As much as we love a good old-fashioned dinner date, sometimes we’re after something a little more imaginative. And Dubai is the perfect place to plan a romantic, fun date that you won’t experience anywhere else.
Whether it’s gazing out at the view from a sky-high building, to painting a masterpiece, grape tasting or fishing your partner off the floor at the roller rink, there are loads of dates in Dubai that are sure to impress.
In case you’re still looking for dinner cast your eyes here for the very best restaurants in Dubai, but read on for 20 smoking hot date ideas in Dubai, which aren’t dinner.
Dubai date ideas that aren’t dinner
Act like a kid again at the new Brass Monkey
Ready to get competitive with your other half? Quirky entertainment spot Brass Monkey has opened its second location in Dubai, this time in City Walk. The fully licensed venue boasts bowling alleys, VR racing simulators, plus a pool and snooker area. That’s not all. There are plenty of arcade games including old-school video games, foosball, a booth for temporary tattoos and more to get involved in. Peckish? Dig into all-American cuisine including burgers, wings and the like.
Open Mon-Wed 4pm-2am, Thu-Fri 4pm-3am, Sat noon-3am, Sun noon-2am. C2, City Walk, brassmonkeysocial.com (04 582 2244).
Broaden your mind at The Museum of the Future
As one of the most striking buildings in the city, you’ll have noticed the impressive Museum of the Future every time you drive along Sheikh Zayed Road. And if you’re yet to visit the museum since it opened last October, it’s a must-visit day out. With several floors and many themes from technology to health and well-being covered, there are masses to soak in as you stroll around with your partner. Not only can you learn something new, but it’s also an interesting way to spend a couple of hours and will give you plenty to chat about, too.
Open daily 10am-6pm. Sheikh Zayed Road, museumofthefuture.ae.
You might also like: 15 brilliant things to do in Dubai after sunset
Camp overnight at The Green Planet
The perfect date for nature lovers, this massive indoor rainforest is home to more than 3,000 exotic plants and wildlife. There are beautiful birds as well as monkeys, bats, porcupines, piranhas and reptiles (don’t worry the latter are not roaming or slithering, free) and you can explore everything while wandering around the amazing biodome. Want to take it a step further? Stay overnight with a special camping experience where you’ll get dinner, breakfast, animal encounters, marshmallow toasting and more. The cooing of tropical birds, the scuffles of a sloth, the chatter of monkeys – you’ll forget you’re in City Walk.
Prices vary. Open daily 10am-6pm, camping Fri-Sat. City Walk, Al Safa Street, thegreenplanet.com (800 7699).
Challenge yourself at Rock Republic Dubai
Those who are looking for a date that’s a little bit different should head down to Rock Republic Dubai. The venue features over 400 square metres of bouldering walls and more than 150 routes to climb. Haven’t tried it yet? Not to worry, you’ll be buckled up the whole time and climbing shoes will help you to easily make your way up the wall. If you need extra help, professional instructors are available to help you learn.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Fri 3.30pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Dubai Investment Park, rockrepublicdubai.com (04 882 9361).
Check out one of Dubai’s many escape rooms
Put your problem-solving credentials to the test and work together to open your mind and eyes carefully. Crack codes and solve cyphers to escape a room within 60 minutes. Whether you want to solve a murder on the Orient Express or get out of a madman’s basement.
Open daily 11.30am-10pm. The Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, escapehunt.com/dubai (04 334 4473).
You might like: 11 of the best escape rooms in Dubai
Create a masterpiece with We Love Art
Think you’re a bit nifty with the paintbrush? If you, or your date, are artistically inclined then We Love Art’s Paint & Grape classes are a top shout for a dinner-free date night in Dubai. The workshops take place at various cool locations across the city and the three-hour classes include all painting gear, two glasses of grape (or four soft drinks) and top-notch guidance from the pros. Not only will you have a fun night out, you’ll also have a funky piece of artwork to display when you get home.
Various locations across Dubai, weloveart.com/paint-grape (056 769 1995).
Go to Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue
Cinephiles and film buffs should head on down to the indie cinema, Cinema Akil. The schedule changes each month and showcases diverse work from global directors. Grab a karak tea and watch films including classics from Italy, South Korea, Senegal, Germany and France. Expand from what you know and enter a world of cinematic pleasure. You can find the full schedule of films and screening times on the Cinema Akil website.
Price varies per film. Open Sun-Thu 5pm onwards, Fri-Sat 3pm onwards. Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue Al Quoz Industrial District, cinemaakil.com (058 909 7798).
Hit the surf at Wavehouse
With a bowling alley, arcade games, a restaurant and an adults-only bar, Wavehouse is as much for a date night as it is for a day out with your kids. For something a little bit different, why not show off your surfing skills? Wavehouse is home to the Surf’s Up Wave Rider, which shoots out seven tonnes of water per second, ideal for bodyboarding, knee boarding or, if you have the balance, surfing. It will have you pulling off some gnarly moves that are sure to impress your partner and even if you wipe out you’re sure to have heaps of fun.
Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2626).
Hop around at Bounce Trampoline Park
There’s no better way to de-stress than jumping around, so plan a date at Bounce Trampoline Park for a hopping good time. This endorphin-pumping activity encourages freestyle movement with 3,000 square metres of interconnected indoor trampolines, adventure features, padding and airbags. Once they’ve worked up an appetite, Bounce Cafè has plenty to fuel up with, including pasta, pizza, salads and much more.
From Dhs80 (per person). Open Sun 10am-8pm, Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-9pm and Sun 10am-8pm. Building 32 4th Street, Al Quoz , bounce.ae (04 339 0911).
LOL at The Laughter Factory
The city’s much-loved longstanding comedy club The Laughter Factory pulls out all the stops when it comes to bringing in hilarious talent from all around the globe. Every month, three laugh-out-loud acts take to the stage and you’re sure to have an absolutely brilliant night out. Plus there are top prices on drinks and at Dhs160 a ticket it’s a winning date night for anyone who’s in need of a laugh, and really, who’s not?
Dhs160. Various locations include Dukes Dubai, Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens and Grand Millennium Barsha Heights, thelaughterfactory.com.
Marvel at the view from The View
If your partner has a head for heights it’s time to take in the city from another angle. The View, which opened last year on Palm Jumeirah, offers a 360-degree view, 240m high in the sky. You’ll see all the stunning Dubai landmarks including Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa twinkling in the distance, with a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Palm fronds. You can enjoy it day or night, as it’s open from 9am until 9pm, with entry at Dhs100 for a self-tour, immersive theatre and viewing deck. Alternatively, push the boat out and go for the Next Level experience with access to a VIP lounge and special viewing deck for Dhs345.
From Dhs100. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, theviewpalm.ae.
Meet the penguins at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Fancy paddling around with penguins? With this one, you’ll get access to the famous Instatastic aquarium tunnel, a behind-the-scenes tour, an interactive platform to watch the penguins and entry to the Underwater Zoo. The birds live in Penguin Cove, a purpose-built home in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo that simulates their natural habitat. The Antarctic Gentoo penguins can dive to depths of up to 200m at 36kmph and can stay underwater for up to seven minutes. Plus they look pretty cute, too.
Dhs199. Open daily 10pm-10pm. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaiaquarium.com.
Roll down a snowy slope at Ski Dubai
It might be a toasty 40 degrees outside, but that doesn’t mean there’s no snow in Dubai. So pull on your salopettes and get ready for unlimited zorbing at Ski Dubai. That’s right, launching yourself down a snowy mountain, nestled in a giant rubber ball, in the desert. You’ll also get unlimited access to all the other Snow Park rides, as well as fleece gloves and a snow-worthy outfit to keep you warm. Want to see the snow but not a fan of extreme sports? Book into the Snow Cinema where for Dhs200 for two people you’ll get a movie, cosy clothing, popcorn and hot chocolate to warm you up. All on an indoor ski slope with real snow. Bonkers. Your mates at home will never believe you.
Cinema: Dhs200 for two. Snow Pass Dhs195. Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, skidxb.com.
Perfect your nose with The Tasting Class
An ideal date for grape connoisseurs, The Tasting Class has a range of events throughout the month that makes for a top night out. Not only will you come away more knowledgeable in the field of grape, it’s something a little bit different. There are tasting classes of different grape types, grape experiences, tasting tours and even sessions on malt beverages.
From Dhs220. Various locations across Dubai, thetastingclass.com.
Practice your swing at Topgolf
You don’t need to be the next Rory McIlroy to have fun at Topgolf. This super-cool multi-level driving range allows for all levels of golfer, plus it’s fully licensed so you can enjoy some refreshments while you tee off. Pick from a selection of games and get ready to swing. plus the stunning views across the marina add a touch of romance to the proceedings.
Prices vary. Open Sun-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, topgolf.ae (04 371 9999).
Putt in the dark at 3D mini golf
Ready to sink a hole-in-one under the sea? How about getting a birdie in out of space? 3D Blacklight mini golf in JBR is an alternative to the typical date night and is a load of fun, whether you’re handy with a club or a complete novice. The dark rooms are adorned with neon artwork and an 18-hole mini golf course and you wear 3D glasses for good measure (which may or may not improve your aim). Have a competitive streak? Now’s your chance to show off your putting skills.
Dhs110. Open daily 2pm-1am. JBR, 3d-blacklight-minigolf.com (04 565 7621).
Say namaste at The Lost Chambers Aquarium
This is one for the early birds, but for a day date then yoga at The Lost Chambers Aquarium should be up there to try for fitness fans. Not only will you be put through your paces at a yoga class, but you’ll also do so surrounded by the stunning tanks at Atlantis The Palm’s aquarium. So not only will you come out feeling relaxed and stretched, you’ll also get a chance to spot sharks, stingrays and jellyfish while you strike a pose.
Dhs160. Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun, 8am-9am. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 1000).
Show off your skating skills at Roll DXB
Get your skates on, literally, as this is one date night venue you’ll want to rush along to. Roll DXB is a super-fun place for a laugh-a-minute date as you skid around the roller rink to top tunes. A retro roller disco vibe means you’ll have a brilliant night out.
From Dhs65. Open Mon-Thu noon-11pm, Fri noon-12.15am, Sat-Sun 10am-11pm. Marina Cubes, Port Rashid, Deira, Rolldxb.com (04 238 6206).
Snap a selfie with a celeb at Madame Tussauds
Okay, so the celebrities may not say cheese when you ask them to pose, but for something a little bit different head along to this world-famous waxwork museum. With stars such as Kylie Jenner, Jackie Chan and even the Queen of England to ‘meet’ you’re sure to have a giggle. Tours run until 8pm so you can always go and grab a drink at one of the Bluewaters bars afterwards.
From Dhs135. Bluewaters Dubai, madametussauds.com/dubai.
Unwind at Unwind board game café
Get competitive with your significant other in Dubai at the Unwind Board Games Café. With over 500 games, there are plenty of games to choose from and, if choosing is hard, enlist the help of the game masters who will help you pick the perfect game for you and your person to enjoy.
Dhs18 (one hour). Mon-Thu 2.30pm-midnight; Fri 2.30pm-1am, Sat-Sun 12.30pm-1am. Al Barsha, unwinddubai.com (04 336 6611).
Looking for more things to do in Dubai?
Making more plans in Dubai?
Dubai brunch reviews: 54 top brunches, tried and tested
Dubai’s best brunches to try now (as well as those to avoid at all costs)
You can now take a moonlight swim at Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal
An evening dip, done properly
13 new hotels in Dubai, from FIVE to One&Only
Pack your bags as your staycations are sorted
