Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Jamie Marshall
Dubai is a city of varied landscapes; the vast stretches of salmon colored desert sand, pristine beaches and majestic mountains make this exotic emirate a wonderful destination for the romantic at heart. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion, popping the big question or just planning an amazing date night, Dubai has a variety of activities and destinations that are perfect for a romantic evening. Listed below are nine of the most romantic things to do in Dubai that are fun, relaxing and cater to varied budgets.
Enjoy a romantic dinner
There is certainly no dearth of fantastic places to dine in Dubai, but if you are looking to really wow your other half with a superb view, delightfully flavorful food and the most divine setting, it’s hard to beat the Villa Beach restaurant at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Located practically at the foot of the iconic Burj al Arab, enjoy a burst of delicious Mediterranean food with the closest and most amazing view of the Burj al Arab you are likely to get from anywhere in Dubai. Dine on the beach, under a sky dotted with stars with the sound of gently lapping waves literally meters away. Dinner is served from 18.30 to 23.30 daily and the dress code is smart casual. The fabulous view does not come cheap however, so you might want to plan this for a really special occasion. Reservations are highly recommended and make sure to mention that you want a table with a clear view of the Burj al Arab.
Take a walk on the beach
Dubai has many lovely beaches but many of these belong to shoreline hotels who usually give preference of use to in-house guests. If these beaches are not full, you can enjoy use of the beach for a fee that can range from AED 150 to AED 700 for a day’s access. However, there are many public beaches that can be used free of charge. Enjoy an evening or night time walk on the beach with the cool sand seeping through your toes and the twinkling lights of far away ships on the horizon. You can even pack a small picnic and enjoy a quiet, relaxing dinner on the beach.
Overnight dessert safari
There is nothing more romantic than sitting by the warm glow of a fire, while enjoying a meal with your loved one under a starry desert sky. There are a number of desert safari operators who offer overnight safaris in the desert. Dune bashing, belly dancing, henna painting, sunset photography, camel rides, sand skiing and a buffet dinner under the stars make this a wonderful experience for anyone wanting to experience the desert at night. And nothing oozes romance like a night under the desert sky. Safaris usually begin at 16.00 and end the next day by 9:00 a.m. Most tour operators will require a minimum of 6 people for this under the stars experience.
Hot air balloon ride
Although getting up at the crack of dawn may not sound very appealing, taking in the sight of a fiery orange sun rising over the vast expanse of golden desert sand while gliding in the sky is an unforgettably romantic experience. Soar over the endless ocean of sand dotted with a variety of indigenous animals such as the oryx, gazelle and camels. Balloon Adventures Emirates LLC is one of Dubai’s most experienced and professional balloon operators and weather permitting, they operate everyday from mid September until end of May. The company arranges free pick-up from a common meeting point or may pick you up directly from your hotel depending on where you are staying. The actual balloon ride is an hour long but allow about four hours for the entire journey from pick-up to drop off.
Enjoy horse riding at the Al Dhabi stables
The Al Dhabi family farm is a family run business and the owners and staff are passionate about animals. They offer a host of activities from horse riding to just spending a relaxing few hours visiting some of the stable’s smaller animals including rabbits, ducks, chickens and turkeys! Enjoy a romantic stroll at sunrise or a ride at dusk under the setting sun and get a chance to experience the real desert wilderness of Dubai.
Organize a spa date
If you want to indulge in some serious pampering and relaxation, enjoy a couples massage and spa at the Raffles spa in their luxury couples suite, fitted with a private whirlpool set in the outdoor garden pavilion. The spa is followed by champagne, chocolates and strawberries by the pool, providing the perfect way to spend a relaxing day together. The Club Olympus spa at the Hyatt Regency Dubai also offers a spa deal for two with a chocolate body scrub, chocolate face mask and a massage.
Enjoy a dinner cruise
A magnificent way to experience the skyline of new Dubai with its awe-inspiring architecture, private beaches, the magnificent Atlantis hotel on the Palm and the Burj al Arab, the Marina Dhow dinner cruise is a two hour event on board a traditional dhow. The cruise allows the opportunity to admire the magnificent skyline of the Dubai Marina as well as the Jumeirah Beach Residence. Enjoy a romantic dinner while cruising under the velvet sky; opt for a sunset cruise from 18.30 to 19.30 for a more memorable experience.
Enjoy, stay and play at the Bab al Shams
The Bab al Shams, which translates to ‘gateway to the sun’ is a luxury resort built in the traditional fort style, nestled amongst the sand dunes of the desert about 45 minutes drive time from the heart of Dubai. Stay in one of the traditionally designed stylish suites furnished with all the modern comforts. You can relax and enjoy the magnificent sunrise or sunset from your room or you can part take in one of the many activities offered including falconry, camel rides, jeep rides into the desert and archery. Pamper yourself at the Satori spa and pick from a range of cuisines from traditional Arabic fare to tantalizing Indian dishes. This is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Arabian Desert away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Enjoy an aerial view of Dubai
Enjoy an aerial view of the amazing emirate of Dubai through one of Seawings Dubai tours. Perfect for a special occasion, the tour is a 40 minute dock to dock ride that includes preflight refreshments.