If you’re on the lookout for date ideas with a difference in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, start here.
Being in love in the middle of this month brings plenty of clichés, but luckily for couples across the country, the Valentine’s Day offerings are more diverse than ever. Ready to mark the occasion with something special? Here, we’ve put together a list of ideas that will appeal to the adventurer, the foodie, the bohemian, the wellness seeker, and more.
Something Aerial
For a celebration that you won’t soon forget, take to the skies with Hero Balloon Flights. Available from 14 to 16 February, the aptly named Love is in the Air Valentine’s Day experience is priced at AED 3,900 per couple and combines the charm of a shared hot air balloon adventure with romantic touches — think luxury transfers in a Land Rover Defender, an in-flight falcon show, a themed breakfast, roses and handwritten love notes, a welcome reception featuring a saxophonist, and more.
DSCVR: Love is in the Air Valentine’s Day experience, Hero Balloon Flights, Dubai @heroballoonsdubai
Something Anatolian
Storied hospitality meets culinary artistry to celebrate the month of love at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, translating to a feast of Anatolian flavours at Rüya and signature cocktails soundtracked by live jazz at The St. Regis Bar. Now’s the time to discover delicacies such as Oscietra caviar with Turkish labneh, truffle börek, and Australian grain-fed rib-eye infused with Turkish coffee and isot rub for a sharing-style set menu that’s priced AED 999 per couple. And if you’re not ready to call it a night after dinner, make your way to The St. Regis Bar to try Rose’s Secret, a limited-time addition to the venue’s cocktail menu. Created especially for Valentine’s Day, it features a perfectly balanced infusion of gin, lemon, strawberry syrup, and chamomile and will only be served from 10 to 16 February.
DSCVR: The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. @stregisdubaithepalm @ruyadubai
Something Beachy
Whether you and your beau retreat to a private beachfront tent or opt for a spot on its charming terrace, Tamoka is pairing culinary decadence with seaside elegance for Valentine’s Day. Starting from AED 599 for Guillardeau oysters and a bottle of Prosecco at the Beach Lounge, there are four packages to choose from, the loftiest of which includes a 60-minute couple’s massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The specially crafted four-course menu, meanwhile, spans Josephine oysters, Oscietra caviar, sautéed Wagyu tenderloin, and rose lava cake.
DSCVR: Tamoka, Al Mamsha Street, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai. @tamokadubai
Something Bohemian
Cacao has been a symbol of the deep connection between hearts and souls in the sacred lands of Central and South America, so, at Casa Amor, couples will share this ceremonial drink to mark Valentine’s Day. Also on the roster at this bohemian-inspired social beach house and restaurant located just steps away from the sea? A live Bossa Nova band and five-course tasting menu, complete with one welcome cocktail, signature creations like Wagyu Beef Striploin and Yucatán Cod Fish, a selection of tempting desserts, and a special gift for AED 650 per person.
DSCVR: Casa Amor, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. @casaamordubai
Something Candlelit
Celebrate your special someone in the soft glow of flickering candles at the beachfront lawn of Lemoni Garden by Sontaya, where Fever is hosting a Valentine’s Day Special under the stars. A multi-sensory performance by Snezana Ivkovic’s String Quartet will span 65 minutes and feature some of the most romantic songs in history — “Unchained Melody”, “Shallow”, “La Vie En Rose”, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” included. And if the likes of King Crab Salad and Miso-Glazed Black Cod sound appealing, you can also upgrade the experience with dinner at Sontaya.
DSCVR: Lemoni Garden by Sontaya, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi @fever_global
Something Glitzy
If it’s good enough for the Michelin Guide, then you know it’s right for romance — Ray’s Grill is getting ready to up the ante for Valentine’s Day, and there are two packages for couples to choose from. There’s the Elevated Valentine’s Experience that features a specially crafted four-course set menu, perfectly paired with a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival as well as skyline views that never get old. Priced AED 900 per couple, the culinary journey will expectedly be rooted in what Ray’s Grill does best — quality produce and premium cuts of meats from American grain-fed cattle. Alternatively, you can splurge for the Private Valentine’s Dining Experience that’s priced AED 1,650 per couple and will also include a bouquet of roses, a bottle of French bubbles, and the ultimate luxury of dining in complete privacy.
DSCVR: Ray’s Grill. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi @raysgrill.conradetihadtowers
Something Illustrated
Offering one of the city’s leading rooftop experiences, CÉ LA VI is elevating the day of love with a whole host of extras to accent the contemporary Asian dishes on the à la carte menu and a meticulously crafted dessert created exclusively for Valentine’s Day, Strawberry Temptation. Striking views of Burj Khalifa aside, the evening will include a candlelit dinner, a live pianist while you dine, and roses for every woman. Bonus: your celebration will be captured by a live illustrator, making for a memorable portrait to take home. Take note, though: there’s a minimum spend of AED 1,000 per person.
DSCVR: CÉ LA VI, Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai. @celavidubai
Something Intimate
For an extended celebration of Cupid’s favourite day, the Dine Stay Love package at InterContinental Dubai Marina is the perfect blend of love and luxury, accenting a one-night getaway with romantic details at every turn. Your journey will begin with a beautifully decorated room overlooking the glittering marina, complete with floral arrangements, heart-shaped balloons, and welcome champagne. Next comes the Night Brunch of Love at Accents restaurant, where you and your better half can raise a toast to love with a sparkling package for two, accompanied by the melodies of a live singer performing timeless romantic classics. Priced AED 2,200 per couple, the experience culminates with the guiltiest hotel pleasure of all: a lofty breakfast in bed.
DSCVR: InterContinental Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. @icdubaimarina @accentsrestaurant
Something Nautical
A contemporary interpretation of the traditional Middle Eastern dhow cruise, Nara on the Sea recently debuted to rave reviews, so this Valentine’s Day, consider going aboard the Lady Nara dhow for a sunset cruise unlike any other in Dubai. Gourmet dining takes centre stage, and guests are treated to a curated selection of canapés that blend Mediterranean flavours with an Emirati twist. Departing from Dubai Festival City’s harbour, you’ll sail past notable landmarks such as the Ras Al Khor mangroves, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Canal waterfall bridge, taking in the beauty of the city from the comfort of a luxury, two-deck dhow.
DSCVR: Lady Nara, Nara on the Sea, Dubai. @naraonthesea
Something Novel
In a city as opulent as Dubai, premium cuts of meat are hardly a novelty, but Akabeko stands apart as the city’s first tabletop Yakiniku Japanese restaurant, serving world-class A5 Wagyu with a nose-to-tail approach. For this Valentine’s Day, it has designed a special Spring Set menu that is priced AED 950 for two and celebrates the art of kaiseki dining, a philosophy where every dish tells a story through flavour, presentation and seasonality. A reimagined hassun (or seasonal) platter aside, diners will enjoy Akabeko’s signature chef’s choice Japanese A5 Wagyu platter, shimeji miso soup, and a choice of two gohan. A dessert platter has been created just for the occasion, too.
DSCVR: Akabeko, voco Dubai The Palm, Dubai. @akabeko_dxb
Something Red
Another celebration that’s perfect for Japanophiles, Attiko is set to turn red this Valentine’s Day, drawing inspiration from the ‘Red String of Fate’ for its dedicated menu. This Japanese legend, for the uninitiated, is rooted in soulmates, claiming that two individuals who are destined to fall in love are tied together with an invisible red thread. Priced at a rather affordable AED 425 per couple (food only), the set menu is packed with sumptuous options such as oysters, caviar, and Wagyu and truffle tartare. Dining amongst heart-shaped floral arrangements with panoramic views of Dubai is just the proverbial cherry on top.
DSCVR: Attiko, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai. @attikodubai
Something Secluded
The dramatic beauty of windswept dunes never gets old, making Valentine’s Day at Mesa in Terra Solis a great choice for couples looking to escape the grind of city life — even if it’s only for a few hours. Here, a romantic evening translates to a specially curated dinner and free-flowing wines to set the mood in the heart of the desert. Priced AED 750 per couple, the four-course menu spans dishes such as Salmon Crudo, Saffron Infused Prawns, Stuffed Bell Peppers, and Chocolate Fondue.
DSCVR: Terra Solis, Dubai Heritage Vision Exit – 29 Jebel Ali, Dubailand, Dubai @terrasolisdubai
Something Sky-High
Romance reaches new heights as Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal hosts Valentine’s Day in the clouds, promising an exclusive dining experience served with a side of the city’s most captivating views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Sea. Designed for those with a penchant for life’s finest things, the evening will feature a candlelit landscape, with a live pianist and singer setting the scene. Couples then get cosy in their private cabana while indulging in a four-course menu and beverage pairing. Prices range from AED 12,500 per couple (Gulf View Cabana) to AED 20,000 per couple (East Palm View Cabana).
DSCVR: Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. @cloud22dubai
Something Soothing
If uninterrupted time together takes precedence over exchanging gifts in your relationship, then Anantara Spa at Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara is where it’s at. This luxurious sanctuary has designed an exclusive spa package that’s designed for two (priced AED 2,000 per couple) in honour of Valentine’s Day. You’ll begin with a warm and nourishing 30-minute milk bath, toasting to romance with flutes of champagne before unwinding further with a 60-minute Anantara Signature Massage, a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western techniques utilised to melt away tension and restore balance.
DSCVR: Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara, Abu Dhabi. @anantaraqasralsarab
Something Theatrical
For couples craving more than merely a romantic meal, an enchanting evening is in the works at The Showhouse. This dinner-and-a-show destination is hosting a Valentine’s Day special. You’ll make your way through three courses accompanied by expertly curated wine pairings, all while being entertained by a two-hour live performance for only AED 500 per person. Magic, music, romance, dining, and cutting-edge screen technology — it all awaits at this Parisian-style cabaret experience in Dubai Marina.
DSCVR: The Showhouse, InterContinental Dubai Marina, Dubai. @showhousedubai
