Romantic Escapes: 21 Things to Do in Dubai for Couples

Are you planning a romantic vacation to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates? Dubai is a fantastic destination for couples as it offers a mix of luxury and romance; stunning landscapes including architectural marvels, beaches, and desert areas; amazing hotels suitable for couple holidays; and many outdoor activities that couples can do together.

In this article, we’ve listed the best things to do in Dubai for couples so you can make your date with your significant other extra special.

1. Have a classic romantic dinner

Dubai has plenty of high-end hotels with rooftop dining where you can cozy up and appreciate the stunning skyline of the city as well as beachfront accommodations with amazing sea views. These are great options for a romantic brunch or dinner date where you can spend quality time together, along with good food and ambiance.

For alfresco dining, check out Bar Du Port Dubai at the Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Fi’ila at SLS Dubai Hotel, or Tomo at Raffles Dubai. For beach view dining, consider Nammos Dubai at the Four Seasons Resort (Jumeirah Beach), Tamoka Dubai at The Ritz-Carlton, Koko Bay (West Beach Palm), Lucky Fish (West Beach Palm), or La Plage By French Riviera at Jumeirah Al Qasr.

2. Spend an evening at the opera

Plan a classic date night with a dinner in a fine restaurant and attendance at the Dubai Opera. Dubai Opera is the first performing arts in the city, offering a variety of shows including musicals, dramas, stand-up comedy, and other notable events. It has featured renowned artists such as  Plácido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, and Antonio Pappano.

This date idea is a great opportunity to spend an intimate time together and even dress fancy!

3. Stroll along Dubai Miracle Garden

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Take a stroll along Dubai Miracle Garden — one of the top romantic places in Dubai.

Located in Dubailand, Dubai Miracle Garden is a flower garden that spans over 72,000 square meters and features an impressive 50 million flowers arranged in different shapes and designs. Explore its numerous displays such as the Emirates A380 display, the floral clock, and the heart-shaped pathway. Surround yourself with flowers and take nice photos together.

Due to its romantic ambiance, Dubai Miracle Garden is also a popular spot for proposals.

While here, you can also visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden next to it. The butterfly garden is home to over 15,000 butterflies from 26 different species. If you book online, you can get combo deals on Dubai Miracle Garden & Butterfly Garden.

4. Ride a hot air balloon

Is there anything more romantic than riding a hot air balloon and seeing the stunning desert landscape of Dubai? This activity definitely is on top of our best things to do in Dubai for couples.

Hot air balloon companies offer pick-up at the hotel for ease; you can also arrange a luxury car depending on your preference. The actual ballooning site is located at the Dubai-Al Ain highway desert, and the balloons take off at dawn so you can see the sun rise over the desert and watch the camels and gazelles trotting below.

5. Go on a helicopter ride

Going on a helicopter ride and watching an aerial view of Dubai is one of the top things to do in Dubai for couples.

Take off at Atlantis, The Palm, and see Dubai’s famous landmarks including Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and The World Islands while enjoying the feeling of soaring high up in the sky. The helicopter ride usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. A shorter 25-minute ride is also available, as well as a 15-minute fun ride exploring the coast and islands of Dubai.

6. Enjoy a picnic date

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For an activity that’s casual yet memorable, prepare a picnic date in one of the restful parks and beaches in Dubai.

Jumeira Beach is an obvious choice — it has a beautiful white sandy beach with stunning views of the city skyscrapers, restaurants and shops along the shore, and water activities that couples can enjoy together. Safa Park is located at the heart of the city with plenty of cozy spots where you can spend quality time. Al Barsha Pond has a large man-made pond with water pedalos, running and cycling tracks, tennis and basketball courts, and more. For barbecues, considering visiting Mushrif Park, Zabeel Park, Creek Park, or Mamza Beach Park.

7. Dubai Fountain Show

Watch an amazing fountain show at night with your significant other. The Dubai Fountain is the largest fountain show in the world, shooting around 22,000 gallons of water into the air about 150 meters high (or as high as 50 stories). It combines this amazing water display with lights and music to create a captivating performance that anyone can enjoy.

The Dubai Fountain is located at the base of Burj Khalifa, just outside the Dubai Mall. There are different vantage points to see the fountain show — the most popular one is the Waterfront Promenade, which is free to access. For a more exclusive feel, head over to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, the Burj Khalifa observation decks, or take a boat ride at the Dubai Fountain Lake. Some Dubai hotels and restaurants also offer fountain views.

Another fountain show to visit is the Palm Fountain at Pointe at Palm Jumeirah.

8. Dhow Dinner Cruise

Spend a romantic evening aboard a traditional Arabian sailing vessel (also called a “dhow”) cruising along the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. Enjoy traditional Arabian dishes, live music, and sightseeing the iconic landmarks in Dubai lit up at night. These may include Dubai Creek Tower, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, and Atlantis The Palm depending on your route.

The Dhow Dinner Cruise is one of the most popular romantic activities in Dubai. This romantic dinner cruise typically lasts 2-3 hours, with varying inclusions depending on your booked package.

9. Desert safari

Desert safaris is a bucket list in Dubai — and it’s also one of the amazing things to do in Dubai for couples. Choose from the morning or evening safaris and experience its thrilling adventures including camel rides, falconry skills show, dune bashing (riding in a 4×4 vehicle over the sand dunes), sandboarding, and of course taking lots of gorgeous photos!

The morning and evening schedules are mostly the same, but the evening desert safari is more popular since it also includes a breathtaking sunset, a barbecue dinner, and cultural performances such as Tanoura Dance and belly dancing. For a more immersive experience, you can also book an overnight safari and stay in a traditional Bedouin-style camp in the desert.

For easy vacations, consider booking Dubai tour packages.

10. Private luxurious glamping

Spend the night away from the city in a luxurious glamping tent. Enjoy a quiet weekend together, breathe fresh mountain air or see stunning desert views, and watch the stars at night while you relax in an extravagant tent filled with modern conveniences.

Some of the best glamping in Dubai includes The Nest by Sonara, Terra Solis, and Starlight Camp. These offer a stay in the midst of desert dunes, with activities like camel riding, dune bashing, and traditional music and dance performances. Hatta Wadi Hub and Hatta Dome Park are glamping areas located with views of the Hatta mountains and offers various outdoor adventures such as mountain biking, downhill mountain carting, paragliding, and more.

11. Have a couple’s spa retreat

Treat your significant other with a relaxing day at the spa. Dubai has plenty of luxury hotels, spa resorts, and wellness centers where you can indulge in a relaxing massage, couple’s treatments, and other rejuvenating therapies. Most hotels also offer a full-day spa, with access to pool and gym, so you can spend the whole day pampering each other.

For luxurious massages, check out Amara Spa, Anantara Spa, The Spa at the Address, and Talise Spa, to name a few. Talise Ottoman Spa is another worthwhile option with its beautiful facilities and 120-minute signature treatment.

12. Stay in a lavish Underwater Suite at Atlantis The Palm

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For couples who want to experience a lavish hotel experience, Atlantis The Palm offers Underwater Suites with top-notch amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows where you can see panoramic views of the hotel’s aquarium, filled with more than 65,000 marine animals including fishes, stingrays, and sharks. There is also a bath tub sparkling with 24-karat gold, where you can soak in hot water while enjoying the aquatic view. With its unique offerings, this hotel is one of the top Dubai romantic places that you can find!

Aside from the experience of sleeping with the aquatic animals, you can also enjoy 24-hour private butler service, in-room dining with celebrity chef dishes, free access to the water park and aquarium, return airport transfers, and more.

13. Overnight in a desert villa at Al Maha

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A luxurious resort designed like a traditional Bedouin encampment with private pool at the desert, Al Maha is one of the top Dubai romantic places for couples. Live like a king and a queen one of the resort’s spacious rooms, cool off at the pool while enjoying the desert views, and enjoy its full-board meal service.

Aside from its facilities, Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa also offers amazing experiences including wildlife encounters, camel rides across the desert, and champagne toasts over the sunset.

This resort is located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Area, about 45 minutes away from the city center, making it one of the best romantic trips outside the city.

14. Rent a private yacht

One of the most romantic things to do in Dubai is renting a private yacht for a memorable experience out at sea.

Explore the Dubai coastline and Arabian Gulf while you lay together relaxing on deck, soaking up the sun, or enjoying the stunning views of Dubai’s landmarks from the water. See popular destinations including Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, and the World Islands or engage in watersport activities such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, and fishing.

There are different private yachts that you can rent, ranging from sailing yachts and motor yachts to luxury yachts with their own jacuzzi or swimming pool. You might prefer to buy a used yacht for sale, this option is more cost-effective and gives you access to a wider range of yachts. Additionally, used yachts can be inspected in detail before you buy, allowing you to ensure that you are getting a good deal.

15. Horseback riding

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It’s always fun to try something new with your significant other. Horseback riding is a popular activity in Dubai, and there are many equestrian centers that cater to first-timers and those who just want to brush up their equestrian skills. A few centers that you should check out include the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai City Stables, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Bab Al Shams, Desert Palm Riding School, and Jebel Ali Equestrian Club.

Aside from riding in the training schools, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Arabian desert on horseback or take a leisurely stroll along the beaches. Special full moon horse rides are also organized every month.

16. Visit Jumeirah Mosque

For an afternoon of cultural and historical appreciation, visit Jumeirah Mosque. Jumeirah Mosque is located right in the center of the city and is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. It was built in 1979 in a traditional Fatimid architectural style that is commonly seen in Egypt and Syria. It is highly popular among tourists in Dubai, including couples.

Spend time appreciating the beautiful white marble exterior of the mosque and its intricate detailing. You can explore on your own for free or you can join a guided tour where you can learn more about the Islamic culture and the mosque.

17. Visit Dubai Mall

For those who want a casual and fun date idea, the Dubai Mall offers a lot of options for couples. It has a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local and international food, , luxury and high-street shops, and leisure attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, the largest candy store in the world, and more.

Aside from Dubai Mall, other malls that you should check out for a date include are the Mall of the Emirates — known for its iconic indoor ski resort, cinema, various dining options, and a wide selection of international brands, and The Beach — a waterfront mall located in the vibrant Jumeirah Beach Residence area featuring a beach promenade, beachfront restaurants, and an outdoor cinema.

18. Paint at Cafe Ceramique

For a wholesome date idea, schedule a painting session at Cafe Ceramique. Part café and part artist studio, this place offers comfortable seating areas, good food, and painting activity where you can pick up a ceramic and paint it with your own masterpiece art!

Cafe Ceramique is mostly popular among families and friend groups, but it’s equally welcoming to couples who want to unwind, enjoy an activity together, and unleash their inner artists.

19. Explore Al Fahidi Historical District

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Spending a day at the Al Fahidi Historical District is one of the best things to do in Dubai for couples who love exploring old towns. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in the cities, and it was preserved to retain its look from the 19th century to the 1970s.

Look at the heritage houses and buildings, visit art galleries and museums including the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort, and enjoy traditional Emirati dishes. You can also take a 5-minute boat ride to the other side of the creek to see where the famous gold and spice souks are.

The Al Fahidi Historical District can be explored on your own. There are also guided tours where you can learn more about its history and culture.

20. Spend an afternoon at the Love Lake

The Love Lake is one of the most romantic spots in Dubai. It’s located in Al Qudra and offers a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Love Lake is a man-made lake designed in the shape of two intertwined hearts, as seen in an aerial view. It offers basic facilities for picnics such as shaded areas and picnic tables, jogging and cycling tracks, and bird-watching opportunities. It’s a great place to take leisurely walks, enjoy good meals, and watch the sun setting down the picturesque desert landscape.

21. Take a dancing lesson

For couples who love dancing or just experiencing new things together, signing up for a dancing lesson is a great idea. There are plenty of dance studios in Dubai specializing in popular styles such as hip hop, contemporary, jazz, salsa, ballroom, ballet, belly dancing, and Latin dances.

You can choose to book a group lesson or private lesson, depending on your comfort level. A group lesson is a fun way to learn dancing with other people, while a private lesson is often customized to your goals.

Tips for couples in Dubai

Planning a romantic vacation in Dubai soon? Here are important things you should know:

• Despite its many advances, there are still things that you cannot do in Dubai. This includes PDA such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing in public. In addition, women are expected to dress modestly. You can wear modern outfits as long as they are not short, tight, or skimpy or exposes a lot of skin.
• Unmarried couples are expected to stay in different hotels. Staying in a room (or a hotel) together is considered illegal.

This list should give you plenty of ideas for romantic things to do in Dubai for couples! Do you have other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below!