Valentine's Day in UAE: Meet couples who found love in unusual ways

Khaleej Times

14-02-2025

Love has a funny and cunning way of finding us when we least expect it. Whether it's over a cup of coffee, beneath the ocean waves, on a blind date, or on a dance floor – these four couples in the UAE discovered romance in the most unconventional ways, proving that true love knows no boundaries.
Meet Slovakian expat Svetlana who married her French husband Gaetan Deshais not once, twice, or thrice but five times. Their love story began as a whirlwind romance. "We met on a dance floor and then didn't see each other as I left for the Caribbean. But we kept in touch over the phone and seven months later, got married on August 29, 2003 in Nottingham, UK," Svetlana, a senior wealth manager from Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times.
"Every five years, we celebrate love, friendship, and life with a big white wedding in France, featuring the same guest list but a surprise venue. It's a three-day celebration, and each time, I still get butterflies," she gushed.
Their non-traditional approach to marriage has inspired friends to renew their vows. "People think weddings have to be expensive, but they don't. My dress cost only Dh200 from a thrift shop. We usually put the same ring back in the box every time, but last time, I surprised my husband with an upgraded ring . What matters most is celebrating love, sharing memories, and cherishing the moments that brought us here,' added Svetlana.
Their last 'wedding' was in 2023, the next one is set for August 2028 – proving that love, when nurtured, only grows stronger.
Diving into love
Kathleen, a passionate diver from Canada, met Alistair Russell, a horticulturist and landscape architect from England, in Hong Kong in 2000.
Kathleen said of her husband: "He came diving often, and since he was new to the city, I showed him around and introduced him to the diving community. Soon, he took his PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) training with us and became a certified instructor too.'
While an underwater proposal would have been predictable, Alistair chose to pop the question on land, knowing their shared love for adventure would keep them bonded for life.
The couple married on December 29, 2000 in Richmond, Canada, blending traditions with a Chinese wedding tea ceremony and a ballroom dance reception.
After moving to Abu Dhabi in 2001, they kept their romance alive through scuba diving, desert camping, and family adventures with their two children, Xander (18) and Sasha (16), both avid divers.
This Valentine's, they plan to celebrate on Sir Bani Yas Island, where they have reopened their water sports and diving centre. "We've built a life around our passion for the ocean and conservation. Staying active together has been a blessing, and Alistair's support in our environmental work means the world to me,' said Kathleen.
From coffee to a commitment
It was just an ordinary evening three years ago when Aizel Lois Borongan decided to grab a cup of coffee. Then came Khalid Jaber Juma Al Jaber, an Emirati, who was instantly drawn to her.
"He casually started a conversation and asked for my number. At that moment, I never imagined we would end up together," recalled the Filipina expat. But fate had other plans. Their love story culminated in a beautiful wedding on December 28, 2024.
One of the most exciting parts of their journey was the unexpected wedding date. "We had no idea when exactly we'd be getting married as we had to get approvals from Dubai Court. When we were told to get ready, your wedding is tomorrow – it was a mix of excitement, surprise, and nervousness all at once!'
After nearly a decade in the UAE, Aizel has found many similarities between Filipino and Emirati cultures, especially the emphasis on family values and hospitality. This Valentine's Day, the couple plans to celebrate their love with a romantic dinner, reminiscing about their journey together.
Role reversal proposal
In March 1995, Lauren met Hannes van Zyl on a blind date in South Africa. A mutual friend set them up multiple times, but fate waited for the right moment.
"When I rang the doorbell, he happened to be walking past and opened the door. My first thought was, 'I hope this is my blind date," Lauren reminisced.
As they talked, they realised they shared many mutual friends but had never crossed paths. Two years later, Lauren surprised Hannes by proposing to him on a moving steam train — holding her own ring! "He thought I was joking, but he still said yes."
They tied the knot on January 30, 1999, and went on to build a beautiful life together, raising their children, Rourke (24) and Taylor (21). After emigrating from South Africa to Panama in 2021 and then to Abu Dhabi in 2023, their strong foundation of love has kept them thriving.
"Moving around the world can test a relationship, but our love has only grown stronger. We may not celebrate Valentine's Day extravagantly, but we always wear red or pink. After 26 years of marriage, there's still plenty of love to go around,' the couple said.