Romantic things to do in Dubai: Date ideas for every couple

Dubai is a dream destination for many kinds of travelers, but couples visiting the city are especially spoiled when it comes to romantic experiences. Whether you’re an adventurous couple who wants an action-packed trip or you want to take things easy with awesome views and wonderful food, Dubai has you covered.

You can stargaze in the desert, see Dubai’s stunning landmarks on a unique tour, or fly high above it all for a breathtaking perspective. Find amazing anniversary, honeymoon, and date night ideas, as well as a full guide to romantic activities in Dubai for planning a romantic trip.

Discover Dubai’s romantic side

Showstopping romantic activities for special occasions: A luxurious private desert safari at sunset.

Romantic neighborhoods to explore on date night: Stroll through the charming streets of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood.

Secret spots for romantic moments: Discover the serene beauty of the Dubai Miracle Garden.

The best things to do as a couple

1. Explore historic Dubai on a mouthwatering culinary tour

Tasting local delicacies and learning about spices as you go on a tour that takes you through Dubai flavors and the world-famous Spice Souk and Textile Souk. You have plenty to eat as you go, sampling the best Arabic flavors and having dinner by Dubai Creek. You’ll get beautiful views of the city from a traditional abra boat, Dubai’s oldest form of water transport.

Hot tip

For a more intimate experience, book a private tour and enjoy a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the historic district of Al Fahidi.

2. Have a desert adventure with a romantic twist

Have a day-long desert safari adventure with your loved one, experiencing dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle across the Lahbab Red Dunes, camel rides, and a BBQ dinner and amazing entertainment at the stunning Al Khayma Desert Camp. At the end of the day, when the sky is black and filled with stars, you’ll have a magical moment to lie back and stargaze or look through an astronomer’s telescope for a closer look.

Hot tip

Bring a blanket for a cozy stargazing session, and find a quiet spot away from the camp for a more private experience. Some activities may be limited during Ramadan.

3. Captain your own love boat

Why not splash out on a thrilling self-drive boat trip to captain your own vessel? This intimate experience allows couples to explore the city’s stunning skyline and iconic landmarks from the water. Cruising up to 60 kilometers per hour, you’ll pass the iconic Burj Al Arab and the tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island. You’ll receive a full briefing beforehand so you can set off on a romantic cruise on the sea.

Hot tip

Plan your trip around sunset for breathtaking views and a truly romantic atmosphere.

The best date ideas

4. See Dubai from above on a private helicopter tour

Soar over iconic sights like Atlantis, The Palm, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Dubai Marina, and have the experience of a lifetime with your loved one by your side. An amazing helicopter flight over Dubai can be tailored to you, with private and shared flights lasting from 12 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you want to see. It’s a trip you’ll never forget.

Hot tip

Daytime is good for a clear view, but golden hour is spectacular when you can take in the sunset and see the skyscrapers light up. If you visit in winter, you can choose a timeslot around sundown.

5. Strap yourself in and fly over Dubai Marina on the world’s longest urban zip line

For an adventurous couples’ activity, fly alongside your partner on an exhilarating zipline across Dubai Marina. At speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. You’ll begin your descent 170 meters up on the famous Anwaj Tower and glide for one kilometer, with breathtaking views the whole way. Fun fact: be prepared to see lots of cranes! Don’t worry about snapping your partner’s screams either — the experience will be fully documented with photos and video you can take home.

Hot tip

Capture the moment with a GoPro to relive the excitement and share your adventure with friends.

6. Have dinner with a view high above the city

For a truly unique dining experience, reserve your place at Dinner in the Sky. At a table suspended 50 meters, or 164 feet, in the air. Watch as your chef prepares your food before you and take in the incredible views of the Palm, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, and the city skyline. If you want to catch the end of the golden hour, choose the early slot to see the city light up as you eat.

Hot tip

Reserve a window seat for the best views, and consider timing your dinner to coincide with the sunset for an extra touch of romance.

7. Have a stylish tour of the city in a cool convertible

Sit back and soak in the sights on a city tour in a chic convertible car. Choose a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro and you’ll soon have the wind in your hair as you zoom through the city streets. Pass by the world’s tallest building and Atlantis Hotel, with your driver making sure you don’t miss a thing and are always safe and comfy.

Hot ip

To avoid the notorious Dubai traffic, it’s best to organize this trip outside of rush hour — which is 6:30-8:30 AM and 5:30-8:00 PM — so around midday or night time are best, depending on whether you want to experience Dubai at night or day.

The best anniversary ideas

8. Cruise in luxury aboard a private yacht

Ever wanted to lie back on deck overlooking the cityscape from a luxury yacht? That’s exactly what you’ll do on a yacht cruise, a super romantic thing to do during your Dubai vacation. Let the crew take complete care of you and your partner as you sail past the city’s famous seven-star hotel and take in the sites of the Palm. Once anchored, you’ll get the chance to swim in the lagoon for a little slice of paradise.

Hot tip

As you’ll be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the time of day won’t affect you, but a couple of hours before sunset means spectacular views on the way back to dry land. Make sure you have plenty of sun protection whenever you go.

9. Find luxury in the Arabian Desert

What’s more romantic than a campfire under a starry night sky? Book an oasis experience at Al Marmoom with a cabana or luxury tent and bedouin dinner, and you’ll get to savor traditional Arabic cuisine and watch the sunset over the dunes. At the same time, local musicians serenade you with Emirati folk songs.

Hot tip

The desert gets very hot in the daytime and cold at night throughout the year, so appropriate clothing is necessary. On Ramadan and other Islamic holidays, certain activities are not available.

10. Float above the desert at sunrise

This once-in-a-lifetime trip takes you and the one you love 4,000 feet into the air on a hot air balloon ride over the desert. Gliding through the sky across the Lahbab Desert landscape, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. It’s such a beautiful sight, and you’ll easily fall in love all over again or be inspired to propose.

Hot tip

This is a great experience to do in summer mornings, as it is the coolest time of day. As you’ll be soaring through the air, it can be chilly in the winter months of November to April, so dress appropriately.

FAQs

What are the most romantic activities to do in Dubai?

Dubai is packed with romantic things to do. Whether you want a dreamy adventure in the desert, an exciting ride in a chauffeur-driven Ford Mustang, or a glamorous cruise on the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, there's something for you.

What are some offbeat romantic things to do in Dubai?

For something more unusual, try strolling hand-in-hand through Dubai Butterfly Garden – it’s the largest in the world. You could also take a helicopter ride over the city, where you’ll get to see the famous sights from up in the clouds.

What are the most romantic spots to watch the sunset in Dubai

Select the sunset option when booking your tickets for the observation deck in the Burj Khalifa, and you’ll get to see the romance of nightfall from the world’s tallest building. If you want something a bit wilder, take a trip to Marmoom Oasis, where you’ll watch the sunset from a Bedouin tent.

What are some romantic day trips from Dubai?

Dubai is surrounded by loads of options for romantic day trips. Set off over the desert in a hot air balloon or explore the dunes on a camel. You can also visit the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which covers 30 acres, and Qasr Al Watan Palace.

What are the best places to take romantic photos in Dubai?

There are almost too many romantic photo spots to mention. Try taking snaps as you're walking across the glass bridge that connects the two towers at the Dubai Frame. For something more down to earth, the views from a boat on Dubai Creek make the perfect backdrop for a romantic couple's photo.