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 .
Martín Berasategui does not need Dubai. The man already has more Michelin stars to his name than most chefs have restaurants, and his flagship in the Basque hills has held three stars since 2001 without interruption. So when his group opened Jara on the 18th floor of The Lana, Dorchester Collection, in Business Bay, the…
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Dubai’s glittering skyline has a new crown jewel. The much-anticipated Ciel Dubai Marina is now open — it welcomed its first guests on 17 November 2025 — officially securing its title as the tallest hotel in the world and setting a new global benchmark for architectural innovation and luxury hospitality. As news and details emerge,…
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The F1 weekend is just one slice of what Abu Dhabi offers. See our full Abu Dhabi events and nightlife guide for year-round options.
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The sound is unmistakable: the fiery strum of acoustic guitars, the soulful, raspy vocals, and rhythms that transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Andalusia. For decades, the Gipsy Kings have been the world’s ambassadors of rumba flamenca. But what happens when that raw, passionate energy is fused with the sweeping grandeur of a full…
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Yas Island keeps growing. Our Abu Dhabi guide covers all the entertainment, nightlife and events across the island and the wider capital. Related: explore our full Yas Island area guide for Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Etihad Arena and things to do.
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Dubai’s food media loves to talk about Abu Dhabi like it’s a day trip with good hummus. It isn’t. The capital now has three Michelin-starred restaurants of its own, a Bib Gourmand list that keeps growing, and a stretch of Al Maryah Island where you can eat Peruvian, Japanese and French-Mediterranean within a five-minute walk…
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Get ready for an evening of relentless punchlines and razor-sharp wit, because one of comedy’s most celebrated and controversial minds is returning to the UAE. Jimmy Carr is bringing his brand-new stand-up show, ‘Laughs Funny,’ to the prestigious Dubai Opera. If you’ve been searching for a truly unforgettable night of entertainment, you know how frustrating…
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Get ready for an electrifying night of live music on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The chart-topping, Grammy-winning sensation Clean Bandit is heading to Dubai for a one-night-only performance, and the atmosphere is set to be unforgettable. But with so much buzz, finding clear, reliable information can be a challenge. You’re looking for dates,…
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Eid Al Adha is one of the two great festivals of the Islamic year and one of the most significant public holidays in the UAE calendar. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, it coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and brings the country a long, cherished break for prayer, family and generosity. Because…
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The pulse of the global dance music scene is about to beat right in the heart of Dubai. Global superstar, fashion icon, and producer Peggy Gou is set to bring her unparalleled energy to the city for a can’t-miss performance. As part of the legendary Pacha Icons series, she will take over the breathtaking open-air…
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What is Aura Skypool, exactly? Aura Skypool sits on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower on Palm Jumeirah, roughly [VERIFY: 200 metres, sources vary between ~200m and 210m] above the ground, with a 360-degree glass-edged deck that wraps entirely around the building. There’s no wall blocking any angle, which is the whole point: on…
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Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, a visionary whose momentum has slowed? Do you feel the hum of potential but find yourself searching for the spark to ignite your next big breakthrough? In a world of constant noise, finding genuine inspiration and forging career-defining connections can feel impossible. This feeling of stagnant professional growth isn’t…
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