St Valentine’s is coming. If you aren't spending it lying on your couch with a bag of chips in one hand and the remote control in the other, but with an actual human being, you might want to give it a little thought.

Of course, a flower bouquet and dinner in a nice place will always do. They are classics for a reason. But if you want to make it truly memorable, slightly unexpected, or at least not identical to last year, we have got you covered.

The bad news is that you have probably already seen everything on Instagram. The good news is that seeing and experiencing are two very different things. And even better news: St Valentine’s isn't about winning an originality contest. It is about celebrating romance and your couple, whatever that looks like for you.

And finally, something truly groundbreaking (brace yourselves): you can use this list more than once a year. Because the best date doesn't depend on the date (dad joke detected), but on whom you spend it with.

This year, St Valentine’s conveniently falls on a Saturday. Lucky you. No need to squeeze romance into a post-work dinner slot. There is a whole day to play with, and a very good excuse to leave the city.

1. Desert safari

Will it be a Desert Motorbike Adventure? A wildlife drive to spot camels? Or simply cruising through golden dunes, chasing the perfect sunset (sunrise available as well) and then staying for stargazing? You choose. Just remember to take your partner’s preferences into account, not only your Pinterest board.

Check it out: Oryx Safari Dubai

2. Trekking

February is prime outdoor season. No scorching heat, no dramatic suffering. Grab proper trekking shoes and escape the city. Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah are all close enough for a day trip. Hydration is romantic. Trust us.

More details: Trekking in Hatta

3. Hot air balloon ride

Yes, it is a romantic comedy cliché. We refuse to defend ourselves, because we will be too busy watching the sunrise from the sky. It is beautiful, it is peaceful, and it works every single time.

Try it here

4. Camping

Nature, barbecue, long conversations, and just the two of you. Well, mostly just the two of you, depending on the popularity of the spot. Al Qudra Lakes are an easy option. If you are ready for a longer drive, Al Quaa Desert offers dark skies and serious Milky Way views.

5. Mangrove kayaking

Quiet, meditative, and surprisingly bonding. Paddling together through mangroves is equal parts serene and impressive. Also an excellent test of teamwork, communication, and patience. All very romantic qualities, really.

Where to go? Mangrove Adventures

6. Snorkelling in Fujairah

Fujairah keeps proving itself. Snorkelling here is genuinely good, and spotting turtles is a universally accepted good omen for relationships. There is no science behind this, but we stand by it.

Book a tour here

7. Farm visit

Possibly the coolest way to fight online is to go fully offline.

Spend a few hours learning about greens, crops, and organic food, riding a tractor, and harvesting your own vegetables. Dirt under your nails, sun on your face, and no notifications in sight. There is a good chance that by the end of the day you will realise that your laptop-and-matcha-latte job is not that hard after all. Perspective is romantic.

Your go-to location? Emirates Bio Farm

For couples who bond best under pressure, or at least while screaming.

8. Skydiving

If butterflies aren't enough for you, this will multiply them instantly. Terrifying, exhilarating, unforgettable. If your idea of romance includes freefalling at alarming speeds, this one is for you.

The free fall starts here

9. Diving

The opposite direction, but equally dramatic. Diving is exciting, immersive, and quietly powerful. Also comes with excellent symbolism potential: feelings deeper than the ocean, and all that. Ten Valentines out of ten.

The world's deepest pool: Deep Dive Dubai

11. Helicopter ride

Yes, we are flying again. This time, without jumping out. Look at the city from above and imagine that you are not a couple on a date, but secret agents on a mission. Your task: save the UAE from lack of romance.

Helicopter rides in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

12. Race driving

If you both suddenly became Formula 1 experts last year (thank you, Brad Pitt), this is your moment. Speed, adrenaline, and the chance to feel like a professional driver for a day. Just do not argue about who goes first.

The ultimate racing experience: Yas Marina Circuit

13. Aerobatic flight experience

Not exactly a relaxing date, but an unforgettable one. Especially suitable for couples who agree that romance doesn't have to be calm, as long as it is shared.

A professional aerobatic flight in a world-class Extra 330 aircraft, with loops, rolls, and precise manoeuvres unfolding above the landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah. It is intense, controlled, and surprisingly elegant.

Aerobatic G-FORCE flight experience in Ras Al Khaimah

Do you both live by the idea that only an apocalypse is a solid enough reason to cancel a training session? In this case, you might be deeply satisfied by a date that involves movement, mild effort, and shared endorphins. Exercising together is oddly bonding. Possibly because surviving it together counts as teamwork.

14. Horse riding

It looks cool. It feels great. It might be slightly intimidating if it is your first time, because horses are living creatures with personalities of their own. Still, it looks undeniably cinematic and feels surprisingly uplifting. Also, it photographs exceptionally well, which never hurts.

Book your ride here

15. Wake surfing

Sea breeze, sun, and a fun activity that will either bring you adrenaline or Instagram likes. If you are good at it, great. If you aren't, even better. Wakesurfing is literally designed for falling in, laughing, and trying again.

Spot to try: Ultimate Wake Dubai

16. Running session (cute matching outfits encouraged)

Perfect for an early morning or sunset run at Kite Beach. Just remember: this is a date, not Olympic qualifiers. Five kilometres is more than enough to feel virtuous, followed by a romantic coffee break and serious discussions about pastries.

17. Yoga for two

Pure joy, provided you don't take downward-facing dog too seriously. Some stretching, some breathing, some savasana, and suddenly you feel closer than before, without actually talking. Highly effective.

Our favourite spots: Paus, Zen, Sage

18. Ice skating

Possibly one of the cutest activities on the list. Refreshing, not overly challenging, and deeply romantic. Very Hallmark Christmas movie energy, minus the snowstorm and dramatic plot twist.

Dubai Ice Rink will have a romantic DJ sets on February 13 to 15

19. Indoor skiing

Another winter sports moment, but with a different vibe. Meet your loved one on the slope, pretend you aren't in the desert, and absolutely don't skip the après-ski spa session afterwards. We promise it is part of the experience.

On February 14 Ski Dubai offers 3-hour pass for two for 450 AED

20. Parkour class

For couples who want to try something genuinely new. Y2K outfits are welcome, as is old-school hip-hop energy. Just be kind to your knees, especially if your teenage years are a distant memory.

Challenge the gravity (and yourself) at Gravity Calisthenics Gym

21. Dance class

The ultimate love language is body language. Celebrate yours in the most musical way possible. It might not look like Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in La La Land, but if you get a happy ending, that is what really counts.

Book a tango class (passion mode: on!) here

We will keep this section short, because all these options share the same principle: learning something new together.

Here are just some of your options:

22. Pottery. The Mud House Studio

23. Carpentry. The Makers Society

24. Cooking. Valentine's Day at École Ducasse Abu Dhabi; Top Chef Cooking Studio Dubai

25. Photography. Private tuition at Gulf Photo Plus

26. Floristry. Gaia plants & floral workshops

27. DJing. Smart Gate School; Dubai Sound Academy

28. Calligraphy. Sumaira Mohammed Ashik's classes; Calligraphy Workshop Stay at Raffles

The main rule is simple. Choose something you will both enjoy. Or at least tolerate politely.

29. Paint-each-other party

A freestyle option that won't bring you closer to your first solo exhibition, but will definitely give you a reason to laugh at each other. And, more importantly, at yourselves. Highly recommended.

For couples who prefer shared impressions over shared adrenaline. These dates are about atmosphere, aesthetics, and conversations that start quietly and last longer than planned. Art, music, performance, and live experiences have a way of slowing things down and making space for connection. Dress up, look around, and let something else do the talking for a change.

30. Art day (gallery hopping or exhibition visit)

Romance and a culturally fulfilling weekend? A total win-win. February is particularly generous when it comes to exhibitions and art events, so check our art calendar, follow your curiosity, and choose with your heart. Walking, discussing, disagreeing slightly, and pretending you understand contemporary art is all part of the charm.

Your cultural guide is here

31. TeamLab Phenomena visit

Yes, we want a special highlight. Great on any day, but especially magical when art-induced wonder matches your Valentine’s butterflies. If you are feeling particularly culturally ambitious, you might even follow it up with a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Explore more

32. Live sports event

Think polo, tennis, or something equally impressive. For example, the Dubai Polo Gold Cup. It works best if neither of you is too emotionally invested in the outcome, so no one forgets they are on a date. A shared experience, a bit of excitement, and something cool to remember afterwards.

Tickets for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup (from 195 AED)

33. Immersive dining at Krasota Restaurant

This is the only restaurant recommendation we will allow ourselves in this article. Not because others aren't good, but because here gastronomy is just one part of the experience.

Krasota is a fine-dining destination where haute cuisine meets visual art. Your dinner turns into a performance, with projections, storytelling, and flavours all working together. The whole experience takes around two hours, and it genuinely feels like you have been to the theatre. Just with better food.

Discover Krasota

34. Music night

Dress up. Go somewhere beautiful. Listen to something timeless. It works every time.

How about a jazz night at TODA? It happens to fall on Sunday, February 15, which is even better. Two days of celebration feel far more luxurious than squeezing everything into one evening.

Or perhaps the musical Wicked at Dubai Opera. Magic, drama, and a guaranteed post-show discussion.

35. Planetarium visit

Seeing the stars without leaving the city? The planetarium has entered the chat.

A cosmic date without sand, camping gear, or weather concerns. Sit back, look up, and let the universe do its thing. Educational, calming, and quietly awe-inspiring. Easily one of our personal romantic favourites.

Shows at Sharjah Planetarium & Space Exhibition

Lighthearted, nostalgic, and very Instagrammable.

This category is all about not taking things too seriously. Play, laughter, a bit of silliness, and activities that invite you to relax and enjoy the moment. Perfect for early-stage dating, long-term couples in need of a reset, or anyone who believes romance doesn't always have to be dramatic to be meaningful.

36. Cinema for two

Yes, it really is that simple. Not another episode of Stranger Things (we will get back to that later), but a proper cinema experience. Popcorn, a dark room, the last row, and that unmistakably romantic feeling.

We do know the address. Cinema Akil, of course. Especially with their Richard Linklater retrospective, featuring Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. This is romance, no further explanation needed.

Book tickets at Cinema Akil

37. Escape the room experience

Escape rooms combine fun, teamwork, and just enough adrenaline. Choose your location, solve puzzles, argue constructively, and turn your couple into a detective-slash-genius duo. An excellent bonding exercise.

Escape the Room awaits here

38. Self-portrait photo studio session

A literally memorable experience, because you will leave with joint portraits. Something to cherish, frame, and possibly reuse later. Such as... wedding invitations? We aren't saying anything. Just putting it out there.

Find more at The Portrait Room

39. Premium experience at Ain Dubai

Just the two of you, observing the city from above. No adrenaline involved, only views.

The Ain Dubai Premium Experience for Two is a 38-minute ride on the world’s tallest observation wheel, offering a fresh perspective on the skyline. It also happens to be an excellent option for a first date.

Why? Because 38 minutes is long enough to feel special, but short enough to remain non-committal. If it goes well, you can continue the evening elsewhere. If it doesn't, at least you enjoyed the view and avoided awkward coffee silences. Lonely hearts, take note.

Price for Ain Premium Experience starts at 889 AED per person

40. Spa for two

The ultimate form of relaxation, and proof that you love not only each other, but also yourselves. Among our favourite Dubai spots are the spas at Atlantis The Palm, Saray, and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.

41. Sauna / Banya Session

Another way to treat yourself properly. A banya is all about clearing your mind as well as your body, feeling uplifted and deeply relaxed. It is also, unexpectedly, a great setting for opening up and having meaningful conversations. Steam encourages honesty.

Low effort, high emotional return. Yes, staying in can be romantic. Especially when January was exhausting and February isn't doing much better.

42. LEGO assembling challenge

Let us guess. You are a millennial couple planning to assemble another Harry Potter set. Just kidding. Mostly.

LEGO is a genuinely great way to spend time together, slow down, and reconnect with your inner children. Surprisingly therapeutic, and much more engaging than scrolling.

43. Netflix and chill — but make it a staycation

You can absolutely do this at home. But add a twist: a hotel room. A change of scenery does wonders for recharging. Pro tip: ask for a late checkout and enjoy it properly, without watching the clock.

44. Planning your next trip together

An activity officially recommended by our editor Barbara. Trip planning is already part of the journey. It builds anticipation, invites dreaming, and reveals how well you work together.

Some experiences require booking in advance, so you are being romantic and practical at the same time. Order pizza, open maps, and plan your next escape.

45. Presentation party (yes, PowerPoint about each other)

Possible themes include:

Make it sweet, ironic, and personal. And no, the preparation has nothing to do with your work presentations. Allegedly.

For couples who hate clichés. Or simply enjoy a little chaos. These options don't fit neatly into categories, but they are unforgettable.

46. Visit a pet shelter together

This is genuinely good. Adopting, checking whether you are ready to adopt, volunteering, or donating instead of buying flowers. Caring is good. Full stop.

47. Smash the stress room

For those who are overwhelmed at work, or for passionate couples who occasionally feel like they belong in an Italian drama. Scream, smash, destroy, and let it all out.

Sharing your darker, more aggressive sides is also a form of vulnerability. And trust.

Anti-stress room (from 219 AED per person)

48. Shooting session

Bonnie and Clyde vibes. Minus the crime.

A shooting lesson at JA Shooting Club is a controlled, professional way to try something intense and unexpectedly bonding. Olympic-grade ranges, strict safety standards, and formats suitable for complete beginners mean you can focus on precision, trust, and shared adrenaline. Not exactly soft romance, but definitely memorable.

Discover JA Shooting Club

49. “Leave by Ten” party

This format deserves respect. Especially if you are in your 30s.

We still want to party. We still want to dance. We just want to be home by ten. A party from 5 pm to 10 pm feels perfect. It isn't cringe, you still make it to the gym, and late birds miss the whole thing anyway.

Explore partying at a reasonable hour

50. Anti-romance cleaning day (fight dust, not each other)

If you have read this far and still hate St Valentine’s, we have something for you too.

Do the dullest thing possible. Clean. No romance. No pink cards. No forced affection. Just an organised wardrobe, dust-free shelves, and satisfaction in its purest form. Just do it.