If you’re looking for a luxury romantic getaway with guaranteed good weather and jaw-dropping sunsets – and let’s face it, who isn’t? – Dubai may just be the destination for you and your significant other, with sunset cruises, hammams, beach clubs, night markets, cocktails and much more.
Dubai has surged as a romantic getaway destination since 2020 when changes to the law allowed unmarried couples to share a hotel room. And what a choice of hotel rooms – no one could ever accuse this city of shyness when it comes to flaunting the most jaw-dropping luxury experience you may ever witness. These are all the best things to do with your beloved when you arrive in dazzling Dubai.
1. Watch the sun set over the dunes on a private desert safari
Nothing says romance like the sun setting over the dunes. Contact one of the emirate’s myriad desert safari operators (Desert Safari Dubai is a popular choice) to inquire about a private trip into the desert. Enjoy a picnic dinner under the stars followed the option to actually sleep out, Bedouin style, amidst the golden dunes.
Tip: Bring layers as it gets surprisingly chilly after sunset.
2. Book a table at a restaurant with a skyline view
Dubai boasts an array of high-end restaurants with excellent views courtesy of its very many tall towers, including the Burj Khalifa. When it comes to luxury and fine-dining with views of the city skyline, your only limit will be your budget. CÉ LA VI’s Sky Bar in Downtown offers cocktails with views of the Burj Khalifa, while Pierchic offers views of Burj Al Arab and Downtown Dubai. View 180 on the Palm offers views of the entire city.
Tip: Book well ahead as anywhere with a great view will fill up fast.
3. Stroll through Al Fahidi after dark
The restored historic neighbourhood of Al Fahidi isn’t an especially late night spot – many of the museums and some of the restaurants will close between 8pm and 8:30pm. But the wider neighbourhood is an atmospheric and romantic place to wander, especially if you can catch a sunset abra ride across Dubai Creek to Deira and back.
Tip: Try and time your boat trip to hear the call to prayer ringing out across the city.
4. Relax together at a traditional hammam
Many – if not most – of Dubai’s mid- and high-end hotels will have some sort of spa facilities – in some cases the spas are so good they are even more famous than the hotels. Spas and hammams are divided into male, female, and couples sections, with special offers and plans for couples that book ahead. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and the Talise Ottoman Spa, in Jumeirah, get particularly rave reviews.
Tip: Take your time. Talise Ottoman Spa, for example, cautions that its coffee peeling or green tea revival package can take at least half a day. In addition to treatments, the spas are huge, beautiful spaces that are designed for you to relax over the course of the entire day.
5. Catch live jazz or soul at Q’s Bar
Regularly cited as the best live music bar in Dubai, Q’s Bar is located in the Palazzo Versace on Dubai Creek and was founded by the late Quincy Jones, the Grammy-award winning musician. As well as food and cocktails, Q’s Bar also has an excellent range of cigars, and is open until 1am, Wednesday to Sunday.
Tip: Q’s Bar has a minimum spend of AED 100 per person on Wednesday and Thursday and AED 200 on Friday to Sunday.
6. Charter a private boat around the Marina
Even if you don’t have your own yacht moored up in Dubai’s Marina, small boats can be chartered by the hour (captain included) from half a dozen providers, some of which offer food and drink packages Prices range from AED 400 per hour for small boats to an eye-watering AED 20,000 per hour for a super yacht if you really want to go all out for a special occasion.
Tip: If you want to get out on the water without the price tag, check out Dubai’s public ferries.
7. Wander the Dubai night market at Global Village
A vibrant mix of food, music and cultural pavilions, Global Village is part carnival, part bazaar and makes for a fun, inexpensive date night, especially if you enjoy trying food from different countries and browsing for odd souvenirs.
Tip: Dubai Global Village is open seasonally between late May and mid-October.
8. Gaze upon the city from The View at The Palm
Enjoy a 360-degree view of the city 240 metres above the Palm Jumeirah, from where you can see the Atlantis as well as all the fronds of Dubai’s idiosyncratic artificial tree-shaped landmass. Book your tickets and head up to floor 52 of the Palm Tower, which costs AED 110. Meanwhile, AED 185 gets you into ‘The Next Level’ deck, which is two stories higher on level 54.
Tip: Paying that bit extra for the Next Level allows you to fast-track and skip the queues.
9. Explore the art galleries in Alserkal Avenue
For those that prefer culture to cocktails, Alserkal Avenue is a converted industrial area that is home to contemporary art galleries, indie cinemas and coffee shops. There are frequent pop-up events and film screenings, as well as performances by international and local artists and performers.
Tip: As well as art and cinema, Alserkal Avenue is home to a range of excellent cafes and restaurants, including the Pekoe Tea and Bread Bar and Nightjar Coffee Roasters.
10. Take a cooking class for two
If you need to spice up your relationship – or just your holiday – why not take a couples’ cooking class? True to Dubai’s status as an international hub that has welcomed expatriates from all four corners of the globe, it isn’t just Emirati food that is on offer. You can learn to make pasta, sushi, Indian and Pakistani food at a range of venues across the city, as well as cocktails.
Tip: Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant offers courses in Emirati cooking for those who want to dazzle their friends back home with dishes like regag bread.
11. Go indoor skydiving at iFLY
For the thrill-seekers, iFLY offers indoor skydiving from AED 179 per person and allows couples to jump together (book and arrange ahead). As part of the package you receive a 20 minute training session followed by one minute in freefall. If that hasn’t given you enough of an adrenaline fix, why not head over to XLine at Dubai Marina for the world’s longest zipline.
Tip: While one minute free fall doesn’t seem like a lot, sky-diving from a plane typically only lasts 45 seconds – although you do get the long parachute ride afterwards.
12. Enjoy a rooftop movie night
VOX Cinemas offers rooftop movie nights with cosy seating, blankets and skyline views, making for a smart pick for cooler months and an easy win if you want a romantic night out without dressing up.
Tip: The outdoor cinema is seasonal, and is only open from October to May.
