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By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Posted: Dec 7, 2018
Dubai seems to just keep growing, both in size and popularity, and has quickly become one of the most romantic destinations in this part of the world. It's easy to see why: sunshine and warm temps year-round, the best hotels and dining, numerous flight options and cheap airfares, and a combination of astounding man-made attractions right alongside traditional Arabic culture.
For many honeymooners and couples on getaways, Dubai is one of the few places in the Middle East they would ever consider travelling to for a romantic vacation. We decided it was time again for a more exotic vacation, so we planned our romantic trip to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) in November 2015.
Best Time to Plan a Dubai Romantic Vacation - the months of October to February are the the best times weather-wise to holiday in Dubai and the UAE. Daytime temperatures reach about 27 C (80 F) on most days, making sightseeing quite comfortable. If you arrive in Dubai from March to June, you will have to spend all of your time here indoors, because humidity is high, and outside temps soar up to a searing hot 50C (122 F)!
Tips for Romantic Travel in Dubai - You'll notice signs in different public areas regarding proper dress, and advising against public displays of affection. It's not unusual to see a couple holding hands here, but we advise you to respect local customs. Also, any alcohol in public is against the law, so enjoy your drinks only in hotel lounges, etc.
1. Do the Dubai Marina Walk - hopefully you choose you choose a hotel that's located along the Dubai Marina (like ours was). This attractive man-made waterway is lined with shops and restaurants, and the palm trees are beautifully lit up in the evening, making it one of the most romantic spots in all of Dubai. Even if you're staying in another part of the city, definitely set aside an evening to come out here, have dinner, do some people watching and just soak up the sights and atmosphere.
2. Take a Romantic Cruise - they're called dhows (traditional Arabic boats), and you shouldn't miss this opportunity to dine and see Dubai at night from the water. Lots of tour outfits offer them; just check at your hotel's front desk or concierge for more info and bookings.
3. Lounge Around Up High - with a skyline as sparkling and spectacular as Dubai, it's no surprise that there are numerous bars and lounges with amazing views of the city. Our pick of the most romantic ones includes:
4. Splurge at the Burj's - here's two opportunities to really experience Dubai and feel like a luxury jet setting couple as well. The Burj Kalifa is the world's tallest building, so you shouldn't miss the opportunity to experience the ride up together. Book in advance online for the best prices, and try to time your arrival for sunset, the best time to view the city from 148 stories high!
Dubai is also famous for the Burj Al Arab, the opulent 7 star hotel just off the coastline that resembles a giant sail. Overnighting here is only for the most luxurious of Dubai romantic vacations, as rates to stay at the hotel start at over $1500/night! But, for the rest of us, there's this: their Skyview Bar is one of Dubai's most romantic lounges. They have an early evening special starting at 7 PM which allows you to ride up and enter on a minimum spend of AED 350/USD $95 per person.
5. Ride an Abra on Burj Lake - once you're back down at ground level, head outside Dubai Mall to Burj Lake. There you'll find a spectacular fountain & light show (think Bellagio in Las Vegas) held every 30 minutes in the evening, and you can even ride a 6-passenger Abra on the waters of the lake between performances.
6. Visit Atlantis Hotel and Palm Jumeirah - the Atlantis is at the forefront of destination hotels in Dubai, which are worth seeing even if you're not staying at one. There's several ways to get here, including taxi, bus tour and monorail. The Atlantis is full of attractions and dining, and you'll discover several other high-end resorts along Crescent Rd on the outer edge of Palm Jumeirah. Sunset's here are some of the most romantic in Dubai.
7. Experience Dubai from a Helicopter Tour - city helicopter tours are nothing new, but an aerial tour over Dubai is really something else. Helicopter Tour Dubai and HeliDubai both offer scenic tours of varying length, and rates can start at around USD $165 per person.
8. See Souk Madinat - recreated Arabian souk (market) lacks the aroma, energy and in-your-face experience of the Gold and Spice Souks near Dubai Creek, but you may prefer this more relaxed mix of shopping and dining by the water, with great views of the Burj Al Arab.
9. Book a Desert Safari - this 6 hour excursion out of the city in the desert sand dunes will be the highlight of any Dubai romantic vacation. Your professional driver first takes you "dune bashing", an exhilarating ride up, down and around the soft red sand dunes. After viewing the sunset and feeling the sand between your toes (smoother than flour!), it's time for a buffet dinner under the stars with Arabic dancing, camel rides and more.
10. Go to the Beach - Dubai has a lot of coast, but not all of it is accessible to visitors. Several resorts have private beachfront areas for the exclusive use of their guests, and a few like the Golden Tulip Hotel hotel allow visitors for a set fee. For free beaches open to visitors, JBR Beach is a good spot for couples, as is Kitesurfing Beach.
Staying at a romantic Dubai hotel is very easy - if you have a lot of money! Finding a balance though between romance and affordability is much more of a challenge. Here's our top choices for romantic Dubai hotels in the budget-friendly, less expensive category (less expensive by North American standards, that is):
See Our HD Video of Romantic Dubai Vacation Sights
Sheraton Creek Vivaldi Restaurant - a useful dining tip for your Dubai romantic vacation from ERV Readers Ryan & Hazel B, former residents of Dubai:
Reem Al Bawadi - located at the north end of the Marina Walk. Delicious Traditional Arabic and Lebanese dishes, with great atmosphere and views of the Dubai Marina. 04 452 2525
Save money. Travel to Dubai in Luxury with Emirates. Book Now
Flight Times to Dubai (DXB) From:
(Note: Flights returning from Dubai to North America average about 90 minutes longer due to winds, etc)
Airlines: from North America, Emirates Airlines offers the most frequent and direct service to Dubai. There's also United from it's Washington DC hub, and Air Canada now flies to DXB from Toronto. From the UK, British Airways can get you here from London Heathrow.
Getting Around Dubai: the Dubai Metro system is fairly straightforward to use, and cheap as well. We don't recommend car rental in Dubai, as traffic can get nasty and fines for traffic infractions can be steep.
*ERV Rating: our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodation include:
√ COVID Safety Plan: identifies hotels and inns that clearly indicate they are taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.