Dubai Travel Guides

With its shimmering coastline, striking blue skies and cosmopolitan lights, Dubai is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It’s the perfect place to treat your special someone – or even plan an unforgettable proposal! Here are our five favourite romantic activities for couples in this remarkable city.

1. Plan a romantic dinner

Dubai is home to many exquisite restaurants, perfect for foodie couples wanting to treat themselves. Watch the sun set into the Arabian Gulf over dinner from the landmark Pierchi seafood restaurant on the Al Qasr’s jetty, or enjoy some Thai food at Thiptara at The Palace Downtown while surrounded by the dancing water fountains of Burj Lake.

2. Treat your partner to an Arabian gift

Dubai is famous for its shopping. So there’s no better place to treat your partner to a new piece of jewellery, clothing or some unique interiors. Al Jazeera Perfumes is home to distinctive Arabic fragrances with a private seating area so shoppers can select the perfect perfume for their partner. Or stop by Bateel, a luxury sweet-shop selling dates filled with delicacies like caramelized nuts, candied ginger, lemon or orange peel.

3. Explore the traditional Arabian desert

The original Dubai holiday activity. For active couples, dune bashing, quad biking and sandboarding are all available on the iconic desert safaris. But for something really special, book you and your love a Heritage Dinner Safari and dine under the stars. There’s also a Private Dune Dinner, where you will be served an Arabic dinner in a private Bedouin-style tent following a day touring the desert including falcon spotting and a camel ride.

4.Stroll along secluded beaches

Dubai is home to some spectacular beaches. But if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more out-the-way to admire the stars, we’ve got a small tip. Known as the Hidden Beach, this peaceful stretch of sand lives up to its name. To find it follow The Walk all the way to the south, turn right at the roundabout and continue driving or walking until you meet the sandy coastline.

5. Splash out on a luxury hotel

If there’s anywhere in the world where you should choose luxury – it’s Dubai. Whether it’s the romantic underwater suites at Atlantis the Palm or the relaxing couples’ VIP spa at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Then there’s the option of staying at the Burj Al Arab itself – and booking their moonlight swim package for two.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is one of the biggest theme park destinations in the world and the biggest in the Middle East. Here's our top 5 reasons why you should visit one of Dubai's must see attractions:

1. It will be to home to the first Hunger Games theme park experience

While MOTIONGATE™ Dubai will be bringing several blockbusters to life, it’s The Hunger Games that has everyone talking. In the park you’ll find a real-life replica of Katniss’s home town of District 12, and a mega-coaster that transports its brave passengers to the Capitol (as fast as possible with plenty of adrenaline-rushing loops).

2. MOTIONGATE Dubai will feature rides inspired by another 13 blockbusters

Aside from The Hunger Games, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai will be home to replica films sets based on the Smurfs, Underworld, Zombieland, Madagascar and more. The attractions will include small play-parks for kids such as Camp Viking (based on How to Train Your Dragon) and white-knuckle rides, such as High Speed Chase (from the film Green Hornet).

3. You can earn a LEGOLAND® Driving License

In the Middle East’s first LEGOLAND®, you’ll find LEGO® City. Here you can fly a plane, steer a boat and, yes, earn a LEGOLAND® Driving License.

4. Dubai MINILAND

As with any LEGOLAND theme park, MINILAND is at the heart of LEGOLAND DUBAI. This indoor and air-conditioned land will feature iconic landmarks from the Middle East as well as a 10m play table for you and your family to create your very own city.

5. A family only water-park

Water parks are fun, but can be boisterous. The LEGOLAND Water Park in Dubai Parks and Resorts is specifically designed for kids aged 2-12 and their families. Smaller members of the family can choose between 20 water slides to splash around and play.

You've just finished a delicious meal in a restaurant on holiday and are now ready to pay your bill. You take out the notes you were given when you exchanged your money, and are slowly counting up the amount on the bill making sure you've used the correct coins. Then the thought pops into your head: should I tip?

In Dubai , the government insists that hotels and restaurants must include a service charge in the official bill, and you're free to add something extra. Parking valets and porters should be tipped about ten dirhams but cab drivers won't expect anything (though it's nice to round-up).