Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14th. It originated as a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and is recognized as a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions around the world.
Legend states that Saint Valentine was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry. Prior to his death in 269 AD, he supposedly wrote the first “valentine” card himself, signing it as “From your Valentine,” an expression which is still used today. By the Middle Ages, it had become a tradition for friends and lovers in England and France to exchange small gifts or tokens of affection on Valentine’s Day. This included notes, poems, and hand-made cards.
In the 1800s, the practice of expressing one’s love and adoration grew in popularity thanks to the business of greeting card manufacturers. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries with the exchange of gifts, cards, flowers, chocolate and personal messages of love and affection between partners, family members and friends. It remains one of the most popular celebrations of romance worldwide.
Dubai celebrates Valentine’s Day by offering couples unique and memorable experiences. Known for luxury destinations like Burj Khalifa and lavish resorts, the city provides romantic options to make any Valentine’s Day truly special. Adventure seekers can soar over desert sands in a hot air balloon and take in sweeping views of iconic architecture. Nature lovers will find serenity exploring golden dunes on a desert safari followed by a sunset kiss under starry skies. Adrenaline junkies can elevate their date to new heights via helicopter rides over manicured coastlines and renowned racetracks.
More relaxed visits include strolls through the beautiful Miracle Garden blooming with over 150 million flowers or sailing across the glittering Dubai creek on a traditional Dhow boat while sampling regional cuisine. For those craving excitement, Dinner in the Sky suspends diners 50 meters above ground for thrilling, scenic meals. Dubai’s versatile Valentine’s destinations satisfy different interests through luxury, activities and one-of-a-kind experiences, creating lifelong memories for every couple.
Romantic places to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dubai
- Dubai Fountains: Located in front of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountains put on a dazzling choreographed display set to music. Cuddle up with your special someone and watch the lights dance to romantic songs beneath the towering skyscraper.
- Palm Jumeirah: Take a romantic stroll down the Palm’s promenade and admire the stunning views of the shimmering Arabian Gulf. Many restaurants have outdoor seating where you can dine hand-in-hand overlooking the dramatic coastline.
- Al Seef: This charming heritage waterfront offers delightful photo opportunities and traditional architecture. Wander the cobblestone paths with your loved one and take in lively boat rides along the historic Dubai Creek.
- Global Village: Enjoy strolling through this family-friendly cultural park showcasing pavilions from different countries. Ride the Ferris wheel for scenic coastal views and watch colorful parades together.
- Zero Entry Beach: A secluded public beach perfect for intimate sunset walks. Lay out a picnic and cuddle on the golden sands while waves lap at your feet. Nearby restaurants also provide scenic waterfront dining.
- Desert Safari: Experience breathtaking desert sunsets on a romantic Dubai desert safari. Snuggle up under the stars and savour Bedouin-inspired dining with your partner in the magical Arabian wilderness.
- 101 DINING LOUNGE & BAR (101 Barsha Heights): Overlooking the Dubai Canal, this chic venue offers tapas-style dishes and signature cocktails. Couples can cosy up in a private booth or on the terrace taking in sweeping skyline views.
- 88 TERRACE (Address Downtown): Situated 88 floors above Downtown Dubai, this alfresco dining terrace offers a memorable setting for an indulgent Valentine’s meal. Gaze over glowing towers while savoring Mediterranean dishes and champagnes.
- ADDRESS BEACH RESORT (JBR): Luxurious beachfront hotel with stylish restaurants and lounges ideal for relaxing Valentine’s Day getaways. Book an Ocean Deluxe room for sunrise views of the glittering Arabian Gulf from the comfort of your bed.
- ADDRESS SKY VIEW (Burj Khalifa): Impress your partner with a meal at Cé La Vi, the highest restaurant on the planet. Marvel at the incredible 360-degree city panorama 52 floors up as you dine on French-Asian infusions.
- AKIRA BACK (Dubai International Financial Centre): Intimate Japanese ‘izakaya’-style venue serving robatayaki cuisine and sushi. Couples can sit at the counter and watch the masters at work before private dining upstairs.
- ATLANTIS THE PALM – OSSIANO (Palm Jumeirah): Unwind on the shores of the Lost Chambers Aquarium beneath surreal coral bloom lighting displays. Savor exquisite seafood with sweeping lagoon and coastline backdrops.
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Here are a few highly recommended restaurants in Dubai for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner
- Cé La Vi (Address Sky View): Perched on the 52nd floor of the Address Sky View tower, Cé La Vi offers incredible 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline. It’s the highest restaurant in the world, making it ideal for champagne toasts while gazing at the glittering city below.
- Zuma Dubai (Dubai International Financial Centre): Contemporary Japanese cuisine in a sleek setting of wood and stone, with private tatami booths providing intimate dining. Regularly tops lists as one of Dubai’s most romantic spots.
- Pierre by Alain Ducasse (St. Regis Dubai): Renowned French chef Alain Ducasse’s restaurant exemplifies fine dining with a menu focused on premium ingredients and exquisite presentations. Secluded booths create a peaceful ambience.
- BICE (Dubai International Financial Centre): Renowned Italian brand with an excellent wine selection and creative twists on classic Italian dishes. Beautiful interiors and an outdoor terrace facing the Dubai Fountain enhance the romance.
- REIF Japanese Kushiyaki (Dubai Mall): Intimate setting featuring authentic Japanese cooking techniques, from grilled seafood to premium wagyu beef. Cosy table settings offer privacy for couples.
Any of these top restaurants provide a memorable culinary experience alongside stunning views, making them ideal choices to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dubai. Early bookings are recommended to secure a romantic table on the special night.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a luxurious five-star property on The Palm featuring a special five-course set menu, welcome drinks, and a bottle of prosecco at Khyber Indian Restaurant or at the hotel’s exclusive private beach area with breathtaking views, romantic ambience, and soulful music creating a unique and memorable evening.
Ticket Information
- Option 1:Romantic Dinner by the BeachWelcome Drinks for 25-Course Set Menu DinnerBottle of ProseccoLive Solo Guitarist and DJ
- Option 2:Romantic Dinner at KhyberWelcome Drinks for 25-Course Set Menu DinnerBottle of Prosecco
At The Top, Burj Khalifa 124th & 125th Floor
Experience a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from At The Top, the world’s tallest viewing deck located on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building, with this offer. Ride the fastest elevator up to level 124 and explore the two-level observation deck with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Opening hours
Mon – Fri : 07:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. | Sat – Sun : 05:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Highlights
- Visit the tallest building in the world.
- Ride the fastest double-deck elevator to reach the observatory
- Learn more about how the iconic building was designed and built
- Experience the unique glass floor on level 125
What’s included in the ticket
- Booking for the At The Top Burj Khalifa observatory
- Access to levels 124 & 125 of Burj Khalifa
- Telescope access on the observatory
- Gift shop
- Parking
Asian Couple Massage Class
Looking for a unique way to reignite the spark? Learning something new as a couple is always a great way to strengthen the relationship, especially when it involves a relaxing massage. Join our fun and exclusive massage class specially designed for you and your partner.
In the relaxed atmosphere of our couple’s suite, our trained therapists will perform the massage individually while demonstrating the techniques, after which you will practice giving massage to each other under the guidance of our experts. The techniques can also be easily adapted to each other, in your home. Following your blissful session, relax in a lavish rose-infused bubble bath and savor a delightful strawberry chocolate dip.
Perfect for a Date Night or a Valentine’s Gift. Reserve Now and embark on a journey of discovery and rejuvenation together.
In case you want to book any other time slots, Please contact Mandara Spa directly
Included in your exclusive private class:-
- 95-minute one-to-one massage class in a private couple suite including guided breathing and mediation, massage demonstration by trained therapists followed by practise session for each partner.
- 15-minute luxurious rose bubble bath
- Strawberry chocolate dip.
- Included complimentary: Romantic room decoration with rose petals and candles, rose essential oil for room fragrance and 2 rose flowers.
- Certificate Presentation with workshop manual
Book Vibeztudio
For amazing photography and videography services tailored to capture your romantic Valentine’s Day in Dubai, consider booking Vibeztudio.
With over 5 years experience photographing couples, we specialize in engagement, wedding, elopement and couples photography across the emirate’s most scenic and iconic backdrops. Professional photographers will work with you to custom design a shoot fitting your needs and budget.
Popular Valentine’s Day package options include:
- Cityscape portfolio shoots at locations like Dubai Frame, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa from AED 1500.
- Desert romance packages from AED 2500, featuring striking images among sand dunes lit by golden hour light.
- Luxury hotel sessions from AED 3000, with access to exclusive venues like Address Sky View and Atlantis The Palm.
Vibez Studio also offers drone filming and cinematic music video packages. Their professional guidance ensures you walk away with artistic portraits and memories to last a lifetime.
To book a photographer, contact Vibeztudio via email or their online booking portal. Sessions can be tailored for any Valentine’s Day budget, creating stunning visual keepsakes of your Dubai romance.