Whether it’s your honeymoon or you and your partner is just looking for a break from monotony, a visit to Dubai with your beloved is certain to rekindle your love for each other and take your romance to the next level.
In fact, there are so many romantic things to do in Dubai that it has recently featured among the world’s highly acclaimed romantic destinations such as Paris, Bruges, and Venice. And to get you started, I have picked 15 of the most romantic things to do in Dubai.
1. Dress Up for a Romantic Dinner at Burj Al Arab
There is no better way to start your Dubai vacation than with a breathtaking culinary experience at Burj Al Arab. This seven-star, sail-shaped hotel is one of the city icons, and dining at one of its sumptuous venues is a surefire way to delight your love. If your pocket is deep, go for the best with the hotel’s special Dinner by Moonlight! It allows you to enjoy a lavish three-course menu (European or Arabian cuisines) in the absolute privacy of its 18th floor.
2. Explore Downtown Dubai, Visit Burj Khalifa & See the Dubai Fountain Show
Yes, you can cover all these and more in a day. Downtown Dubai is the modern heart of the emirate where an entire neighborhood is dominated by the most stunning and stylish attractions. You can walk along its elegant boulevards or board the classic red Dubai Trolley to have a quick glimpse of this 500-acre classy district.
Burj Khalifa- The Jewel Of Dubai
When it comes to its main attractions, Burj Khalifa tops the list! Most visit this 828-meter-high glossy structure for its elevator ride which is considered among the fastest in the world and the observation decks on 124th, 125th and 148th level. It will not only enchant you both with the best city skyline views but also heighten your romance. Just make sure that you ditch weekends / holidays and peak hours for your Burj Khalifa visit.
Before or after this, save some (more) time to explore Dubai Mall! It’s the world’s biggest mall and has over a thousand outlets plus a vast array of dining, leisure and entertainment attractions. Chill at Dubai Ice Rink, discover the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, get the best views over Dubai Fountain and surroundings from the balcony at Apple Store, among many others.
Before you leave Downtown Dubai, grab the best spot to take in the astonishingly choreographed Dubai Fountain Show which is sure to stimulate your senses.
3. Watch the astonishing La Perle by Dragone
La Perle by Dragone is undoubtedly the most romantic of all shows in Dubai. This approximately 90-minute Cirque du Soleil-style extravaganza features heart-stopping acts by a brilliant crew of aerialists, acrobats etc balanced out with an exceptional production quality. Its venue, the Al Habtoor City’s Atrium complex and the built water stage (containing 2.7 million gallon water) itself is an attraction in its own right.
4. Embark on a dhow cruise
Dubai is most majestic and romantic once the sun sets and the city lights up. And this should be best experienced with your beloved from water on an exquisite dhow cruise along the history-steeped Dubai Creek or the uber stylish Dubai Marina.
The approximately two-hour long cruise will sail you past some of the city’s claims to fame, which are as diverse as the ancient structures and old-world souks to the avant-garde commercial and residential buildings. Relish buffet dining, enjoy unlimited refreshments, and take in traditional shows, before you wrap up your special evening in Dubai.
5. Marvel at Dubai Miracle Garden
Traveling to Dubai between November and March? This wondrous lush garden should be top on your Dubai program. For those who don’t know, it’s the world’s biggest natural garden and spans for over 72,000 square meters. So be prepared to be enveloped by millions of colorful flowers of almost all sizes and shapes as you both stroll hand in hand along its several themed gardens and fall in love all over again.
6. Get the best views from Dubai’s Rooftops
Finest food, killer drinks / cocktails, the dreamiest backdrop, and the striking sky-high views – what more could you ask for to jazz up your romantic holiday in Dubai?
Of all, At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa is breathtaking for its swish settings and awe-inspiring views over Arabian Gulf and city skyline. If open-air rooftop dining is what you’re looking for, the cool settings of Cielo Sky Lounge (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club) and Zeta (Address Downtown) are just unbeatable. But, for a touch of Arabian hospitality and luxury, you can head to the Rooftop Terrace at One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel or Al Sarab Lounge at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
7. Catch Pont des Arts in Dubai
Anyone romantic at heart would surely have Paris’ legendary Pont des Arts Bridge and its love-lock tradition on their bucketlist. And the great news is that couples can try this iconic experience now in Dubai, thanks to its Love Lock Bridge which is an exact replica of the one in Paris. You’ll find this bridge built over a charming man-made lake in Al Khawaneej area. Be sure to visit this place; it’s still one of Dubai’s best-kept secrets.
8. Hide Away on a Desert Safari
Dubai desert safari is not an ordinary tour; it’s a trip to the region’s magical desert landscape, supremely isolated and shielded away from the glamorous part of the city. With several heart-racing activities and cultural experiences to excite all your senses, a desert safari in Dubai is a unique adventure that will be imprinted in your memory forever.
There is dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking, and many traditional performances (like Tanura and belly dance). There are morning and evening desert safaris, but nothing comes closer to an overnight desert safari which is packaged with all the thrill elements plus camping facilities beneath the desert sky.
9. Travel back in time at Dubai’s Al Bastakiya Quarter
The beautifully preserved Al Bastakiya or Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (in Bur Dubai region) may not seem like a place for couples. But this age-old quarter is one of the most romantic spots for a reason. A visit here offers you both a pleasant retreat from all the crowd and chaos of Dubai however without actually leaving the city. As a bonus, you can admire its traditional sandstone structures and discover many museum and art galleries that transport you to the region’s humble past.
10. Set out on an aerial adventure
What’s more romantic than going airborne and appreciating the jaw-dropping city sights from astonishing heights? This activity is specially catered for couples who get to enjoy a birds eye view of Dubai. There are several ways to make this happen. The most classic way is to go on a seaplane or helicopter ride.
Want to add a unique thrill to it? Consider a hot air balloon ride over the pristine and protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve; the unequaled desert scenery, solitude, and quietude that awaits you on this experience are indescribable and just beyond your imaginations.
There are more options by way of parasailing and the longest of its kind XLine Dubai zipline adventure. But if you both want to go extreme, think no further; sign up for a tandem Sky Dive session over the palm-tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah Island.
11. Relax at the Beaches
Beaches are integral to any romantic holiday, and Dubai luckily has plenty of them. From the most visited Jumeirah Beach and the most captivating Umm Suqeim Beach to the vibrant Kite Beach and the trendiest La Mer Beach, each of Dubai’s beaches will instantly sweep you off your feet with its pristine waters, white sands, and laid-back ambience.
12. Enjoy Water Activities
From white-knuckle flyboarding and jet packing sessions to the boisterous banana boat ride and donut boat ride to the placid kayaking tours, you can choose to make your water adventure in Dubai as extreme, fun-filled or relaxed as possible.
13. Experience Snow at Ski Dubai
Dubai’s reputation as a thrill seekers’ paradise is partly due to its world-class theme parks, mainly IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts. Now if you both are not much into theme parks or dizzying rollercoaster rides, make sure that you don’t miss Ski Dubai. You won’t regret spending some quality time at this snow-themed indoor park where you can participate in all kinds of winter / snow activities (even in blazing summer months).
14. Indulge in a pampering couple’s spa
A pampering therapeutic massage with your partner right next to you is one of the absolute must-dos on your romantic Dubai trip. Fortunately, most of the city’s top spas (including Amara Spa, Armani Hotel Spa, Anantara Spa, Heavenly Spa, SensAsia, and Talise Ottoman Spa) offer all-inclusive packages, invigorating treatments, and tranquil suites exclusively designed for couples. Beyond the romance aspect, this assures you a comforting, body-and-soul restoring session after all the hectic outings and adrenaline pumping actions during your holiday.
15. Shop at Malls and Souks
Complete your romantic holiday in Dubai with a special gift for your spouse. For the top of the line brands or choicest merchandise, visit Dubai’s lavish malls featuring boutiques and outlets of all your favorite brands. Must-experiences include Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Wafi Mall, and Burjuman Centre. But if it’s a rare souvenir or statement jewelry you’re looking for, be sure to check out the stores tucked away in the alleys of the city’s souks or traditional bazaars, such as Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, Textile Souk, and Spice Souk.
Passionate about travel, Neha effortlessly blends her experiences with writing. She is a post graduate in Mass Communication. She loves adventure, travel and music. Head over to her blog dubaiwikia.com for all things Dubai.