Sharing all the best things to do in Dubai for couples travel!
I visited Dubai for several days after my honeymoon to the Seychelles. Dubai is such an interesting city full of culture, history, adventure, and friendly people. Whether you want to relax at the beach, explore the desert, tour a mosque, or eat your way around the city, there is plenty of amazing things to do in Dubai for couples.
One of my favorite things was exploring the Dubai Desert to see the unique landscape and wildlife. We also loved having tea at the Arabian Tea House, exploring the souks in Old Dubai and seeing the incredible Burj Khalifa!
In this post, I have put together a long list for you to skim with ideas that are romantic, adventurous and geared toward adults. Any of these would be great options to add to your Dubai itinerary.
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Here are my absolute must-do top experiences to have while in Dubai:
✅ Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – this premium tour is for luxury, eco-conscious travelers who want to learn more about the desert. We had the most amazing experience and 1000/10 recommend!
✅ Explore the Souks and Al Fahidi Historic District – Exploring Dubai’s Old Town was a highlight of my trip. I loved wandering the Al Fahidi district, browsing the souks, and crossing Dubai Creek on a traditional abra. If you want more context, consider a guided tour—it includes an Emirati Heritage House visit, street food tastings, and that classic abra ride.
✅ Dinner & Dubai Fountain Show – One of the best ways to see the Dubai Fountain show is over dinner at the Dubai Mall. I loved being able to sit outside, enjoy a meal, and watch the fountains dance with the Burj Khalifa lit up in the background—it’s magical. If you want to get upclose, I’ve linked an amazing boat tour that gets you a front row seat!
Best Things to do in Dubai for Couples
Get ready to plan the perfect itinerary in Dubai for you and your partner!
1. Explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
You can’t visit Dubai without actually going into the remote Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This was my first time in a desert and it was so incredible to see the vast dunes in every direction.
We had the best guide at Platinum Heritage Tours. They picked us up in a luxury vehicle and shared history of Dubai and Bedouin culture on our one hour drive. Once we arrived, we were dressed in traditional Arab head wraps (kaffiyeh) and took our picture next to a vintage land rover. This is the tour we did!
Then, we got to ride a camel before driving all over the conservation reserve. We got to see wildlife like the majestic White Arabian Oryx.
Finally, we ended with breakfast at the luxury, Al Maha Resort. It was truly an incredible day – just checkout these pictures!
I recommend doing tours in the desert that are sustainable without hurting wildlife that lives in the dunes. I’d skip anything that rides you around the dunes. Check out these great options below.
🐪 This is the best Dubai Desert tour that we actually did!
- Dubai Desert Conservation Drive and Breakfast at Al Maha Resort – we did this one
- Vintage Safari and Bedouin Experience – but this one would be really cool too!
2. Explore Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District
Dubai Creek separates Old and New Dubai and it is a vast difference from one side to the other. It’s fascinating to see how the two blend harmoniously with the skyscrapers and the historic buildings of the past. Wander around Al Fahidi Historical District and of course, do a little shopping for local products and souvenirs.
3. Ride in an Abra on Dubai Creek
An Abra is a traditional wooden boat used to ferry people across Dubai Creek. Take a quick ride across and admire Old and New Dubai from this unique vantage point. It’s the best way to move from the souks to Al Fahidi Historical District.
4. Wander through the Gold Souks and Spice Souks
Dubai loves gold and the gold souks are endless. Explore this area and take home the perfect luxury souvenir. You can also wander through the spice and textile souks to admire these incredible artisans.
5. See the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at 2,716 feet. You can take a tour inside for the highest views in Dubai, but we admired its grandness from the outside.
6. Shopping at the Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world. It has ~1200 retail outlets and 200+ dining outlets. A mall is not somewhere I typically would have planned to see, but we visited for dinner with some local friends. It was fun to see the Dubai Fountain with the Burj Khalifa behind it in the night sky while we dined.
One of the neat things about Dubai is how large and luxurious everything seems. It’s fun to simply see everything and admire.
7. Tour a Mosque
We did not have time to visit a mosque on this short trip, but there are so many beautiful options for you. Here are my top picks in Dubai: Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, Jumeirah Mosque, or Grande Mosque. And, if you have time for a day trip to Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is incredibly ornate.
Another cool thing to note is that there are mosques along the highway every 15 minutes or so. There’s always a spot to pull over and pray. Pretty cool to witness as you would never find that in America!
8. Hear the Call to Prayer from a Rooftop
If you have not heard the Call to Prayer in person, it is absolutely beautiful. While you will hear it multiple times of day, one of my favorite experiences was enjoying dinner outside at Four Season’s Mercury Lounge rooftop bar while the prayer played against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline.
9. Have Tea at Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House is located in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood. It has become a famous spot visited by celebrities including Kate Hudson and Martha Stewart. We popped in for authentic Arabian tea after exploring old Dubai and the souks.
10. Relax on the beaches of the Arabian Sea
It is hot in Dubai! You will absolutely want to plan some time in at the beach to soak up the sun and cool off in the sea. The beaches are white and sandy and the water is surprisingly cool. It is the perfect way to spend time as a couple in Dubai.
Leisurely tip: If you are at a public beach, be sure to dress more conservatively as local families may be around. If you are at a hotel’s beach, it’s a little more flexible. See my full guide on what to wear in Dubai.
11. See the Dubai Fountain at Night
The Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain. It’s located in Downtown Dubai by the mall. It is over 900 ft in length and displays a choreographed water and light show daily. The best place to watch? Book a table on the patio at Bice Mare for dinner and check it out. Alternatively, you could get on the boat tour that puts you up close to the action.
12. Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world with over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. You will love seeing the huge flower arches shaped like hearts – it’s a great photo op, too for those dreamy couples pics!
13. Tour the Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum located at Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest building in the whole city built in 1787. Inside you can view ancient artifacts and antiques exhibits. The fort was once a monarch’s base, a fortified residence and weapons arsenal before being renovated and opened as the museum in 1971. You will get a feel for how Dubai looked before the discovery of oil in the UAE.
14. Catch a performance at Dubai Opera
The Dubai Opera House hosts performance from opera, ballet, theater, and concerts. It’s located right in downtown and would make a great date night to catch a performance in this 2,000 seat opera house. After, have dinner somewhere fancy!
Private Dubai History and Culture Tour with Dubai Museum, Al Shindagha and Souks
15. Skydive over the Palm Island
Nothing more romantic than facing your fears together, right? Maybe, that’s just The Bachelor. If you are braver than me, Dubai is hands-down THE best place to skydive. You’ll have insane views of the city and the palms islands from above.
16. Day Trip to Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Take a quick day trip to Abu Dhabi to tour this incredible mosque, the largest in whole country. The white marble materials and intricate detailing will leave you speechless. It’s only a 90 minute drive from Dubai so can be done in a half day. I would definitely recommend booking a tour so you have a guide to help you!
17. Spend the afternoon on a Yacht for Sunset
I always love to get on the water in a new destination. It offers a great perspective of the city, especially in place as unique as Dubai. Book an afternoon yacht cruise to enjoy a romantic day-date drinking wine and watching the sunset.
Best Dubai Yacht Tours
18. Take a Cooking Class
Cooking a meal together is always a good romantic thing to do in Dubai for couples. Learn more about the Emirate cuisine and how to prepare some of the most popular dishes together. Dubai showcases cultutres from all around the world so could also try a pasta making class at Top Chef Dubai or sushi rolling class at Sushi Samba.
Best Dubai Cooking Classes:
19. Take a Helicopter Tour
If skydiving is not for you, a helicopter tour is the next best way to see Dubai from the clouds. Book a romantic guided helicopter tour where you will learn more about the history and future of Dubai.
Best Helicopter Tour in Dubai
20. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
One more option to get in the air. Take a romantic hot air ballon ride through the Dubai Desert with your partner. See the dunes stretch for miles and watch wildlife wander past you. It’s the perfect romantic vibe to add into your trip!
21. Traditional Dinner in the Desert
Explore the Dubai desert after dark in a vintage 1950 Land Rover with your conservation guide. After, you will join other guests at the Royal Desert Grounds for a traditional Emirati dinner. Finish the evening with a local astronomer who will teach you about the stars and how the Bedoin used them to navigate their way.
You can also extend with an overnight stay at the camp so you can enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride!
22. Visit the Dubai Global Village
The Dubai Global Village will feel a bit like Disney World, but is such a fascinating place. It’s the world’s largest destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment combining cultures of over 90 countries around the planet. Think EPCOT on steroids – lots of them.
Buy your skip the line tickets here!
23. Tour the Museum of the Future
Dubai is such a futuristic city and you can really see that on display at the Museum of the Future. It is a museum for futuristic ideas, technologies, services, and products located in the Financial District. It will definitely make you think and spark fun conversation.
24. Dine at Roka
Roka was hands down one of the best meals I have ever had. We had fresh local fish, sushi, and finished with an over the top desert tower. I highly recommend Roka if you are in Dubai.
25. Get Pampered at the Four Seasons Spa
Nothing more romantic than a spa day with your other half! I recommend the Fours Seasons Jumeirah Beach for a luxury spa experience. I booked a 90-minute massage and it was truly one of the nicest spas I have been to. Highly highly recommend staying here and visiting the spa!
26. Poolside Lunch at the Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is one of the most unique hotels in the world. It’s built to look like a sail blowing in the wind. You have to see this place up close and take a walk through the lobby. We booked lunch at their poolside restaurant, SAL, which was so good and a nice place to relax. Pop open a crisp bottle of wine and enjoy the views with your significant other.
Where to Stay in Dubai: Luxury Hotels
The best places to call home for your romantic getaway to Dubai!
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach was the perfect home for our laid back days in Dubai. We were there to enjoy the culture and explore Dubai at a leisurely pace and this far surpassed expectations. The location is perfect, situated along the beach and close to downtown Dubai, historic Dubai, and the airport. Always recommend the Four Seasons for the quality experiences!
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is considered the world’s only “7 star hotel” as a journalist referred to it with this designation. It sits on a manmade island and was built to resemble a sail on a ship. The idea was for this to be the most luxurious hotel in the world with opulence throughout the designs and decor. The Burj Al Arab is an icon for Dubai.
Al Maha Resort and Spa
Al Maha Resort and Spa is a Marriott branded property that sits on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It is a luxury property that treats its visitors to an intimate experience in the remote desert. We loved the idea of staying here, but due to limited time we chose to be in the city center instead. We did visit for breakfast as part of our desert tour and it was incredibly beautiful! If you are staying for a week or longer, I would split your time and spend a 2-3 nights here and the rest in the city!
Dubai Premium Transfer from Dubai city centre to Dubai airport – $95.72from: Viator, A Tripadvisor Company
FAQ for Dubai Couples Trips
Answering all your burning questions about a Dubai trip – please ask anything in the comments or DM on instagram.
Dubai is a great place for couples with plenty to do from the arts, culture, history, culinary, to adventure. Any couple will have good time in Dubai.
Yes, unmarried couples are allowed in Dubai. However, it is technically illegal for an unmarried couple to share a room, but this is typically not enforced at tourist hotels.
There is plenty to do in Dubai with your significant other. Take a walk on the beach, book a desert safari, take a hot air ballon ride, and taste the local flavors.
Yes, you can drink alcohol in Dubai from authorized establishments like restaurants and hotels. Be very careful of openly drinking in public or over-indulging. Keep in mind, if visiting during Ramadan you need to be even more respectful as the local Emirati will be fasting from sun up to sun down.
Yes, Dubai is a great place for a honeymoon. There is plenty to do, but you could also pair it with a tropical trip to Seychelles of Maldives!
While you can get away with a lot more in the tourist parts of Dubai, PDA is illegal in Dubai. I would be cautious holding hands publicly especially if you are unmarried.
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This list is absolutely fantastic! It goes beyond the typical tourist spots and really highlights some unique and romantic experiences for couples in Dubai. Perfect mix of adventure, culture, and luxury – great job!