10 Unusual Date Ideas To Try In Dubai

Move over Paris: Dubai is the city of romance. Although it may not appear so from the brochures promoting big shopping sprees, skyscrapers and a long list of clubs and bar, this Emirate actually has several places ideal for spending quality time with their significant other. Sure, you could opt for a chilled out high-end meal, but why not check out some of these more usual date ideas instead?

1. Dubai Miracle Garden

Botanical Garden

Houses covered in flowers at Miracle Garden Dubai

Flowers, hearts and everything one needs for a romantic afternoon for two. This is the perfect date for lovers getting to know each other, as they can walk around the Dubai Miracle Garden, chat, and admire the largest flower arrangement in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). There are also a few vendors from which to grab a quick bite.

Bateaux Dubai

Who hasn’t watched Titanic and wished they were Jack and Rose (minus the dying at sea part, of course)? Bateaux Dubai is a floating, air-conditioned restaurant that gives diners the experience of sailing through one of Dubai’s most important and beautiful sites, the Dubai Creek, while enjoying a fine dinner and drinks.

Hot air balloon ride

For those who feel they are on cloud nine in love, why not make this feeling more literal and actually head up into the sky? Taking a hot air ballon ride over the endless sand dunes is a memorable Dubai experience. Private and group trips are available. A hot air ballon ride also makes for an ideal proposal scene, so why not hit up the Gold Souk and look at rings before or after?

Overnight desert safari

Dubai has no shortage of desert safari companies, which are popular with tourists. Staying overnight in the desert can make for a fun date. Dine in the desert, dune bash, ride camels, and watch belly dancing shows, all while enjoying each other’s company.

Spa date

For couples looking to relax together and feel refreshed, hit up one of Dubai’s luxury spas. There are hundreds around the city, most with couples’ suites that include massages, hot tubs, saunas and more. This is the perfect date for those not only wanting to pamper their loved one but also themselves.

2. Green Planet

Forest

The Green Planet is an indoor tropical rainforest populated with over 3,000 species of plants and animals. This is the perfect date for couples who love being in nature and learning more about it, as the staff are happy to share their knowledge. Besides, who doesn’t want to see a sloth? This might be the perfect way to convince your partner that you definitely need a pet.

The Green Planet, City Walk, Al Wasl, +971 4 317 3999

3. Dubai Opera

Opera House

There’s perhaps nothing more romantic than getting all dressed up and going to the opera with your loved one. The Dubai Opera is one of the most beautiful buildings in Dubai, offering some of the biggest shows from around the world. It has held musicals such as Les Miserables and operas like La Boheme, making it the ideal place for those who love all things culture and music, as well as people looking for a luxurious date experience.

Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Downtown Dubai, +971 4 440 8888

Model of the new Dubai Opera House | © Michael Mayer/Flickr

4. The Farm in Al Barari

Restaurant

Going out to lunch is one of the oldest date ideas in the book, but at The Farm you get unique views of the beautiful gardens of Al Barari and greenery that is a world away from the deserts of Dubai. Located outdoors and right next to a small lake, surrounded by plants and flowers, The Farm makes for an ideal and delicious lunch date, with a great menu.

The Farm, Al Barari, +971 4 392 5660

5. Skydiving

This date will certainly be a bonding experience, as couples get over their fears together as they jump out of an airplane. All adrenaline lovers should skydive at least once in their lifetime, so why not at Skydive Dubai? It’ll be a great conversation piece with friends at the next dinner party, too.

Skydive Dubai, Al Sufouh, +971 4 377 8888

6. Camping at the Hatta Dam

There’s just something about setting up tents, roasting marshmallows and staring at the stars that brings couples together and makes for a romantic experience. Camping can be done in one of the most beautiful places in the UAE: the Hatta Dam, in the region of Hatta, on the outskirts of Dubai. Escape the city and spend the night underneath the clear skies while enjoying each other’s company away from the rush and traffic.

Hatta Dam

Hatta Dam | © Bassem JARKAS/Flickr

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