The Perfect Plan For Valentine’s Day In Dubai
Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day for your loved one isn’t an easy feat, more so when it falls on a weekday. Dubai has some wonderful eateries and activities for you to enjoy with your special someone on Valentine’s Day. But when you have a few precious hours before your ‘weekday bedtime’, where should you go? We give you some great Valentine’s Day ideas to celebrate in Dubai, then we leave it up to you to pick the one that you and your Valentine will like best.
The Classic ‘Dinner & A Movie’
Nothing beats the age-old formula of a great movie and romantic dinner. But it can’t just be another movie date followed by a meal. Splurge a little and make it special when planning Valentine’s Day. The amazing weather is perfect to watch a movie at one of these outdoor cinemas in Dubai and try making dinner reservations well in advance at an elegant restaurant you will both love.
Where To Go:
Dinner at Pad Thai, Madinat Jumeirah
Pad Thai, or really anything in Jumeirah Al Qasr, sets a magical vibe with an abra boat ride to take you to the restaurant. Pick outdoor seating on the terrace for tranquil views of Madinat’s waterways.
Valentine’s Day 2018 Special: Four-course sharing menu and live entertainment starting at AED 1,000 per couple.
Timings: 14th February, 6 PM onwards
Catch A Movie in Outdoor at Galleria – VOX Cinemas, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah
Catch a movie under the stars in VOX Cinemas rooftop cinema, Outdoor at Galleria. Comfy seating and the amazing weather makes for a relatively off-beat movie experience, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Did we mention you can also order additional food from their á la carte menu? That is, of course, if you still have an appetite, after your lovely dinner. Book a VIP Couch package for two for AED 316 which includes a food and drink pack for you both to snack on.
For The Artsy Ones
Dubai has a buzzing art scene and many places around town offer activities for those who have an artistic streak. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a splash of creativity? Pair it with great food and a souvenir (made by you) to take home, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Valentine’s Day!
Where To Go:
Enjoy Some Art & Music at Iris Dubai, The Oberoi Hotel
One of the coolest spots in town is hosting a fun-filled event for those who have a creative flair. Iris Dubai’s Wine & Paint night will take place on the eve of Valentine’s Day 2018. Whether you’re heading there with a special someone or your friends, you can enjoy a fun night with a live band and your own canvas to portray your painting skills (with a few tips from an onsite instructor).
Price for Valentine’s Day special is AED 369 per person including two drinks. Also, you get to take your masterpiece home at the end of your evening. A live band performance will perk things up as the evening moves along.
An Evening Of Opera
Those with a taste for drama and performing arts can spend Valentine’s eve celebrating what they love: Lady Theatre. Dubai has some wonderful productions open to its residents all year round. This Valentine’s Day 2018, you can catch one of the shows in the city for an entertaining evening.
Where To Go:
Catch a show of AÏDA at Dubai Opera
Nothing’s more soul-stirring than a tale of forbidden love. Watch Polish Opera, Aïda, in the spectacular Dubai Opera for an evening you’ll remember and cherish for months. The show is performed in Italian with English surtitles.
On Valentine’s Day, the show starts at 8 PM with tickets starting from AED 350. Runtime is about 3 hours and 25 minutes (including two 20 minutes intervals).
Dinner Away From City Lights
Sometimes you just want a quiet dinner away from the hustle bustle of the city. Treat your loved one to an exclusive dinner that is just that. And if you think you’ll have to spend hours getting to a quiet destination, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. This year Dubai has some great deals that are slightly closer to home.
Where To Go:
Private Dinner At Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa
The beautiful Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa is a great way to escape the city any time of the year. On Valentine’s Day, specifically, the resort’s location tucked away in the desert makes the perfect backdrop to enjoy a private dinner under the stars. It will cost you a pretty penny but a romantic dinner in a tent away from the city is worth it.
Prices for exclusive ‘Romantic Tent Dinner’ start from AED 5,250, inclusive of VAT and other service charges. A professional photographer will also be on-site to capture special moments. Timings: 7 PM to midnight on 14th February.
The resort also has Valentine’s Day 2018 offers at its other restaurants, all with great views of the desert. Prices for these are relatively lower, starting from AED 580.
A Little Bit Of Paris In Dubai
Any mention of Valentine’s Day is incomplete without bringing up the city of love. Paris is synonymous with all things romantic and, unsurprisingly, no one does romance like the French. Experience the Parisian charm this Valentine’s Day, without going too far from home, at one of the numerous French eateries around Dubai.
Where To Go:
Try French bistro Couqley in JLT, Cluster A
This charming little bistro, nicely tucked away in JLT, makes for a relatively laidback evening. It says ‘romance’ in true Parisian style, without all the fuss of an overly-fancy restaurant. Couqley’s low-key Valentine’s dinner menu will feature regular favourites such as delicious home-made ravioli, steak-frites and, of course, ending on a sweet note of pain perdu. Dinner here will cost you a modest AED 199 per person.
Keep It Original With Something A Little Off-Beat
Tired of the same plans every year? There is an assortment of unique experiences you can check out on Valentine’s Day in Dubai. Go for something different and try one of the many unusual dining experiences you’ll find around town. You are sure to get some bonus points for treating your loved one to an unforgettable experience.
Where To Go:
Dinner In The Sky (we mean literally)
Okay, so this isn’t for the faint-hearted. But what could be a more awesome way to spend Valentine’s Day in Dubai than soaring high above the ground, overlooking the glitzy Dubai Marina? Listed by Forbes as one of the most unusual restaurants in the world, Dinner In The Sky is the quirkiest experience to try on Valentine’s Day, with your special someone by your side. Dinner sessions, of a delicious three-course meal, are priced at AED 699 on weekdays and last for 90 memorable minutes.
Other Off-Beat Valentine’s Day Ideas To Try
For those looking to try something quirky on land, check out these awesome experiences in Dubai:
- BBQ Donut, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club: If you’re looking for something fun to do on Valentine’s Day, head out to Dubai Creek and enjoy a scrumptious barbecue meal on a floating doughnut. The beautiful weather makes it the perfect time to just float along the creek, dine on good food and enjoy the stunning view.
- Noire, Fairmont Dubai: Dining in the dark is a concept made famous by pop culture, but did you know you could try it out right here in Dubai? Those looking for an off-beat way to spend Valentine’s Day can head to Noire at Fairmont for a culinary adventure. The dinner includes a three-course gourmet meal and an hour and a half of dining in the dark.
- Jumble, Al Barsha: Nothing is quite as fun-filled as an evening of mind-bending puzzles to solve. For those who are obsessed with mystery and thriller movies, this might just be the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day in Dubai. Opt for a two or four-hour pass in one of Jumble’s awesome (but maddening) mazes and experience something truly unique.
No Place Like Home
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a quiet evening with your loved one. For those easygoing ones who prefer to stay away from all the hype around Valentine’s Day this year, we’ve got you covered. Kickback with your favourite movie and order some food to spend quality time in the comfort of your home.
Here are some ideas for those planning Valentine’s Day at home:
Candle-light Dinner For Two
Nothing says love like a delicious home-cooked meal and the effort you put into making the meal special. Cook your significant other’s favourite meal and set the vibe with candles and fresh flowers on the dinner table. Serve food while it’s hot and revel in the compliments.
Order A Heart-Shaped Pizza From zpizza
For those who are laidback and prefer love with a slice of pizza, you can order a yummy heart-shaped treat to your doorstep. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, zpizza, located in Al Barsha and Business Bay, has launched this special edition pizza to spruce things up even if you decide to stay in. Prices vary based on the toppings you and your special someone prefer and are at the same rate as the large pizzas offered at the Californian pizzeria.
That’s all of our recommendations for things to do on Valentine’s Day 2018. But enough from us, tell us how you’re planning to spend Valentine’s Day in Dubai.
There’s plenty to do in the city this Valentine’s month. Check out our roundup of events happening in Dubai in February.
