Dubai, UAE, February 2024 : From stunning skyline views to intimate candlelit settings and action-packed adventures, discover a curated round-up of the city’s original restaurants and experiences to create cherished memories with a loved one this Valentine’s Day.

3D Blacklight Minigolf Dubai – JBR
3D Blacklight Minigolf adds a splash of vibrant fun to your romantic night out. Step into a world of neon-lit wonder, taking on an imaginative golf course set alight up by glowing structures and dazzling murals hand-painted by renowned 3D artists. Make unforgettable memories amidst the playful fluorescent hues inching off the wall into three-dimensional shapes, and end your night with a stroll along JBR’s 1.7km promenade and a delicious meal at one of JBR’s lively restaurants.

Clay – Bluewaters
Clay’s darkly lit, moody interiors make the perfect spot to cosy up with your special someone. Hand-painted Japanese murals and elegant interiors set an intimate scene indoors, while beyond its terrace and windows await views of Ain Dubai and the stretching sea. Encounter exceptional Nikkei cuisine – a blend of Peruvian and Japanese cooking traditions – through Bluefin tuna tacos, clay pot medleys, and tangy ceviche. Really looking to impress? Choose between Clay’s 8- or 12-course Omakase Dining Experience and leave the rest up to the restaurant’s expert chefs.

Kalemat Bookstore – Boxpark
Nothing screams romance more than a bookstore meet-cute. A charming daytime activity with your date, visit Boxpark’s Kalemat Bookstore, home to predominantly Arabic literature with an English section. The interiors of this lovely independent store put you at the heart of a bookworm’s fairytale, with cosy reading nooks and artfully decorated walls stacked with classic novels and translations. A quaint coffee shop is tucked away in the upper story of the store, so you can catch up with your partner over coffee or share quiet reading time with one of the books from down below.

Skafos – Al Seef
Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Al Seef, Skafos makes for the quintessential date night destination. Its deck extends onto Dubai Creek so restaurant-goers can tuck into a delectable Mediterranean meal floating above the iconic body of water. Skafos transforms under dim hanging lights and the dazzling city skyline as dusk approaches, imbuing a cosy, romantic ambience to flatter any date.

Brass Monkey – Bluewaters
Go old-school this Valentine’s Day and shed any date jitters over arcade games and bowling at Brass Monkey. Play to score the most hoops in basketball, burn virtual rubber making sharp turns in VR racing simulations, challenge each other to a dance off or score the highest points in Pac-Man – nothing says memorable date night like some friendly competition. Once you’ve played to your heart’s desire and filled up on the restaurant’s classic bar snacks, walk along the island under the stars, soaking in the weather and views.

Last Exit – Al Khawaneej
Looking for something truly new and unusual? Bring your date to Last Exit – Al Khawaneej, a chic ranch-inspired alfresco food hall boasting delectable eats of all kinds. Many of Dubai’s trendy eateries have set up shop here, creating a lively atmosphere of food trucks and bustling crowds. Treat your taste buds to an array of sweet and savoury crepes at Saddle Café, satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh-out-of-the-fryer doughnuts at DOH, or split a spread of sliders from Krush Burger – this Last Exit outpost has a whopping 29 restaurants to choose from.

Banyan Tree – Bluewaters
Slow down this Valentine’s Day with a staycation at the new Banyan Tree on Bluewaters. The five-star hotel is a sought-after sanctuary on the urban island, offering 500 meters of secluded, private beachfront and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. With elegant rooms and suites that blend natural materials with a touch of contemporary Asian flair and lush landscaped gardens and pools, Banyan Tree promises a welcome sanctuary from the hubbub of the city. Pamper your loved one to a luxurious staycation – including one of the hotel’s iconic and exotic spas.

folly – Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s folly boasts perhaps one of the city’s most iconic and charming rooftops. A tiny nook sticking out from the second story of the destination with lights hanging overhead and traditional abras floating through the Souk’s waterways below, folly is the portrait of romance. Book a table on its storied rooftop and indulge in an informal take on modern dining that earned the British eatery a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide. The restaurant has meticulously crafted a four-course menu with beverage pairings for Valentine's Day to enhance your meal.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton – Al Seef
Experience authentic Emirati hospitality and culture along the banks of Dubai Creek. Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton echoes old-world architecture and design, with thatched ceilings and sandstone interiors in 190 guestrooms across ten traditional Arabian bayt (homes). Embellished with wind towers, lanterns and vintage fans that bring to life the emirate’s ancient mercantile and fishing heritage, it makes for a truly stunning stay with easy access to Al Seef’s bustle alfresco souk, the iconic Gold and Spice Souks just an abra-ride away and the charming Al Fahidi Historic District around the corner.