straight. Are…
Read Story
Dubai’s glittering entertainment scene is set to welcome a global music icon this December. As the city buzzes with energy, seven-time GRAMMY® winner and creative force will.i.am is preparing to take the stage for an exclusive, one-night-only performance. But finding clear, consolidated information—from accurate showtimes to reliable ticket links and details about the stunning venue—can…
Read Story
Dubai’s nightlife is legendary, a dazzling landscape of rooftop lounges, superclubs, and world-class DJs. But for the discerning music lover, the search is always on for something more—an experience that transcends the ordinary, a night that resonates long after the last beat fades. What if you could witness the raw, emotional power of a symphony…
Read Story
As the clock ticks down to a new year, the search for the perfect, most exclusive New Year’s Eve party in Dubai begins. In a city brimming with spectacular options, the challenge isn’t finding a party—it’s finding the party. A truly unique, A-list experience that transcends the ordinary and defines the start of a new…
Read Story
This isn’t just another auction; it’s a statement. The decision to launch the first-ever Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi is a powerful acknowledgment of the region’s burgeoning influence. Charles F. Stewart, Sotheby’s CEO, noted that the UAE is rapidly establishing itself as a “global centre for art, luxury and culture,” making Abu Dhabi the…
Read Story
Yas Island is home to far more than the circuit. Our Abu Dhabi guide covers everything happening across Yas Island, Saadiyat and the city.
Read Story
As the final moments of the year tick away, the magic of New Year’s Eve in Dubai becomes palpable, especially along the iconic shores of Palm Jumeirah. But with a dazzling array of parties and events, the pressure to choose the perfect celebration can be overwhelming. Sifting through endless event pages, deciphering vague package details,…
Read Story
Saadiyat Nights has quickly become Abu Dhabi’s marquee winter concert series — an open-air run of shows under the stars on Saadiyat Island, where the line-up reads like a festival headliner list stretched across three months. Here is how it works, who has played the most recent season, the venue, and how to get tickets…
Read Story
Get ready, Dubai. The raw energy and iconic anthems of global hip-hop superstar Meek Mill in Dubai is set to ignite the city’s nightlife scene once again. He’s taking over the stage at the legendary BLU Dubai for a one-night-only performance that promises to be the talk of the town. But in a city of…
Read Story