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 .
When a titan of electronic music and a legendary nightlife institution converge, the result is more than just a party—it’s a cultural moment. For fans of authentic, high-energy dance music, the search for that electric, soul-stirring Ibiza vibe can be a challenge, even in a city as vibrant as Dubai. The scene is vast, the…
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UAE National Day is 2 December 2026. See what is officially confirmed for fireworks, Dubai’s celebration window, holiday dates and live venue status.
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The dream of a Maldivian-style getaway—waking up in a secluded villa suspended over turquoise waters—is a powerful one. For years, UAE residents and international travellers have looked to distant shores for this experience. But the landscape of luxury is shifting. With the groundbreaking announcement of The St. Regis Mirfa Beach Resort, a new era of…
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Are you tired of the same old Dubai weekend plans? Scrolling through endless options only to find nothing that truly excites you? If you’re looking for a genuinely unique and laugh-out-loud evening, your search ends here. The solution isn’t another brunch or movie night; it’s an unforgettable experience with one of the region’s sharpest comedic…
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Dubai’s vibrant nightlife offers an endless sea of choices, but every so often, an event emerges that is simply unmissable. For enthusiasts of authentic house music, the return of the legendary Jamie Jones is one such moment. The challenge for any music lover in the city is cutting through the noise to find the events…
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Planning your UAE public holidays 2026 is the key to opening up memorable vacations, cherished family time, and well-deserved breaks. For residents in the UAE, this planning often comes with a significant challenge: the uncertainty of Islamic holiday dates. Juggling fixed holidays with those dependent on the lunar calendar can make booking travel and scheduling…
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Sharjah’s cultural calendar goes way beyond the Book Fair. Our complete Sharjah guide covers museums, events, beaches and things to do across the emirate.
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Key Facts Venue: Ushuaïa Dubai, Dubai Harbour, Dubai Date: 31 December 2025 — this event has already taken place New Year’s Eve in Dubai is a global spectacle, a city-wide celebration defined by dazzling fireworks and world-class entertainment. But for the discerning electronic music enthusiast, the sheer volume of options can lead to information overload,…
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Dubai doesn’t really sleep, but its kitchens are a different story. Plenty of places that call themselves “late-night” quietly pull the shutters down at 1am on a Tuesday, which is exactly when your hunger tends to show up. This list sticks to what’s actually open when you need it: genuine 24-hour kitchens first, then the…
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Key Facts Headliner: Black Coffee Venue: Ushuaïa Dubai, Dubai Harbour, Dubai Date: 27 December 2025 — this event has already taken place The memory still echoes through Dubai’s vibrant nightlife scene: a sold-out show, a sea of over 15,000 people moving as one under the stars, and a sound that felt both ancient and futuristic.…
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PUMA has taken another major stride in reshaping Dubai’s running culture. The global sports brand has partnered with LFG Dubai, a homegrown fitness and social club redefining what community means in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Together, they’re merging performance, culture, and connection to empower runners of all levels — from first-timers to…
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Living in the UAE is an adventure, but let’s be honest: booking a flight out can often feel like the most challenging part of the journey. You’re met with a maze of websites, fluctuating prices that seem to change by the minute, and a nagging feeling that you’re probably overpaying. If you’ve ever felt the…
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