Love is a lot more than just confessing your feelings to someone. Every couple in love knows that it is also the adventure, thrills, fun, memories, laughter, and everlasting experiences that you share.
If you choose Dubai as your romantic travel destination, rest assured it will be a worthy decision. There are endless things for couples to do in Dubai – be it for your proposal, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or any special occasion you wish to celebrate – you’re sure to find something to fit your tastes in Dubai.
We share with you here exactly where to find these incredible, often once in a lifetime, experiences for couples in Dubai.
1. Romantic dining at Ossiano
A romantic trip without a romantic dinner is like pizza without the cheese! There’s such a great selection of romantic dining spots in Dubai it’s hard to choose a favourite – but for pure wow-factor, we think you’ll love Ossiano, Atlantis the Palm.
At Ossiano, you get to dine in an aquarium with sharks and stingrays swimming around you. The best part? You can hire a diver to propose or deliver a special message to your significant other from inside the tank!
Its unique setting, amazing seafood, and dining experience place it at the top of our list of Dubai’s most romantic places.
Location: Atlantis Dubai, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Learn more about Ossiano romantic dining in Dubai here
Want something truly exquisite? You can even stay overnight in an underwater suite at Atlantis and wake up to incredible aquarium views from your king sized bed or even your bath tub!
2. A Private Pool Lodging Experience
What’s more lavish and romantic than having a private pool overlooking the desert?
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa certainly defines luxury in Dubai and tops our list of romantic hotels & resorts in Dubai that come with a private pool. A Bedouin-style hotel with a private oasis, archery, falconry, horse riding, camel trekking, and a desert safari… the list is endless!
Enhance your Dubai desert experience with a trip to the Timeless Spa and moonlit dining at Al Diwaan Restaurant.
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai
Learn more about spending an exclusive night at Al Maha here
3. Sail Dubai Creek on a Dhow Cruise
Dubai is a perfect fusion of desert and water experiences. A Creek Royal Dinner Dhow cruise is a great way to relax and eat in a magnificently lit traditional dhow boat cruising the busy and picturesque waterway of Dubai Creek.
Take in the beautifully lit sights of Dubai at night, the Old Souks to one side and the wonderfully restored Al Fahidi Historial Neighbourhood with its distinct wind towers to the other. Dinner is accompanied by drinks, musical entertainment, and a dance show to top off a romantic evening on the water in Dubai.
Location: Al Seef Street, Dubai (tour companies can arrange hotel pick-ups to the departure point)
Catch a selection of different dinner cruise options in Dubai here:
4. A Night At The Opera
If you are a traditionalist taking your partner on a romantic trip to Dubai, you will thank us for this recommendation: A beautiful night at Dubai Opera with your loved one.
Dubai Opera offers an exquisite experience with shows nearly every night of the week. It boasts a multi-platform performance art setting with both contemporary and classical artists and virtuosos. You will get to tempt your beloved’s finer sensibilities by taking them to anything from art exhibitions, orchestras, plays, and musicals, set on the beautiful Burj Lake.
Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Check out the upcoming program of performances at Dubai Opera here
5. Take a birds-eye view over the desert
Hot air balloon rides undoubtedly have an air of romance about them (pun intended).
Floating with your loved one in the air hundreds of meters above the ground and witnessing the golden dunes of the desert burst to life is one of the most romantic things couples can do in Dubai.
Setting off before dawn, the early start will soon be forgotten when the breathtaking desert landscape appears beneath you. Spot native oryx and gazelle galloping beneath as the sky ignites and even enjoy a falconry show and breakfast as part of your morning experience.
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai
See companies offering Dubai hot air balloon rides here
6. Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai is home to the world’s largest garden of natural flowers, Dubai Miracle Garden. With over 60 million blooms, this is a romantic paradise lending itself to a huge array of picture-perfect settings.
The garden’s features include a floral castle for those fairytale moments (hint, hint if you had any proposals up your sleeve!) plus a giant floral clock, topiary animals, and classic characters such as Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The floral A380 aeroplane is one of the garden’s most recognisable landmarks!
Without a doubt, though, the most romantic spot that couples will want to seek out in Dubai Miracle Garden is the heart’s passage, what better way to capture your romantic moment in Dubai!
Location: Al Barsha South Third, Dubailand, Dubai
Learn more about Dubai Miracle Garden here
7. Take in the evening spectacle of The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is one of the world’s largest musical fountains. Located on Burj Lake, at Burj Khalifa‘s foot, it is one of Dubai’s most amazing (and free!) evening attractions for tourists. The choreographed shows start at 6:00 PM every night and run every half-hour through until 11:00 PM.
Water dances to music and 50 colour projectors add to the charm of the fountain show. Whether you are a first-time visitor or someone who has been to Dubai several times, we recommend you to see this show with your loved one.
It’s free to watch from the promenade outside Dubai Mall, though we recommend for a special occasion it’s worth taking a traditional abra boat to see the show up close from the water, or dining at one of the incredible waterfront restaurants at Souk Al Bahar for front row seats with wow-factor!
Location: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, UAE
Check out our complete guide to enjoying the Dubai Fountains here
8. Enjoy a Couples Spa at Talise Ottoman Spa
Nothing will be more enjoyable and relaxing than a spa treatment in Dubai with your loved one. You and your partner deserve to rest your body, mind, and soul on a Dubai vacation.
One of our favourites for couples is the Talise Ottoman Spa facilities at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on the Palm. Indulge in a saltwater pool, steam room, sauna, snow room, adventure shower, heated loungers, jacuzzi, and refreshments, along with healthy snacks.
For special treatment, enjoy the VIP spa side-by-side massage or indulge in their Romance 1001 Roses for a truly unforgettable spa experience for couples in Dubai.
Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Road (West), Dubai
Check out treatment packages at Talisse Ottoman spa here, or check out pricing to stay at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray here
9. Be Enchanted at Dubai Garden Glow
Engineered with the glow-in-dark concept, Dubai Garden Glow is a must-visit for romantics. You will be surprised to hear that this glittering theme park is made of recycled material and fabrics. It is designed to keep people of all ages in mind and while kids will marvel, it’s also a fabulous place to swoon your loved one.
Colourful tunnels and floral paths are worth a walk with your sweetheart. This park offers acrobatic performances, a dinosaur park, and an art park, with plenty of utterly instagrammable moments, love passages to an illuminated pumpkin coach fit for a princess.
Location: Zabeel Park, Gate No 6 & 7, Dubai
Learn more about planning a visit to the Glow Garden here
10. See the sunset from the tallest observation wheel in the world
The opening of Ain Dubai has added another incredible experience to the romantic lineup in Dubai. Towering 250 metres above the city, a sunset ticket to see the city skyline is bound to be one of the most memorable and romantic things you can do in Dubai.
Take a shared cabin, or for something ultra-exclusive, book you and your loved one a private cabin for the 38-minute journey. We couldn’t think of a better modern Dubai setting to say “I do”.
Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai
Pre-book your time allotted tickets to Ain Dubai here
11. Soar over the city in a luxury helicopter tour
For a truly unforgettable and romantic Dubai experience, why not take your loved one for a helicopter tour over the city?
Take off from the iconic Palm Jumeirah and fly across the city’s most recognizable landmarks including the Burj Al Arab and the World Islands.
Location: Atlantis Helipad, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Learn more and book this once in a lifetime experience here
12. Private Desert Glamping
A trip to Dubai’s romantic places with your loved one is not complete without visiting the desert. One of the best nature spots is nestled in amongst the dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) at an exclusive desert camp operated by Nara Escapes.
Only a handful of licensed operators are permitted in DDCR to preserve the beauty and tranquillity of the desert so you know you are getting a pretty exclusive and serene experience at their Sonara Camp. It is the perfect spot to dine & glamp out because of the calm and proximity to nature, far from the city lights.
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai
Learn more about Nara Escapes exclusive dining & glamping packages here
Making camping romantic! If sand in the sheets doesn’t quite sound romantic, then you need to get onboard the glamping bandwagon! Check out all of these incredible Dubai glamping spots.
13. Take a Ride; Horse Riding for Couples
Why not think beyond your traditional date options and go horse riding at Al-Dhabi Dubai Stables? If riding luxury horses and spending time with animals is your passion then this is where you should be heading as a couple.
The Al-Dhabi Stables are a fusion of royalty and luxury. You can witness wonderful sunrise and sunsets with your sweetheart, trotting through the desert or even along the beach with the Arabian Gulf waters lapping beneath you.
For a truly special occasion, why not book for the once-a-month special experience of full-moon desert riding? Beginners to experienced riders are welcome to give this memorable night a try.
Location: Farm No, 399, Emirates Road (E611), Dubai
Learn more about riding experiences at Al-Dhabi Stables here
14. Sail through the canals of Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you want to taste the culture of modern Dubai then Souk Madinat abra tours should be on your top of the list. Stunning architecture and serene canals make this one of the most picture-perfect spots to take your lover in Dubai, around the waterways that surround the luxurious Jumeirah hotels and apartments.
You can join a group tour that leaves every 20 minutes, but for that special occasion, we recommend you advance back an abra just to yourselves, or even try their famous Al Fayrooz afternoon tea on board.
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah (adjacent toTrattoria Toscana), Al Sufouh 1, Dubai
Learn more about Souk Madinat Jumeirah abra tours here
15. Picnic and Explore the Hatta Mountains
Long treks and having your loved one by your side; some would say a perfect date!
Whether you prefer more sedate walking and picnicking or adrenaline activities are more your thing, you’re bound to find something you love in the mountainous Dubai township of Hatta.
The Hatta Dam is an utterly tranquil escape in the mountains where you can hire kayaks and enjoy a paddle. Or pop into Wadi Hub which offers visitors the opportunity to try mountain biking to zorbing; archery to freefall jumps or adventure rope courses.
For something more sedate, explore the Hatta Heritage Village and Hatta Watch Tower, or even stay in one of the exclusive overnight glamping spots Sedr Trailers. You’ll wake up to the most incredible mountain views from your luxuriously appointed airstream trailer.
Location: Hatta, UAE
Learn more about what’s on in Hatta and how to get there
16. Catch a breathtaking show at La Perle
Billed as Dubai’s No.1 show, La Perle by Dragone is a water-stage show with many exciting twists and turns. A fairytale story through different worlds and cultures, a cast of 65 artists from acrobats to stunt motorcycle riders guide guests on a 90-minute awe-inspiring journey.
The death-defying tricks and stunts are sure to leave you ad your loved one mesmerised after this incredible live experience, exclusive to Dubai.
Location: Al Habtoor City, Dubai
Learn more about exactly what to expect and showtimes for La Perle here
17. The View at the Palm
Another exciting addition to the Dubai skyline, The View at the Palm stands an incredible 240 meters high with a commanding position over the iconic Palm Jumeriah.
Watch day turn into night as the city of gold turns alight. The Palm Tower includes many incredible features all-new for winter 2022, including a 360 viewing deck on the 52nd floor, SUSHISHAMA restaurant, and Alura Sky pool lounge – definitely getting added to our list of Dubai’s best infinity pools!
Location: Above Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Find out how to book your tickets to the View at the Palm here
18. Swoon over the Al-Qudra Love Lakes
Last but not least, let us introduce you to one of the most romantic places in Dubai; The Love Lakes! Almost too good to be true, but no these are not photoshopped! They are indeed human-made lakes in the shape of two interconnecting love hearts in the Dubai desert’s rolling dunes.
You can only see the lakes’ shape if you go at least 50m above the ground, but there’s plenty to explore at ground level too. Many plants and flowers get in on the loving act with love heart shapes and the word love at each turn as you stroll around the lakes.
A perfect sunset finish to your day in this utterly picturesque desert location (and unlike many of Dubai’s romantic hotspots, this one is completely free!).
Location: Al-Qudra Road, Dubai, UAE
Find a complete guide to visiting the Love Lakes here
Want more romantic ideas for your love one? Why not check out:
- How to plan the perfect romantic honeymoon in Dubai
- Where to wake up to breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa
- How to get inside Dubai’s most exclusive address, the Burj Al Arab
- The best resort villas offering private pools
- Plan the perfect destination wedding in Dubai
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links. Feature image supplied.
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