Dubai can feel like a bit of a dating minefield, just ask anyone who’s survived to tell the tale! That said, if you’ve managed to keep the spark alive long enough for the weather to cool down, it’s time to take your dating game up a level.
1. Make it a cocktails and shiiiisha night
A fine-dining Lebanese restaurant that’s hip, entertaining and full of authentic Arabian vibes, LUA at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa offers the best of Levantine food, funky décor and a buzzing Beirut atmosphere. A trendy upscale lounge showcasing everything from gourmet eats to bellydancers, it’s time to get comfy on the beautiful outdoor terrace and soak up the five-star location.
2. Wine & dine me
Oeno at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach is a wall-to-wall showcase of the world’s best grape selections – and there’s always a great promotion on! Be sure to make a reservation at the outdoor terrace to get the most out of the romantic setting; you can thank us later.
3. Bites by the beach
You can always find good vibes at Salt food truck at Kite Beach every weekend; the location is fantastic, relaxing and pretty special at sunset. Grab a burger and milkshake while dipping your toes in the water (or just the sand!); this is one date spot that’s easy on the wallet while still offering an incredible beachside ambience.
4. Reveal your playful sides
There’s a time and a place to be childish in front of your date – and this is it. If you’ve been together a while, then there’s no need to worry about unleashing your inner kid in the most spectacular of ways at Hub Zero! This is an indoor adventure park that’s got everything you could want for some couples’ fun. After all, nothing brings *cool* couples closer together than a game of laser tag.
Up for a Hub Zero challenge? (1) head to its Hero Zone and take the leap of faith as bae watches from below. (2) Book a karaoke booth upstairs and serenade one another (you can decide on the level of seriousness)! (3) Race each other through the Double Agent laser beam challenge!
5. Make it an art night
Feeling creative? Whether you’ve got the artistry of Picasso or a pre-school child, you and your date will find plenty to bond over with a brush and glass of vino in hand. Sign up for a session of We Love Art’s highly popular ‘Paint & Grape Night’ and watch the masterpiece unfold over a few glasses of the good stuff.
6. Have a romantic meal…and make it yourselves
You’ve already done the whole dinner and a movie thing – why not spice things up in the kitchen by working on those culinary skills in a couples’ cooking class? No one’s expecting you to have the skills of a master chef, but we promise there’s nothing more endearing to your partner than burning dessert.
7. Plan a cross-country road trip
Good tunes, road snacks and deep conversation – doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? We’re blessed in the UAE with wide open highways that are perfect for cruising, so why not rent a car and plan a day-long escape away from the city? If you’re up for it, you can even opt for a relaxing staycation spot or camp out over night to grab some real ‘alone time’.
8. Discover just how deep your love is
We know what you’re thinking: How romantic can diving be – it’s soooo quiet down there?! Wrong! Nothing makes sparks fly more than doing something as adventurous as exploring the deep. Once you book with a local diving company (or simply go snorkeling in a Dubai aquarium), why not plan a little seafood escape, afterwards?
9. Take the ultimate plunge
This is the kind of ‘trust fall’ that’ll really test whether you and your partner are capable of handling stressful situations. Like seriously, can you think of a better way to push the limits of your relationship than with a bungee jump at Gravity Zone? The surge of adrenaline and endorphins will have you falling back into each other’s arms as you relive the thrill.
10. Take your love a little higher
Is it time to up your desert dating game? It’s not going to be an every week choice, but if you want to really impress then this experience is a winner. There’s something so utterly overwhelming about floating across the empty Dubai desert in a hot air balloon; it also happens to be the perfect occasion to clutch on tightly to your partner while taking in the sights. For a seriously sky-high romantic rendezvous, you can’t go wrong with Balloon Adventures Emirates; you can even opt for a private ride for two if you’re looking to raise the stakes.