45 Affordable Cute Date Night Ideas with your Better Half in UAE
Spending quality time with your better half (partner or best friend) is essential to keep the spark alive or avoid getting “bored” (literally and practically) 🙠I strongly believe doing activities together wins anyydayyy over going to bars and eating all day (the latter is debatable) 😂😂
I aim at making this listicle unique! Staycations, spas and fancy restaurants plastered on mags are a given, but what more? 💖💖
Under AED200
Kayaking at Kite beach would guarantee some fun and exercise at the same time. Relax and watch the sunset as you guys drift across the sea. Rent out a kayak for two and practice some teamwork (pssst, you can totally let the other person row while you relax), or rent out single kayaks and race each other. Cost: Kayak Hire 30 mins/60 mins single and double AED 75/100 respectively at Water Cooled UAE.
There’s even a place called Quest For Adventure that’s absolutely breathtaking!
If you’re up for an outdoor challenge, then Aventura Parks is right up your alley. This outdoor obstacle course has you harnessed while you tackle walking on logs, going on ziplines and climbing spider webs! Cost: AED150/3 hours/per person and AED125/3 hours/per kid below 6.
3. Bounce
Has your significant other been driving you nuts? Let out all that steam at Bounce! Jump around to your hearts content in this warehouse in Al Qouz turned trampoline park. Be kids again while you guys test out who can do better parkour, flips and mid-air somersaults. Priced at AED80 for the first hour, this is a great place to go wild and sneak in that exercise you guys probably skipped out on. Pay AED20 extra and you’ll get access to their amazing X-Parkkk!!
4. Ice Skating
A little wobbly on your feet? This is the perfect sport to lean on each other and have a fun, “chilled” time skating across the Dubai Mall ice rink. Cost: AED55/2 hours/per person, including skate hire.
Everything mini is so much more fun. The golf park at Wafi Mall is a miniature golf course and better yet, a glow in the dark one too! Challenge one another to a round of friendly mini golf and see who can get through the 18 exciting yet challenging courses. Pro tip: Wear white to see your outfits glow in the dark as well! Cost: AED75 per person (no it’s not just for kids ğŸ˜)
6. Movie under the stars Wafi
If you happen to be at Wafi on a Sunday evening, don’t forget to check out their movie under the stars. Every Sunday, Wafi screens a free movie on their roof top. Food can be bought at the venue. It’s free and the weather is great so leave your couches and turn off Netflix to catch a screening in an outdoor theatre. However, if you don’t feel like spending the day out, you could do your binge-watching at home by looking through the Flixboss guide to Netflix, or similar others that could help you find the right one for your frame of mind!
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort Movie night
For those that cannot make it on Sundays, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort is a great new option. The have their very own outdoor cinema option with a private bar and cinema menu snacks. Catch classics every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday until the end of the year.
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, JBR, 8PM onwards, Mon, Weds and Sat till Dec 26, free entry for film screenings only.
7. Dubai Garden Glow and Ice Park at Zabeel Park
This park could probably be the park you could spend a whole day at and not feel bored. Zabeel park is home to the artistic glow garden. Walk through the park and see magnificent art creations in the day that come alive at night when they’re lit up. Apart from the Dubai Glow Garden, Zabeel park imports a bit of Venice with their boating on the lake feature. Enjoy a boating before sunset before you set on to walk through the glow garden, best vied at night.
The glow garden further has an ice park which could possibly be Dubai’s “coolest” new attraction. At -8 degrees, this winter park has impressive ice sculptures and will transport you to a winter wonderland. Dubai Glow Garden is AED60, the Ice Park at AED40 (coats provided) and boating is for AED40/20minutes.
8. Food/Shopping/Rides at Global Village
Global village has been a Dubai favorite and it’s a place where no one feels homesick. Take a stroll around the world and visit countries you never thought you could visit together! Experience different cultures, cuisines and traditions all in one place. This is a great place for an around the world photo op as well! They have a carnival with rides as well for those that want a little bit more of a thrill after their leisurely stroll around the world. From 4PM – 1PM, priced at AED15 for adults (free for seniors over 65 and children under 3).
Click here to see your ultimate guide on what to eat there!
PS: They have crayyy crayyy kiosks for foodies!!
PS: They even have a human maze!
9. Dubai Safari
You don’t have to book flight tickets to Kenya to go on a safari. Dubai has its very own safari! The animals from the old Dubai Zoo and many more new animals have come from around the world to make Dubai their new home. Take one of their cart rides to experience the Dubai safari and the animals in all its glory and especially, in their natural habitat. Tickets range from AED20-30 for children, and AED50-85 for adults. Adults above 60, those with special needs and children below three can go for free.
10. Green Planet
Get transported to the rainforests of South America at Green Planet. You heard that right! This rainforest has been built indoors, in the heart of Dubai. You can see macaws, sloths hedgehogs and many more and the best part, none of these animals are caged! Experience a real rainforest with birds flying right past you, sloths climbing a tree next to you and without worrying about your hair and makeup (being indoors and temperature controlled) while the animals go about their daily lives. Cost: AED95 for adults and AED70 for children.
PS: Did you know you can do yoga there too!?
11. Escape Reality
Escape Reality is a game played in real life. You and your team have just 60 minutes to escape one of our uber-real rooms.
You’ll come as friends but leave as heroes as you battle against time to solve puzzles, overcome challenges and defeat your doubts.
Cost for 2 Players: AED120 (Sun-Wed) and AED140 per player over the weekend. Click here to find out other rates.
Alternatively, you can even go to Escape Hunt Dubai at Rove Hotels. Challenge your mind for only AED 99!
12. Café Ceramique
This quaint café located in Town center, Jumeirah one double up as an art studio and a café! Serving American and Italian cuisines, head on down with your partner to choose a ceramic piece of your liking and paint while you eat! The paints are included with the piece that you choose. Why not paint something for each other? Pick up your finished pieces a week later when they’re all shiny and vibrant. Average cost is AED150 for two.
13. Al Fahidi historical district
For the history buffs, check out Al Fahidi historical district. You can enjoy leisurely strolls across old Dubai, have traditional Arabic coffee from the Arabian Tea House, visit art galleries that feature art from local artists and discover how Dubai preserved its culture but progressed to new heights. Located in Old Dubai, Fahidi.
14. Al Serkal Avenue and Jam Jar Dubai
For the artsy lovers, check out Al Serkal Avenue which is a renovated warehouse area where you can find funky art, galleries, mini-museums, theatres and quaint cafes! You don’t have to be a serious art buyer to check out Al Serkal. Al Serkal has exhibitions weekly, they have movie screenings and who knows, you guys would probably sign up for an art/photography class to explore new hobbies. Located in Al Qouz.
From AED110 you can even go to a DIY Art Studio at Jam Jar Dubai, where you can paint your heart out with your bæ!!! 🖌
15. Dubai Opera
Wanted to know how an opera theatre works? Dubai Opera has opened its doors to a series of daily public tours where visitors and residents can discover how this performing arts center creates magic. Learn about the building’s design and creation from experienced members of the opera in tours conducted in both Arabic and English. Get a sneak peek into the the exclusive VIP suite and see the auditorium in all its splendor. Located in Downtown Dubai, adults pay AED75 while it’s AED40 for children.
16. La Mer
Why go to a regular beach when you have La Mer! Take a romantic stroll across La Mer, a beautiful beachfront development in Jumeirah 1, that has just recently opened its doors to the public. With some trendy restaurants, uber-cute shower facilities after using the beach, and some insane street art, La Mer is the new hang out spot. Literally translation to “The Sea” in French, this place is guaranteed to give you some amazing Instagram pictures as well.
17. Outdoor Movie Night (VIP Style)!
VOX Cinemas outdoor cabana-styled-cinema is one of my fav! It is priced at AED150 per person (inclusive of nachos, popcorn and blankies)!
18. Stargazing at Al Quaa Desert
There’s an area in Dubai which is known as the darkest spot in the UAE (ğŸ”: 23.7563280, 54.7821730). Go there to watch celestials or just download the app called “Star chart” to know where the stars/planets are! Pretty cool right??
19. Big Red Desert
Located on Hatta Road, is a magnificent open dessert that beautifully juxtaposes the city life. You’ll notice that the further you drive away from the city, the deeper the red colour of the dessert becomes. Then you’ll hit Big Red, a pretty popular spot for bashing dunes, but a beautiful and picturesque desert away from the hustle of Dubai. Grab some food, lots of water and enjoy a fiery red day out in the desert free of cost!
Picture by Chirenj Chandran @chirenjc
20. Wadi Ghalilah
This beautiful wadi is a favourite spot for many rock climbers. Located two hours out of Dubai, Wadi Ghalilah is quite close to Ras al Khaima’s coastline. It is known to be smaller and less extensive than Wadi Bih, but has many steeper rocks and cliffs. The wadi also has quite a low altitude and because it is so close to water, the humidity and heat make it quite difficult to trek. Stairway to heaven is the name of one of the wadi’s more dangerous mountains. It stands at a high 1.9 kilometres and is not recommended to climb without someone who is really familiar with the mountain. Additionally, many experienced climbers have alleged that the climb is quite physically and emotionally unnerving (by Gulf News).
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a complex of surface water bodies, both natural and man made, around 40km southeast of central Abu Dhabi, just past Mussfah. You will discover an amazing diversity here, including several endangered species who have made this their home and found shelter, protection and nourishment. More than 250 species of birds have been spotted, along with an abundance of aquatic life, as well as 37 plant species. Al Wathba also features a rich variety of dragon flies and damsel flies. But its greatest and most spectacular attraction is, of course, its flamingo population. When these migratory birds fly in to spend autumn until spring here, as many as 4,000 can be counted.
Since Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is an ecologically sensitive area, their visiting hours and days are limited. The reserve is open for free to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm (last entry at 2 pm).
22. Mirror Maze at Dolphinarium
A dizzying labyrinth in which you are challenged to find your way through a baffling and disconcerting maze of mirrors! Discover your way through this mind-blowing fun-filled, life-size maze of mirrors!
Cost: From AED25
23. Indoor Skydiving
Experience the adrenaline rush of skydiving indoors by Inflight Dubai. The world-class instructors will train you and guide you in the experience so you and your partner can have a thrilling experience together without any hassle. It is a one-of-a-kind experience priced at AED 184 per person. Check Cobone for discounts.
24. Magic Planet
If you and your partner love playing games or just love arcades in general, check out Magic Planet. It carries a variety of games and offers various top-up offers too. Keep an eye out for a coupon behind the Carrefour bill; spend AED 30 to get AED 60 credit. What’s even better, you can redeem your tickets for food vouchers and cinema tickets. Talk about a win-win!
25. Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is an experience you cannot miss as it houses over a thousand aquatic animals, consisting of over 140 species. For AED 145 per person (online), you can enjoy the underwater zoo, behind the scenes tour, glass bottom boat ride and submersible simulator.
26. Flying Cup
Experience a 360 ° panoramic view breathtaking flight experience on the Flying Cup. Safe and thrilling, you can enjoy the scenery with your partner and take tons of selfies in the air. It is priced at AED 65 per person. Check Cobone and Groupon for discounts.
27. Wonder Maze
If you and your partner are up for the world’s largest mobile maze, look no further – the Wonder Maze in Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi has 3000 meters of paths where you can solve and walk at your own pace. It also has a game attached to the maze from which you will receive a certificate at the end of it. It is priced at AED 35 per person and tickets can be purchased on Cobone and Groupon.
If thrill seeking or horror movies are you and your partner’s fancy, then check out Hysteria, Dubai’s first extreme haunted attraction. Choose this at your own risk and be aware of the warnings. It is priced at AED 80 per person, and it is located in Dubai Mall. Check Groupon for discounts.
29. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is everything you need during the summertime sadness in Dubai. It’s chilly and cute, especially when the Penguins drop by for a visit! You can also enjoy the ice caves, bob sled and the tubing run. Currently, UAE residents can claim 20% off their tickets priced at AED 152 per person when booked online.
30. The Yard
If you’re on a budget but still want to feel the love, check out The Yard by Meraas. It has Dubai’s first ever love lock bridge inspired by the French one. Couples can hang a signed padlock which encompasses their love. There are plenty of picnic spots, restaurants and shops in The Yard. So simple yet so cute! They are located in Al-Khawaneej (close to the Last Exit).
31. Louvre Museum
Art lovers and aesthetic souls must check out The Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi. They have various tours based on their architecture and their masterpieces. If you’re a Mr. Bean fan, you’ll spot the famous ‘Whistler’s Mother’ painting there (worth at least £30 million). Tickets are priced at AED 60 per person. Teachers and people aged till 22 years old can get tickets at AED 30 (necessary ID must be presented).
32. Wild Wadi
Water parks are a mixture of thrill, fun and freshness. With a variety of rides and attractions plus spaces to relax and chill, you and your partner can enjoy the best of both worlds. Check out Wild Wadi Waterpark in Jumeirah, priced at AED 150 per person for U.A.E residents.
33. Love Lake
The U.A.E has added another beautiful landmark for the public known as the Love Lake. Located in Al-Qudra, it is a carved lake with two hearts entwined together that can be viewed from space! Check out Google Earth to see it for yourself or take your partner to see the beauty together!
34. Ghost Town
The Ghost Town in Sharjah desert, also known as Al Madan, is known for its eerie name as people have the feeling that they are being watched. If horror genres are you and your partner’s thing and want to step the game up, here is your chance to tour around the buried village. Or, you can always visit the place for its Instagram worthy aesthetics.
35. Rain Room
The Rain Room in Sharjah, is an incredible experience wherein you walk through rain, but don’t get wet! This site-specific sound and light installation uses 2,500 litres of self-cleaning recycled water, which is controlled through a computerised system of 3D tracking cameras placed at intervals around the ceiling 💦 When sensors in the cameras detect movement, they signal one of the many water nozzles in the ceiling, and the water stops in a roughly 6-foot radius around the person 🌧😠It costs AED25 per person for 15 mins and only 6 people are allowed per session (we bought it online, which is highly recommend vs buying onsite as they sell out quickly) 😊
36. VR (Virtual Reality) Park @ The Dubai Mall
One of the coolest experiences Jake and I ever experienced! 😀 This virtual reality park is just something else.. Scared of rides?! No issues, fight some monsters on land or just play football the VR way 😉 Experience the feeling of actually being a drone or dropped from Burj Khalifa. Want to do an escape room? That’s there too! 😄
37. Museum of Illusions
Lots of laughs and fun guaranteed! Your Instagram will be buzzing with some CRAZY photos after a visit here 🤪 Only AED 80 per person!
Over AED200
I had to add this section if in case you want to splurge right? 😌😉
38. La Perle
A magical, phenomenal performance that will literally leave you SHOOK 🤯 It is a bit of a splurge, but definitely worth it! Cost: AED400/600/800/1600 (food not included, but available at the venue)
39. Wakeboarding
From AED250 you can go wakeboarding! Click here to view different rates.
The picture above is from Xtreme Wake and they charge AED550 for 1 hour for up to 7 people (pretty good rate I’d say) 😉
How cool would it be to say you and your partner know how to “spin the wheel” and create some pottery? Learn all the pottery basics, tips and tricks and master the art of pottery with your partner. Check out “Wheel Throwing for beginners”, Mondays, 10:30AM-12:30PM, priced at AED200 per person. The clay is sold separately at AED110 per bag.
Home to the richest horse race in the world and known for their fine bred horses, attending the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse is a must. This could be a little expensive but we’ve got you covered on that. During race season, Meydan offers free entry during weekends to catch the exciting practice races that go on. Indulge in food and beverages as well from Meydan’s many restaurants while there. Call beforehand to find out about the races scheduled during the weekends. Free admission at Gate B, Meydan.
Horse Riding on the other hand can be a weee bit expensive but there are several discounts available on Groupon and Cobone! Riding horses at Mushrif Park is AED300 for 90 minutes and Al Ahli Horse riding club is priced at AED135 per person for 2 horse riding lessons!
42. Snoopy Island
There’s an Island called Snoopy Island in Fujairah! It’s a large, cartoon dog-shaped rock just off the coast of Fujairah, Snoopy Island has formed a coral reef teeming with sea life. PS: There are turtles there! You can either go there to chill (for free) or crash at a hotel called Sandy Beach (room rates start at ~AED600 depending on the season).
Noire at Fairmont Dubai gives an exclusive pitch-black gourmet culinary adventure. It’s aimed at raising your taste and smell sense while dimming the vision. The restaurant has been awarded the Best Experimental Restaurant in the Middle East by BBC Good Food awards. It is priced at AED360 per person, serving a three-course meal with paired beverages. Check Groupon for discounts.
44. Dubai Kartdrome – Racing and Laser Tag
If you and your partner are competitive and have a need for speed, then Dubai Kartdrome is a great option. They have a choice of outdoor and indoor karting where the races are 15 minutes per session. The indoor karting session for two is priced at AED 200. You also have an option to top it up with Laser tag, if you feel little more adventurous. Check Groupon for discounts on Dubai Kartdrome.
45. LMNTS
Imagine experiencing all five senses of the body while dining at a restaurant! LMNTS in World Trade Centre has launched an immersive 3D dining experience that transports you to another world – with holographic surround sound and ‘elements of nature’ themed dishes. The five-course menu is priced at AED 375 per person paired with soft beverages and AED 525 with house beverages.
Other romantic spots that are already popular are Miracle Garden, Hatta pools, Masdar City, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and more are not included in this article as they’re already considered popular touristic spots 🙂
Click here to check out 49 casual & fine-dining Date Night Restaurants in #MyDubai.
Written and Researched by Serena Sibi, Neha Shelly and Naomi D’Souza