Top 10 Things for Couples to Do in Dubai

Let’s start with a classic. You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned romantic dinner and movie night. To kick it up a notch, how about replacing the movie with a live show instead? The newly opened Dubai Opera has plenty of shows lined up throughout the year, from musicals and ballets to operas and orchestras. It will also give you both a chance to dress up and get suited in sophisticated evening attire ready for the perfect night out. Dubai Opera is located in Downtown Dubai close to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa so there are plenty of restaurants on the boulevard you can choose from that offer spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Fountains.

It is easy to forget that you’re in a desert when you’re in Dubai. The city’s neighbourhoods are filled with lush green parks that cater to all. Parks are a great place to spend some quality leisure time with each other in sunshine that is present all year round, and the clean parks of Dubai are the perfect place. Al Barsha Pond Park is located in the residential area of Barsha and has a cycling track, tennis and basketball courts and a large lake in the middle, perfect for an evening stroll. There are designated areas where you can have a barbeque in Creek Park, Mamzar Beach Park, Zabeel Park and Mushrif Park. Why not take a paddle boat out onto the lake in Zabeel Park for that extra cosy highlight to your picnic?

There’s nothing quite like taking up an activity together and we know that this region loves their horses. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai City Stables, Al Ahli Horse Riding Club, Emirates Equestrian Centre, Jebel Ali Equestrian Club and many more clubs around the city offer horse riding lessons and cultural tours for people of all ages. It is the perfect opportunity to not only master a new sport, but also learn more about the Arabian culture, local animals and even each other!

This one’s as close to an Arabian magic carpet ride as you can get. Take in the beauty of the golden desert sand dunes as you ascend up into the clouds with your special someone at dawn. A hot air balloon ride provides the perfect escape from the bustling city life. Dubai is home to not only some of the biggest and tallest structures in the world, but also one of the world’s largest hot air balloons. Most of the hot air balloon companies will be able to organise a pick-up from your hotel or residence before dawn, at around 4.30am, and will take you to the ballooning site on the Dubai-Al Ain highway desert. Watch in awe as the pilot and engineers inflate the balloon and soon you’ll be on your way up into the air. Since the balloons take off at dawn, you can go any time of the year as the morning sun will be cool, but be sure to cover up and carry layers during winter months.

There’s nothing quite like getting a relaxing massage with your partner as you take a break from your busy schedules. Book a couples massage from plenty of reputable and luxury spas around the city – choose from Balinese, Swedish, Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Thai and more. Most hotels even do a full-day spa, pool and gym access offers so be sure to keep an eye out for the next time you need to surprise that special someone!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern Dubai and step back in time in Old Dubai. Deira is home to the city’s first financial hub, a thriving fishing port, plenty of traditional souqs, and the famous Abra ride and dhow cruises across the creek. Arrive at the creek before sunset to get plenty of time to explore the area and then ride the dhow during dusk. Dinner cruises on the dhow will include a traditional Arabic buffet dinner with soft drinks and authentic regional entertainment like belly dancing or Tanoura.

No matter how many times one sees the Dancing Fountains, we can guarantee they will always amaze you. The world’s largest choreographed fountain system is located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, just outside of Dubai Mall and is a thrill to watch. The musical spectacular has daily shows and we love going in the evening when the lights dance along with the water for an even better performance.

You may already be a fantastic dancer, but you can always learn some new moves. Plus, going to a class with your partner brings out creativity and encourages you to motivate each other to be the best. There are plenty of dance studios and lessons for adults all around the city, so pick something you are both comfortable with and that is new to you both. Choose from a variety of Latin dance forms like Argentinian Tango, Salsa, Bachata, Samba and Rumba, Traditional Ballroom like jive, fox trot and swing or even Bollywood dances! A fun activity at the end of the course would be to put on a little show for your family and friends. 

Exercising together as a couple brings plenty of health benefits apart from the obvious fitness levels – you workouts will be more efficient when you have someone to share and compete with, you will bond physically and emotionally as you encourage each other and give you more time to spend with each other. There are plenty of short and long distance runs in Dubai like the Standard Chartered Marathon, Dubai Women’s Run, Desert Warrior Challenge, Electric Run, The Colour Run and the Triathlon. Set aside time early in the morning or after work to train together, go for fitness classes and motivate each the on the day of the challenge.

Don’t be quick to dismiss this one yet! Yes, Dubai has malls around every corner, but they each offer something unique and plenty to do for everyone. The Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world and is home to an underwater zoo and aquarium, an ice rink, the world’s largest candy store and plenty of entertainment options from arcades to cinemas. The Mall of the Emirates is another popular mall in the city and houses Ski Dubai, and indoor skiing facility as well as a two-level community theatre space.