The 25 Best Things to Do in Dubai for Couples

Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is a fantastic destination for couples. You can expect luxury hotels ideal for honeymooning or celebrating love, fine dining experiences, and romantic couples' spas.

You can also find plenty of adrenalin-raising activities to do together, from desert adventure safaris to skydiving. It is the perfect place for a romantic getaway and to create new memories together.

If you decide to visit Dubai as a couple, below is my list of the 25 best things to do in Dubai for couples. I've done many of those on my multiple stopovers in Dubai!

1. Visit the Top of Burj Khalifa

Located in the center of downtown Dubai next to the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building and one of Dubai's unmissable attractions.

There are few things more romantic than looking out over the glittering evening lights of Dubai from The Lounge on the 154th floor of the Burj Khalifa. Earlier in the day, you can enjoy a traditional Arabian four-course High Tea at the At.Mosphere restaurant on the 122nd floor.

2. Take a Dhow Dinner Cruise

In the early days of Dubai, wooden Dhow ships sailed Dubai Creek for pearl farming and fishing.

Now you can board a traditional Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina, sailing through the center of Dubai Marina's iconic landmarks while enjoying a romantic dinner cruise. Expect a candle-lit atmosphere with Arabic Tanoura dance and live music.

3. Hold Hands while Ice Skating at Dubai Mall

Dubai is known for its sweltering summer temperatures, which is why the Dubai Ice Rink inside the Dubai Mall is a bit of a romantic surprise!

Walk around the luxurious mall before taking your partner for a spin around the ice, which is open late into the evening. There are plenty of fine-dining restaurants around the mall to visit afterward.

4. Book Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning Over the Desert

There are few things more romantic than floating through the open air while watching the sunrise.

Book a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai desert for a tranquil cruise over desert dunes and distinct wildlife. You can even book a deluxe hot air balloon with an onboard violinist and an in-flight falcon show.

5. Go on an Evening Desert Safari

There are few more romantic things than stories of the Arabian desert and Arabian nights. Book yourself an evening or overnight desert safari through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Share the adrenalin of tackling the dunes in a monstrous land cruiser before watching the desert sky come alive with stars. End your Dubai desert safari evening with a belly dance and a fire show.

6. Have a Romantic Dinner & Watch the Dubai Fountain Show

Dubai is home to the world's tallest performing fountain, submerged in the 30-acre Burj Lake. The Dubai Fountain show runs daily every 30 minutes from 6 pm and uses 22,000 gallons of water per show.

Streams shoot 140 meters into the air and dance to a range of melodies while illuminated by colorful lights. Choose a lakeside restaurant for an unforgettable dinner with the perfect backdrop.

I liked the food at the Lebanese restaurant Abd El Wahab at Souk Al Bahar. Request a table on the balcony and you'll be able to watch the fountains dance over dinner.

7. Cruise the Dubai Marina on a Luxury Yacht 

Explore Dubai by sea by booking a private luxury yacht at Dubai Marina. Sunbathe on deck as your glide around the Persian Gulf, taking in sights such as the Burj Al Arab and the Atlantis.

You can book for breakfast, a barbecue lunch, a sunset siesta, or a twilight cruise.

8. Stay in a Romantic Hotel with an Infinity Pool

One of the most romantic things about Dubai is that you are surrounded by sand and sea in every direction while also being cocooned in luxury. Make the most of this by booking a stay in a luxurious hotel with a private infinity pool looking out over the city and the sea.

For downtown Dubai choose the Armani Hotel or the Address Sky View, and for Jumeirah Beach, choose the One&Only Royal Mirage.

9. Fly High Together on a Helicopter Tour

Discover the beauty of Dubai from above together on a private helicopter tour. You can see the entire city from Dubai Festival City, along Dubai Creek, and to the outer suburbs.

You will look down over the manmade beaches and sprawling golf courses on this adrenalin-raising introduction to Dubai.

10. Ride a Camel or Quad Bike through the Desert Together

Start to feel like the two of you are on the edge of the world by riding camels or quad bikes through the desert with the city far behind you.

Few things bring couples closer together than sharing a private adrenalin-filled moment. Finish off with refreshments at Al Kharama Camp.

11. Have an Open-Air Dinner in the Sky

If you want to do something truly different and adventurous, enjoy a three-course meal together while suspended on an open-air platform 50 meters in the air with your feet dangling.

You will watch your chef prepare your meals in the middle of the aerial restaurant platform. This is an experience the two of your will not soon forget!

12. Get Pampered with a Couple's Spa

In addition to its luxury hotels, Dubai is known for its luxury spas! Set in elegant and peaceful Arabian villas, you can expect mud baths, couples massages, aromatherapy treatments, and local healing practices.

Consider the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa at The Palm Jumeirah, the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa at the Pearl Jumeira, or the Talise Spa at the famed Burj Al Arab.

13. Enjoy a Concert Illuminated by the Warm Glow of Candlelight

Book a candlelight concert and watch talented musicians perform live in the glow of candles at some of Dubai's most iconic venues.

You can see Beethoven's best works at Raffles, The Palm Jumeirah, Chopin highlights at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, or choose Mozart's masterpieces, a tribute to Coldplay, or even the music of Anime.

14. Snap a Picture under the Heart-Shaped Arch of Flowers at Dubai Miracle Garden

There are few better places to take a couple's photo than along the spectacular heart-shaped arch made of flowers at the Dubai Miracle Garden.

Sure, it might be slightly cheesy, but this 72,000-square-meter park with 150 million blooming flowers – in the middle of the desert – is seriously impressive!

15. Get your Adrenaline Pumping while Ziplining over the Dubai Marina

Do something that feels a little bit risky together by ziplining one kilometer across Dubai Marina at speeds of 80 kilometers per hour.

Soar through the air side-by-side with the dual lines, or book a duo flight with a souvenir photo included.

16. Experience the Exhilarating Slides at Atlantis Aquaventure 

Plan a day of laughs and fun at the largest waterpark in the world, Atlantis Aquaventure. There are 105 different slides and rides, including some that are considered the fastest ever built. Take in Medusa's Lair and Shockwave slides and the River Rapids before relaxing on a private beach.

This is only one of several waterparks in Dubai, including Wild Wadi Water Park and Legoland Water Park.

17. Watch the Sunset from The View at The Palm

There are few things more spectacular than watching the sunset over the Dubai skyline and the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. One of the best places to take in this phenomenon is The View, located on level 52 of The Palm Tower.

As well as 360-degree panoramic views, there is a small exhibition explaining the development of the island and an interactive aquarium tunnel.

18. Book a Private Movie Screening

Have you ever been on a date and wished that you had the cinema all to yourself? In Dubai, you can!

Just book a private, licensed cinema for you and your date. There are several private cinemas in Dubai, including the Kempinski Hotel, Paramount Private Cinema, and at Studio One Hotel.

19. Take a Horseback Ride along the Beautiful Jumeirah Beach 

Take in the beaches of Dubai in style on the back of an elegant horse! You can book a ride with a personal trainer, or if you are an experienced rider, just book time exploring beautiful Jumeirah Beach together on horseback. Book a sunrise or sunset session to make it extra special and romantic.

20. Experience the Snow Together at Mall of the Emirates

Dubai is all about unexpected experiences, and taking to the snow at Ski Dubai is just one of them! Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, as well as the slopes, you will find chalets, Alpin-style restaurants, and even a couple of penguins.

You can rent skis, snowboards, and all the cold-weather gear you need, and book a class together if you are new to the snow.

21. Check out a Rooftop Bar Together

It feels like it would be criminal to go to Dubai and not visit at least some of its famous rooftop bars. Combining excellent cocktails with the Dubai skyline, there are a few better places for a romantic evening.

Among the best is Ce La Vi at the top of Address Sky View, which also has an amazing infinity pool, Attiko at the W Dubai Mina Seyahi, and the Pure Sky Lounge at the Hilton Dubai The Walk.

22. Have a Private Dinner on the Beach

If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, you can book a private dinner on the beach at one of the city's many beachfront hotels and restaurants.

Book at Anantara The Palm, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, or the Beach Bar at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

23. Watch a Performance at the Dubai Opera

Just visiting the Dubai Opera House is a stunning experience, but to watch a show is sure to be the height of romance.

The venue shows an eclectic range of shows, including opera, ballet, musical theatre, traditional theatre, and live music. Many of the best international shows perform at the Dubai Opera.

24. Do Sunrise Beach Yoga or SUP Class Together

In line with the city's spa offering, you can find plenty of relaxing and restoring yoga classes around Dubai.

Join a class together on the beach at sunrise for a romantic bonding experience. With Ignite Water Sports, you can even book a yoga class in the water on stand-up boards.

25. Take your Bond to New Heights by Skydiving Dubai

End your trip together by taking the ultimate plunge and skydiving over Dubai. Freefalling while looking out over the stunning landscape of Dubai is an unforgettable experience.

Of course, you can choose to make your jump over the vast Dubai desert as well with Skydive Dubai.

The Best Things to Do in Dubai for Couples – Frequently Asked Questions

💑 Is Dubai good for couples?

Dubai is excellent for couples and is an ideal honeymoon destination. The city is full of luxury hotels and romantic experiences that are sure to create lasting memories.

😘 Can I kiss my partner in Dubai?

Dubai is a conservative country, and public displays of affection are frowned upon. While it is not a criminal offense for heterosexual couples to share a quick kiss in public, anything more should be saved for your private hotel room. Same-sex couples should avoid exhibiting their relationship in public.

🏨 Can unmarried couples share a hotel room in Dubai?

While it is illegal for Muslims to cohabit with a partner before marriage, this rule does not extend to visitors to the country. Rules and attitudes can vary from hotel to hotel, and Dubai has been making efforts to attract more tourists. There is also no harm in simply telling hotel staff that you are married to enjoy your visit with ease. Same-sex couples can also book rooms together, as it is not uncommon for friends to share hotel rooms in Dubai.

❓ Is Dubai or Abu Dhabi better for couples?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both excellent destinations for couples. But while Dubai wins for couples looking for adventurous activities to do together, Abu Dhabi is probably a better choice for couples that just want to spend some tranquil alone time together.

The Best Things to Do in Dubai for Couples – Final Words

Dubai makes an ideal destination for a romantic trip, and there are scores of amazing things to experience together and romantic hotels and resorts to elevate your trip to the next level. Find recommendations for the best Dubai stays here.

If you only have a few days to spend in Dubai, make sure you check out our perfect four-day Dubai itinerary.