Cupid’s arrow has struck you and you can’t wait to spend the most romantic day of the year with your better half. But if you’re waiting for inspiration to strike you for some unique date night ideas this Valentine’s Day, look no further! From grand candlelit dinners and pampering spa days for hopeless romantics to quirky out-of-the-box date ideas for the nontraditionalist, there’s an activity for every kind of couple to bond over this Valentine’s Day in Dubai.
1-2. Pamper yourselves with a couples spa day
True love is all about feeling at peace. Ditch all the stress of the everyday rat race and take a moment to be present with each other with these spa deals.
🧖🏻♀️ Eforea Spa’s couples in love spa treatment. You and your loved one will be pampered with a 90-minute massage for each one of you, a couples steam room and a set up rose petals and candles. AED 1,100 per couple at Hilton Palm Jumeirah. Call 04 230 0090 for bookings
The 90-minute couples treatment at Addess Beach Resort includes a relaxing massage for two inside their luxurious Spa on Level 75 followed by access to the infinity pool to unwind in. AED 2,968 per couple, book here.
3. Get punch-drunk love at this boxing class
The couple that can roll with the punches together, stays together. Rocky Road Boxing Club in Al Quoz has a special deal running for Valentine’s Day that lets you enter the ring instead of wearing one. On February 14, lovers can be fighters during a 1-hour boxing class, cool off in an ice-bath recovery and fuel up with a BBQ on the terrace. AED 800 per couple, call 058 565 5365 or visit the website.
4. Dance like nobody’s watching at a dance class
Grand Dance Academy in Al Quoz is hosting a special dance class for couples followed by a party on February 14. Master basic ballroom dancing moves in a masterclass that will see you and your partner sway in rhythm. AED 160 per couple.
From 9pm -1am; call 052 794 9267
5. Watch a romantic movie for free
See a romcom with your real-life hero/heroine at Cinema Akil this year. The independent cinema theatre’s venue at the 25 Hours Hotel is hosting free screenings of iconic romantic movies like Before Sunrise and When Harry Met Sally on February 15 and 23. But we suggest you bring the tissues and popcorn – hands will be held and tears will be shed. More info here
6-7. Spill the tea and pour your heart out at an afternoon tea
🍰 Social Bee, the beehive and honey-themed lounge at Hilton Palm Jumeirah has one of the best afternoon teas in town. On February 14, the honey experts are breaking out the hearts and romance for you and your honey with a Valentine’s Day-themed afternoon tea full of heart-shaped pastries, artisanal sandwiches and sparkling wine. AED 698 per couple for a regular package and AED 998 per couple including prosecco
From 2pm-5pm; call 04 230 0067
🫖You get to raise the bar quite literally on love with SLS Hotel’s romantic afternoon tea for Valentine’s Day from February 11-14 at S Bar. Perched on the 71st floor of the hotel tower, dizzying views of the city coupled with the giddiness of love are a heady combo. Throw into that mix of artisanal tea, savoury finger foods and welcome drinks accompanied by a live violinist and you’ve got the recipe for a memorable Valentine’s Day. AED 498 per couple.
From 3pm-7pm; call +971 4 607 0737
8-9. Laugh out loud with your love these comedy nights
If you’re the kind of couple who can’t stand the mush surrounding Valentine’s Day and truly want to snub your nose at the holiday while also having fun head to the Pre-Valentine’s Stand-up Comedy Open Mic at Oak Live Bar on February 12. AED 60 minimum spend per person. Call 0564848596
For more laughter and love, check out the Jack & Michael Whitehall Live at Coca-Cola Arena on February 14. The British comic and his dad will regale audiences with family secrets, anecdotes from their travels and photographs from the family album. Tickets from AED 350 per person, book here
9-10. Whisk them away on a staycation this Valentine’s Day
So what if an international holiday isn’t on the cards? There’s no reason to not enjoy a taste of that suite life right here in Dubai. Book a romantic retreat between February 14-16 at Media One Hotel complete with a romantic Valentine’s Day breakfast, dinner for two with wine, early check-in by 12pm and late check-out until 6pm.
AED 875 per room per night; Call 04 427 1000
Lovebirds booking themselves into the JA Palm Tree Court, JA Lake View Hotel or JA Beach Hotel can enjoy up to 20% discount on the best available breakfast rates, enjoy a complimentary bottle of sparkling grape or sparkling date juice on arrival free buffet breakfast and 30-minute head and shoulder massage for 2, a 3-course dinner experience, chocolates and romantic turndown service during the stay. Pool access is included too. Until February 28.
Rooms start AED 1,118 per night; more info here
11. Wake up to a floating hearts breakfast in a sky pool
The Paramount Midtown Hotel in Business Bay is taking love to new heights with a stinkin’ cute Valentine’s Day offer – a floating breakfast on the 64th floor. Laze around in the Malibu Sky pool while enjoying food and beverages. More info here
AED 550 per tray for soft beverages, AED 750 per with a bottle of rosé and AED 1,550 per tray with a bottle of bubbly. February 14-16, 9am – 12pm.
12. Add drama to your love story with a dinner theatre show
Dream Dubai’s extravagant dinner theatre shows are getting a crimson Valentine’s Day makeover from February 12-16. All week long, you can enjoy a special romantic with stunning dancers, acrobats and singers take to the stage bedecked in roses and hearts and a special set menu of fresh oysters, lobster thermidor,22K gold-covered cheesecake and more. AED 2,000 per couple
From 8pm till late; call 04 220 0224 for bookings
13. Cook up a storm at a cooking class this Valentine’s Day
If the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, what better than a cooking class? The Thai Kitchen at the Dubai Creek Resort has three-hour-long cooking classes for couples to fan the flames and feed their love.
AED 355 per person inclusive of unlimited soft beverages and AED 555 per person inclusive of unlimited house beer or wine More info here
14. Go on a romantic boat ride at Riverland
The scenic French village-inspired location at Dubai Parks and Resorts is recreating the romance of cruising along the Seine with a self-driving boat cruise for two on February 14. You can set sail with your partner into the sunset (or earlier) with a snack box and an onboard Polaroid camera to capture memories to put into a Valentine-themed photo album during this 45-minute ride.
AED 149 per couple; from 11am-6pm. Book here
15. Snap photos against Dubai landmarks in a Flying Red Dress
It doesn’t get more Dubai than this. Shangri-La Dubai has a glamorous photoshoot combined with a private meal as part of their Flying Red Dress experience. Couples get to have a professional photoshoot against the iconic Burj Khalifa on the 42nd floor of the hotel with the lady dressed in a flowing red dress – the very same you’ve seen on social media. Perfect for a proposal or pre-wedding shoot, if you’re ready to pop the question!
Starting from AED 750 per hour for the photoshoot only and AED 4,000 for private meals. Call 04 405 2889 or email events.sldb@shangri-la.com
16. Enjoy an elegant picnic with your Valentine
And we’re not just talking about any odd picnic with a humdrum wicker basket and a plaid blanket. We’ve discovered a unique picnic service (how Dubai) named Lily’s Picnic that pulls out all the stops when it comes to picnics and outdoor escapes in the city. They’ll scout for the perfect location – from beaches and public parks to even indoor venues – help you choose the food and set up decorations, flowers, the whole nine yards.
Book here https://lilyspicnics.com/
17-26. Sign up for one of these unique date night activities
From throwing paint on each other to smashing glass and CPUs in a rage room, Dubai has some splendidly creative date night activities. Give Valentine’s Day celebrations a twist by checking them out. Click here for full list.