Dubai for couples: the most romantic things to do

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

You can go stargazing in the desert, buckle up for a couple’s zipline across the Marina, see Dubai’s stunning landmarks on a unique tour, or fly high above it all for a breathtaking perspective. In this guide, you’ll find amazing anniversary, honeymoon, and date night ideas. Whatever the occasion, start planning a perfectly romantic trip with these romantic activities in Dubai.

1. Explore historic Dubai on a mouthwatering culinary tour

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

Best time to go:

This tour runs all year round, but is most enjoyable between October and March when it isn’t too hot.

2. Dune bash, camel ride, and stargaze in the desert

On this thrilling day-long desert safari adventure, experience dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicles 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 astronomers telescope for a closer look.

Best time to go:

You can enjoy this safari at any time of year, but between October and April are the most enjoyable as the summer heat can be overpowering. Take an extra layer as the desert temperatures can dip sharply after dark. Some activities may be limited during Ramadan.

3. Captain your own love boat

Why not splash out on this thrilling self-drive boat trip take captain your own vessel? Cruising at up to 60 kilometers per hour, you'll pass the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel 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.

Best time to go:

You can do this year-round, but in the hot summer months you should take extra precautions with the high temperatures and strong sun.

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. This amazing helicoper 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.

Best time to go:

Daytime is good for a clear view, but golden hour is spectacular to 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 1 kilometer, with breathtaking views the whole way. Don’t worry about snapping your partner’s screams either — the experience will be fully documented with photos and video you can take home.

Best time to go:

It's best to arrive early for this one in order to miss the lines, but early evening is also good to catch the city and marina during golden hour.

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 in front of you and take in the incredible views of of the Palm, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, and the city skyline. If you want to catch the end of golden hour, choose the early slot to see the city light up as you eat.

Best time to go:

If you want to catch the end of golden hour, choose the early slot to see the city light up as you eat.

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 are safe comfy at all times.

Best time to go:

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 wheter you want day or night views.

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 the Atlantis and Burj Al Arab 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.

Best time to go:

As you'll be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the time of day won't affect you, but a 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 a Al Marmoon Oasis experience with cabana or luxury tent and bedouin dinner and you'll get to savor traditional Arabic cuisine and watch the sunset over the dunes, while local musicians serenade you with Emirati folk songs.

Best time to go:

The desert gets very hot in the daytime and cold at night throughout the year, so appropriate clothing is a must. 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 Arabian Desert landscape, you'll witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. It’s such a beautiful sight, you’ll easily fall in love all over again, or be inspired to propose.

Best time to go:

This is a great experience to do in summer, 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 a luxury yacht, 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 look over 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.