UAE: Skip The Fine-Dining Restaurants This Valentine’s Day & Try These 10 Offbeat Date Ideas

Now, don’t get me wrong, flowers are still very much acceptable for Valentine’s Day. All I’m saying is, this year, let’s take a few steps outside the box and find some unique ways to make this day as special as possible for you and your partner! Dinner and a show are great, but where’s the fun in eating the same Italian food you have every weekend? How about a little competition? A little exploration? A little dancing? And a whole lot of excitement! Come with me, and I’ll show you some of the best offbeat date ideas you can do with your partner this Valentine’s Day in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Dubai

1. Have A Boozy Arcade Date At Triple7

If you and your partner often find yourselves on arcade date nights, then might I suggest adding a little twist to it? And yes, that twist is alcohol. Triple7 will be your perfect Valentine’s date night spot. You can sip away at your favourite drinks while going around and enjoying all the games you love.

Make a booking on their website.

2. Get Competitive With An Immersive Go-Karting Experience At Chaos Karts

All is fair in love and war, as they say. So, why not throw a little healthy competition into the mix this V-day? Dubai’s first live-action immersive go-karting experience, Chaos Karts, brings the world of Mario Kart to life! You and your partner can engage in thrilling races, challenge each other, and gain the upper hand by grabbing power-ups (just like in the game). While only one of you will walk away as the champion, both of you are guaranteed a fun time.

Make a booking on their website.

3. Enjoy The Last Days Of Winter Weather At A Desert Pop-Up Cafe

While winter is winding down in Dubai, you still have the what’s left of February to enjoy the blissful weather outside – and what better way to enjoy the weather than a desert pop-up cafe? This V-day take your special someone out to the picturesque desert landscapes of Dubai and sip on handcrafted coffees, tasty bites and unique desert. Find the best spots below:

Also read: UAE: 11 Instagram-Worth Desert Pop-Up To Explore This Winter

4. Love Coffee? Join Fred’s Coffee Party

Dubai’s newest craze – Coffee house club-style parties (sans the alcohol). Fred’s Coffee party has taken over Dubai like a storm, hosting killer parties every weekend. While V-day is on Friday this year, if you partner is a coffee fiend, Fred’s Coffee party that happens every Sunday is not to be missed. And the best part is, it’s at a new location every time so who knows maybe the next one will be at your favourite coffee spot. Stay updated on their socials @fredscoffeeparty to know where the next coffee party will be be.

5. Take A Swing A London’s Viral Mini Golf – Swingers Crazy Golf

HOLE! I think you’re starting to get the idea that I’m very much into competitive games. But you can’t deny that they make the best date night spots. And lucky for us, Swingers Crazy Golf rolled over from the other side of the pond just in time for Valentine’s Day. Grab your golf club, pick a drink from their selection of bars and get out on their 9-hole courses.

Also read: London’s Viral ‘Swingers Crazy Golf’ Is Now In Dubai With Tickets Less Than AED 100!

6. Catch Tiësto Live At Coco-Cola Arena

Known for his music versatility, Tiësto is making his way back to Dubai this Saturday, February 15th. If you’re looking for a night of trance, house, techno, progressive house, electro-house, or even pop, Coco-Cola arena is where you need to be this weekend. And you can score even more brownie points this V-day if you surprise your partner with tickets if Tiësto is one of their favourite artists.

Get your tickets here!

Abu Dhabi

7. Explore Abu Dhabi’s Mangroves In A Private Boat Ride

This Valentine’s day hop on a self-driving boat and sail through Abu Dhabi’s mangroves while touring the capital city with the love of your life. As you cruise through the waterways, prepare to be mesmerised by the sights, from the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque to the historic Old Maqta Watch Towers, and the vibrant Al Qana to the serene Hunter’s Island.

Make a booking on their website.

8. Have A Bubble-Tastic Time At Bubble Planet

Step into the immersive world of bubbles at Bubble Planet – from swimming pool-sized ball pits and VR simulations to trippy displays and so much more. Your girl is sure to get her perfect IG picture here! With over 10 unique rooms with their own themes and activities this place will have your heading spinning with fun for hours. But don’t wait too long, because Bubble Planet will come to an end in Abu Dhabi this February 20th.

Make a booking on their website.

Also read: Abu Dhabi’s Newest Immersive Attraction ‘Bubble Planet’

9. Hit The Waves At Surf Abu Dhabi

Get ready to witness world-class surfing at its peak. Not only will you be able to surf the world’s largest artificial wave, but this weekend, from February 14-16, get ready to be a part of the first WSL Championship Tour event in the Middle East! This event will bring the world’s best surfers to the region for an unparalleled showcase of skill, power, and precision. The perfect if you and your partner love to catch some gangly waves.

Find out more on their website.

10. Stroll Through Prada’s Chic Limited-Time Pop-up

This V-day, Prada’s exclusive cultural club will light up MiZa in Mina Zayed with art, music, and craftsmanship. This third collaboration with Theaster Gates features two immersive experiences: a sonic landscape inside a cylindrical structure and high-energy performances outside. But be warned, you may leave with some not-so-planned Prada purchases if you take your girl here – so proceed with caution. Entry is free on February 13 and 14!

Find out more details on their website.

But it’s Valentine’s Day after all so no matter what your plan is, make sure to make your partner feel extra special and loved!