Looking to give your Valentine’s Day a serious upgrade? This year, ditch the predictable, grab your partner (and maybe a sense of adventure), and try something that’ll deepen your connection. Think floating movie nights by the sea, hands-on pasta-making workshops, and even rainforest sleepovers. Intrigued? Good. Because we’re about to unveil some of the UAE’s most unexpected ways to celebrate love, guaranteed to keep your sweetheart guessing and grinning. Prepare to fall head over heels (again).
Scroll down to discover seven unique Valentine’s Day date activities in the UAE.
FLOATING MOVIE NIGHT
Dinner and a movie? Too basic. Try a boat and a movie instead. Machia Vellii‘s floating cinema, Floté in Umm Al Quwain, lets you watch classic films while lounging in a private boat, complete with plush seating, a table, and ambient lighting. As the sun dips below the horizon, settle in with gourmet snacks delivered straight to your little boat. The setting? A serene mangrove beach, making it feel like you’re in your own private island screening. It’s cozy, it’s chic, and it’s far from your average Netflix night.
PASTA-MAKING WORKSHOP
Nothing says “amore” like making pasta from scratch with your Valentine. At Sagra Italian Pastificio, a charming little spot in Jumeirah, you’ll learn the art of handcrafting fresh pasta under the guidance of expert chefs. This unique Valentine’s Day date allows you to roll, cut, and shape your way to culinary perfection before indulging in your homemade masterpiece. It’s hands-on, a little messy, and undeniably romantic.
GLAMPING IN THE DESERT
For couples who love the idea of adventure but draw the line at actual camping, Moon Retreat is the answer. Tucked away in the Mleiha desert, Sharjah, this secluded glamping spot offers domes and private tents with panoramic desert views, which are perfect for couples looking to escape the city. Spend the day exploring Mleiha’s ancient landscapes, then wind down with a private dinner on your terrace. With most tents featuring temperature-controlled pools, you can even go for aswim under the starry sky.
VALENTINE’S IN THE SKY
For a love story that’s written in the stars—literally—Cloud 22 at Atlantis, The Royal is offering an ultra-luxe Valentine’s experience with jaw-dropping views of Dubai’s skyline. For a unique Valentine’s Day date, head to Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal. Nestle into a private cabana with breathtaking city views, indulge in a four-course feast and get serenaded by live music. Sure, it’ll set you back a pretty penny (with packages starting at AED 12,500), but what’s a little splurge when you’re literally on top of the world?
RAINFOREST CAMPING
Tropical vibes in the middle of the city? You bet. At Green Planet Dubai, you can sign up for an overnight rainforest adventure, complete with a nocturnal animal tour, scavenger hunt, and toasted marshmallows. In the morning, help feed the animals, then treat yourself to breakfast at the on-site café. It’s like living out your childhood dream without the mosquito bites.
A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
If you’re going all out, a private balloon ride with 1,000 red roses should do the trick. This splurge-worthy journey with Hero Balloon Flights, priced at AED 40,000, includes canapés, a falcon show, and a Michelin-star breakfast. But if you’re not ready to break the bank, a more wallet-friendly shared option is available at AED 3,900 per couple. Either way, floating above the desert at sunrise is the definition of an epic date flex.
PAINT AND SIP
For yet another unique Valentine’s Day date night, make your way to Chival La Ville’s ‘Paint & Sip’ event. Here, you and your partner will recreate a masterpiece with a paintbrush in one hand and a drink in the other. Yes, you might end up with a Picasso-level creation or something that looks like a finger painting, but you’ll both be laughing either way. For AED 390 per person, the experience includes a pre-sketched canvas, all painting materials, three hours of guided instruction, your choice of beverages, plus a selection of canapés.
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