Unique date ideas in Dubai that aren't dinner

Time Out Dubai

15-05-2025

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 challenging your other half to glow-in-the-dark mini golf, to painting a masterpiece, grape tasting or fishing your partner off the floor at the roller rink, there are loads of more random dates that are sure to impress.
Get competitive
Act like a kid again at Brass Monkey
(Credit: Brass Monkey City Walk)
Quirky entertainment spot Brass Monkey is Time Out Dubai's Best Entertainment with good reason. 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).
Check out one of Dubai's many escape rooms
(Credit: Escape Hunt Dubai)
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 mystery on the Orient Express or get out of a spooky basement, Escape Hunt is the perfect place to try it out.
Open daily 11.30am-10pm. The Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, escapehunt.com/dubai (04 334 4473).
Have a shooting session at JA Shooting Club
(Credit: JA Shooting Club)
If you're looking for something competitive you can book a shooting session at JA Shooting Club. Select from indoor pistol shooting or outdoor clay pigeon shooting for Dhs190. After all that target practise, you celebrate your great aim over a shake and burger at the Smokin' Gun restaurant
next door.
From Dhs190 (per person). Open daily 10am-9.30pm. JA Shooting Club, Jebel Ali, jaresortshotels.com (04 814 5604).
Practise your swing at Topgolf
(Credit: 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. The stunning views across the Marina add a touch of romance to the driving range, too. Plus you don't need to forgo dinner entirely, the shareable bar snacks are pretty tasty.
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
(Instagram/3d_blacklight_minigolf_dubai)
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. Plus, it's a chance to get competitive with your partner in a fun way. 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).
Dhs110. Open daily 2pm-1am. JBR, 3d-blacklight-minigolf.com (04 565 7621).
Try out Loco Bear
This gigantic attraction opened in 2024, and you can go up against your other half in laser tag, bowling, darts, or even see who can bounce the highest on the trampolines.
Letting you act like a big kid again, this 70,000-square-foot venue is the largest indoor entertainment space in the city, so be sure to stop for a mocktail and slice of pizza after all that running around.
Prices vary based on activity. Open Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-11pm. Al Quoz, locobear.ae (800 56262).
Get cultured
Book a drinks-making class at H Bar
(Credit: H Bar)
Instead of just heading to a bar for drinks, you can book a class to make your own fruity mixed beverages at H Bar. The in-house expert will teach you and your partner to make three mixed drinks, plus while you muster up your best creations you can nibble on canapés.
Dhs310 (per couple mixed drinks), Dhs250 (per couple, mocktails). Classes: Mon-Fri 3.30pm-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 6pm-8pm. The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, hhoteldubai.com (04 501 8620).
Broaden your mind at The Museum of the Future
(Credit: 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, 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. Not only can you learn something new, but it will give you plenty to chat about.
Dhs159. Open daily 10am-6pm. Sheikh Zayed Road, museumofthefuture.ae.
Create a masterpiece with We Love Art
(Credit: shutterstock)
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. The workshops take place at various cool locations 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
(Credit: Cinema Akil)
Cinephiles and film buffs should head on down to the indie cinema, Cinema Akil. It took a short break in January, but is now back in full swing, so now's the ideal time to visit. 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. The Alserkal Avenue venue will also screen the return of the Reel Palestine Film Festival until Sunday February 2.
Prices and times vary. Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue Al Quoz Industrial District, cinemaakil.com (058 909 7798).
Perfect your nose with The Tasting Class
(Credit: shutterstock)
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. You can even book a grape and cheese night at your home.
Prices vary. Various locations across Dubai, thetastingclass.com.
Unwind at Unwind board game café
Get competitive, without breaking a sweat, with your significant other at the Unwind Board Games Café. With more than 500 games, there are plenty of genres to choose from and, if picking is hard, enlist the help of the game masters who will help you find the perfect game for you and your person to enjoy.
Dhs20 (one hour). Open Mon-Thu 2pm-midnight, Fri-Sun noon-1am. unwinddubai.com (04 336 6611).
Watch the ballet at Dubai Opera
(Credit: Dubai Opera)
Fancy some culture? Impress your date with a night at the ballet. La Bayadere is a tale all about love, jealousy and ultimate forgiveness so it will have you on the edge of your seat. There will even be a world-class orchestra accompanying the dancers. Something different, plus an excuse to get dressed up.
From Dhs350 (per couple). Fri Feb 14-Sun Feb 16, times vary. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888).
Get back to nature
Camp overnight at The Green Planet
(Credit: 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. Check online for when camping is running.
Prices vary. Camping dates vary. City Walk, Al Safa Street, thegreenplanet.com (800 7699).
Kip under the stars
(Credit: supplied)
Do you and your partner love getting out into the great outdoors? Why not celebrate Valentine's Day in Dubai's desert? Arabian Adventures run an all-inclusive 'Overnight Desert Safari' experience that you can book. Opt in for a transfer and get driven out into the dunes in a 4X4, where you'll experience a full desert safari followed up by a barbecue dinner in a Bedouin-inspired camp and fireside marshmallows. Sleep under the stars in your deluxe tent, then wake up to breakfast being made for you before heading home.
From Dhs1,790 (per tent, excluding transfer). Arabian Adventures, arabian-adventures.com (800 272 2426).
Meet the penguins at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
(Credit: Supplied)
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.
From Dhs299. Open daily 10pm-10pm. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaiaquarium.com.
See the turtles at Jumeirah Al Naseem
(Credit: Jumeirah Al Naseem)
Animal-lovers will adore this one. Since 2004, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has released over 1,600 rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitat. Established by Dubai Wildlife Protection Office, the sanctuary takes in poorly and injured turtles and nurtures them back to health in the sea-fed lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, before releasing them back into the wild.Why not break your dinner date rule and stop into Il Borro for a romantic meal while you're there? The burrata is unmissable, trust us.
Free. Open daily. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com/turtles (04 301 7198).
Take a hot air balloon ride over the desert
(Credit: The Dubai Balloon)
There are few things more thrilling than this. If you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat your other half, a hot air balloon ride is aone way to really impress them. One to tick off their bucket list, Balloon Adventures Dubai runs morning excursions where you'll float over the desert – 4,000m above ground. You'll see the glorious rolling dunes, the sun rising and maybe even some wildlife. It's pricey, but it's certainly a grand gesture and should win you serious Brownie points. It's bound to be a memorable day, if they like heights. If not, then, well you should know that about them anyway, right?
From Dhs1,350. Pick up from 4am across Dubai, balloon-adventures.com (04 412 6333).
Get Sporty
Challenge yourself at Rock Republic Dubai
(Credit: 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 sq m 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.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Fri 3.30pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Dubai Investment Park, rockrepublicdubai.com (04 882 9361).
Hit the surf at Wavehouse
(Credit: supplied)
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 (we can't promise that).
Prices vary. Open daily noon-11pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2626).
Hop around at Bounce Trampoline Park
(Credit:Supplied)
There's no better way to de-stress than jumping around, so plan a date at Bounce
for a hopping good time. This endorphin-pumping activity encourages freestyle movement with 3,000 sq m of interconnected indoor trampolines, adventure features, padding and airbags. Refuel with a pizza and a coffee at the café after.
From Dhs90. Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm. Al Quoz, bounce.ae (04 339 0911).
Roll down a snowy slope at Ski Dubai
(Credit: supplied)
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.
Dhs220 (snow pass). Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, skidxb.com (04 409 4000).
Say namaste at The Lost Chambers Aquarium
(Credit: 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. It's the ideal way to start your weekend morning as you'll come out feeling relaxed and stretched, having had a chance to spot sharks, stingrays and jellyfish while you strike the tree pose.
Dhs175. Sat & Sun, 8am-9am. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 1000).
Try a roller rink At floored
(Credit: Instagram @flooredskateuae)
Lace up your skates and try not to floor it in front of your other half at FLOORED. Now open at Oasis Mall, you can practise your skills and even attempt a few tricks as you glide under the neon lights. Mixed with great tunes and an even better vibe, the rink is geared up for all levels of skater. Get ready to roll.
Dhs70. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Oasis Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, @flooredskateuae (050 502 4065).
Get touristy
Admire the views from The Dubai Balloon
(Credit: The Dubai Balloon)
Ready to see the city from a different angle? The Dubai Balloon will see you soaring above Atlantis The Palm. Located at Poseidon's Watchtower in Atlantis Aquaventure, the balloon will take you up to 300m into the air. The helium balloon is tethered to the ground but allows you to float up into the sky to gain a unique vantage point over Palm Jumeirah. The ride lasts ten minutes and should the weather be good and visibility clear, you can see across the city.
From Dhs175. Open Mon-Thu 9am-11pm, Fri-Sun 9am-midnight. Atlantis Aquaventure, Palm Jumeirah, thedubaiballoon.com (800 225 5666).
Cheer on the horses at Meydan
(Credit: supplied)
Want the adrenaline of seeing the horses thundering down the track? Throughout the winter there are race meetings on Friday nights, and you can get a decent deal by booking the night brunch at the Winner's Circle. You'll get a three-course meal from Dhs515 per person, plus a front row seat to all the action thanks to the tiered dining room and glassfront panoramic set-up. Plus, being February, it even falls on Valentine's Day for your horse racing-loving other half.
Dhs515 (soft drinks), Dhs615 (sparkling). Fri Feb 7, 14, 21. Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, dubairacingclub.com.
Marvel at the view from The View
The View Palm Jumeirah (Credit: Supplied)
If your partner has a head for heights it's time to take in the city from another angle. The View, 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.
From Dhs110. Times vary. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, theviewpalm.ae.
Ride a retro boat around Dubai
(Credit: Cha Cha boat rides)
Hailing from the Amalfi Coast, you can take your loved one on a traditional fishing boat for a journey around Dubai. Cha Cha boat rides will last for one hour and include a picnic package. You can hop on the boat from Al Seef Marina, Jumeirah Harbour or Marasi Drive in Business Bay and journey around the canals and coast of Dubai.
From Dhs400 (per boat). Al Seef Marina, Jumeirah Harbour and Marasi Drive, Business Bay, chachaboats.com (052 102 2224).
Snap a selfie with a celeb at Madame Tussauds
(Credit: supplied)
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 Taylor Swift, Jackie Chan and Will Smith to 'meet' you're sure to have a giggle. Tours run until 7pm so you can always go and grab a drink at one of the Bluewaters bars afterwards and enjoy the views across the ocean.
From Dhs150. Bluewaters Island, madametussauds.com/dubai (04 873 3042).
Visit Dubai Garden Glow
(Credit: Dubai Garden Glow)
You can take a romantic stroll among neon animals, plants and archways at Dubai Glow Garden. Once it gets dark, watch the park light up and take some cute pictures in front of the displays. If you really want to be, ahem, roarsome, you get access to the neighbouring Dinosaur Park too for those Jurassic Park vibes.
Dhs78.75 (per person). Open Sun-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 5pm-midnight. Dubai Glow Garden, Zabeel Park, dubaigardenglow.com (055 918 8126).
Wander around the Museum of Illusions
(Credit: Supplied)
Need to up the number of pictures you have with your SO? Head to the Museum of Illusions in Al Seef for an afternoon or evening of laughter and snaps. Along with five recently opened exhibits, the Museum has also undergone a Valentine's Day makeover.
Dhs90 (adults), Dhs65 (kids). Open Mon-Thu, 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun, 10am-11pm. Al Seef, Dubai Creek, museumofillusions.ae (04 357 3999).
Time to laugh
LOL at The Laughter Factory
Credit: Shutterstock
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. Feb 14-22. Various locations include Dukes Dubai, Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens and Grand Millennium Barsha Heights, thelaughterfactory.com.
Staying in?
Order a cheese platter
(Credit: @soiree_en_fromage)
It might sound cheesy (see what we did there), but sometimes there's nothing more romantic than spending the evening at home with your significant other. You can up the ante by ordering a custom-made cheese and charcuterie board from home-grown business Soirée En Fromage. Only available from Deliveroo and through the brand's Instagram page, you can order a platter to share with your loved one. What a way to say brie mine…
@soiree_en_fromage.
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