Dubai Deserves Top List For the Perfect Getaway

With February 14 just around the corner, Dubai deserves to top your list for the perfect getaway.

Whatever your idea of romance and no matter where your interests lie – exquisite resorts, unforgettable dinners under the stars, desert getaways or even action-packed adventure – Dubai promises to enchant.

Desert Romance

For a truly breath-taking experience, a trip to Dubai’s desert is not to be missed. Watch the sun rise over the dunes and city skyline as you take to the skies in a hot air balloon.

Exhilarating yet tranquil and undeniably romantic, you’ll fly alongside peregrine falcons as you soar above the desert with uninterrupted, 360-degree views over the rippling sand.

If you’d rather stay closer to the ground, opt for a private dinner for two amid the dunes of the Arabian desert. You’ll be picked up by your own chauffeur, who will drive you into the desert for a gourmet dinner in a private Bedouin-style tent.

For overnight stays, the five-star Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is unrivalled in terms of desert luxury. Tucked away in a lush oasis, the resort’s suites are inspired by Bedouin tents and boast its own infinity pool that overlooks the desert sands.

For Thrill Seekers

If adventure’s more your thing, check out the host of shared activities that are sure to bring you and your significant other closer than ever.

Newly opened at Dubai Marina is XLine, the world’s longest urban zip line. It extends a full kilometre, rises 170 metres above the ground and features two zip lines running adjacent to one another. So, strap yourselves in and zip across the Marina in tandem.

Alternatively, why not visit Aventura in Dubai’s Mushrif Park in Mirdif? Covering more than 35,000 square metres, this treetop rope course features zip-lining, rope climbing and even a Tarzan Swing.

For a more secluded outdoor experience, escape to Dubai’s exclave of Hatta surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. You can hike through mountain passes and wadis (dry canyon riverbeds), take a dip in the rock pools, or kayak out on Hatta Dam’s stunning blue waters.

For Foodies

With restaurant options to suit every taste and budget, Dubai is a gastronomic paradise. Beautifully designed interiors, exquisite menus and intimate atmospheres combine to make the city the perfect place to treat your partner this Valentine’s.

Situated at the end of the pier, with captivating views across the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic offers a stunning ‘over-the- water’ dining experience alongside some of the best seafood dishes in town.

Greek Aegean-styled restaurant Fish Beach Taverna, located in Le Meridien Hotel Mina Seyahi, features glittering lights, delicious food and beachside dining, perfect for a thoroughly romantic atmosphere.

Offering unrivalled views of The Dubai Fountain and the iconic Burj Khalifa, Karma Kafé by Buddha-Bar sets the scene for a truly magical dining experience. Set inside Souk Al Bahar, the restaurant serves a fusion of Pan-Asian and international flavours, set against a background soundtrack of oriental and eclectic beats.

In addition to their usual menus, many of Dubai’s top restaurants will be offering diners with exclusive Valentine’s packages. This includes The Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort, which is introducing special set menus across three of its dining concepts; Seagrill Restaurant and Lounge, Little Miss India and The Mashrabiya Lounge.

For the Young at Heart

Dubai is truly a playground for the young and has now become the theme park capital of the region – offering you and your loved one the perfect excuse to let your hair down and embrace your inner child.

Opened in 2016, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park in the world. There are five themed zones containing state-of- the-art thrill-rides that brings all your favourite characters to life, from the likes of The Avengers and Spiderman, to life-sized dinosaurs in The Lost Valley.

Meanwhile, Motiongate Dubai is a Hollywood-inspired adventure land featuring 27 rides inspired by 13 memorable action and animation films, including The Ghostbusters, Shrek and The Hunger Games.

Also, within Dubai Parks and Resorts is the unique Bollywood Parks, the first theme park in the world dedicated to all things Bollywood. A celebration of Mumbai’s legendary film industry, the park features five zones, each inspired by Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

Dubai is also home to two of the best waterparks in the world. Part of Dubai’s iconic Atlantis The Palm hotel, Aquaventure is overflowing with 17 fun-filled hectares of excitement. Aquaventure is home to the Leap of Faith, a nine-storey mega-slide that hurtles riders down a near-vertical drop in a blink of an eye, and Poseidon’s Revenge, which plummets riders through the heart of the waterpark’s tower at speeds of 60 kilometres per hour.

Located on Jumeirah Beach, close to the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi is Dubai’s first waterpark and is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore. The park features 30 different rides for all ages.

For Culture Vultures

Treat your significant other to a sophisticated night out at the Dubai Opera. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this striking dhow-shaped building is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, with state-of- the-art design features, ensuring an impeccable acoustic experience. Fittingly, this Valentine’s, Dubai Opera is hosting the Polish National Opera’s critically-acclaimed production of the classic love story Aïda.

With a story that’s inspired by the spirit of Dubai, La Perle is a one-of- a-kind live show that gives Las Vegas performances a run for their money. The theatre utilizes advanced technology and houses an aqua stage complete with a 12-metre- deep pool filled with 2.7 million litres of water.

Prepare to be astounded as 65 world-class performers from 23 countries perform breath-taking and extraordinary stunts, ranging from acrobatics and contortion to flying and diving.

For Label Lovers

If your idea of romance involves retail, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Dubai boasts possibly the greatest concentrations of retail brands in any city – second only to London – making it a fashion follower’s paradise. Covering over 440,000 square feet, Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall has the largest collection of global fashion brands under one roof.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for great deals on top fashion labels, head to The Outlet Village, UAE’s first upscale outlet shopping destination. Inspired by classical Tuscan architecture, and housing over 120 brands ranging from Armani and Lanvin to Sandro and The Kooples, The Outlet Village offers visitors an unforgettable shopping experience in a striking environment.

If you’re looking for a curated experience packed full of insider knowledge, La Ville Hotel & Suites in Dubai’s City Walk offer indulgent shopaholics a ‘Exactly Like Nothing Else’ package.

Here, you can choose from two half-day shopping experiences: ‘Off the Beaten Track’, where you’ll discover vintage treasures and local designers in independent villas; or ‘The Mall Trawl’, a private tour of the best malls in the city with shortcuts to the top luxury department stores.