Dubai is one of those rare destinations where romance comes built into the scenery. The skyline is impossibly dramatic, the Arabian Gulf catches every shade of golden light, and the city seems to have been designed with grand gestures in mind. Here is a handpicked itinerary of the best experiences for couples — from soaring above the desert at sunrise to sailing the Marina by candlelight.

Spending an Evening at the Burj Khalifa

There is no better way to ease into a Dubai romance than with an evening at the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. The surrounding area is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants and lounges, including Armani Ristorante, At.mosphere, The Burj Club, and The Lounge — all offering front-row views of the tower’s mesmerising light displays as the evening unfolds.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

For couples who want a moment they will genuinely never forget, the hot air balloon rides over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve are extraordinary. The experience begins early — a 4×4 transfer takes you out to the launch site in the desert before dawn — and from there you rise up to 4,000 metres above the sand.

Dhow Cruises

A dhow cruise along Dubai Marina is one of the most classically romantic evenings the city offers. These traditional wooden vessels depart from the Marina harbour and sail out across the Persian Gulf, with the glittering towers of the waterfront reflected in the water on either side. If you’re staying in hotel apartments in Dubai of the likes of Oaks Liwa Executive Suites, you might be able to find a service provider easily.

Adrenaline Racing Activities

Not every romantic moment needs to be quiet. Dubai also offers a remarkable range of shared adventures for couples who bond over adrenaline. Flyboarding off Jumeirah Beach — where a water jet pack lifts you into the air above the sea — is genuinely thrilling and makes for an unforgettable shared memory.