Where to go when Cupid draws back his bow on 14 February

Lavish Affairs
If you’re really out to make an impression on your Valentine (and your bank balance), all you need is Dhs.9,999 and you can have your very own ‘dinner of a lifetime’ at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. The bill might be the equivalent to the downpayment on a new car, but you get the full works for your bucks: the price includes chauffer pick up, an exclusive dining spot on a private pier, exclusive butler service, five-course dinner including caviar and champagne, and roses, chocolates and jewellery for the lady (02 654 3333). Enjoy a six-course dinner at Wavebreaker, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, served by an exclusive butler in your own private, romantic tent on the beach, while being serenaded by a violinist. Dhs 3,200 per couple includes a bottle of champagne, or it’s Dhs.1,800 without (04 399 1111).

Intimate Dinners
The ever-impressive Teatro is offering a four course set menu for Dhs.700 per couple that includes a piccolo of champagne (04 312 2202). If the bubbly alone isn’t enough of a romantic gesture, head to Shahrzad at Hyatt Regency Dubai, where the special four course dinner also includes caviar and roses. It’s Dhs.1,400 per couple including a bottle of Moet, Dhs.750 without (04 317 2222). Aquara Restaurant at Dubai Marina Yacht Club has a four-course menu and bottle of house beverage in Aquara then a two-hour cruise onboard the Athena yacht, with three drinks for Dhs.1,000 (04 362 7900), while another waterside option is Nautilus at The Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi, which overlooks the marina and F1 racetrack and is serving a seafood special for Dhs.400 (plus taxes) per person.

Great Deals
The Valentine’s Ball at Arabian Ranches Golf Club costs Dhs.650 per couple including a Valentine’s themed buffet, entertainment and house drinks (04 366 3000). Palermo at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club is hosting a three-course set menu, welcome drink, selected house beverages, chocolate and roses for the lady, and a framed picture of the couple for Dhs.250 each (04 361 8111). Oceana Restaurant, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah has buffet spread including oysters galore for Dhs.240 per person (04 399 1111), with one glass of champagne, while a Japanese buffet can be had at Creekside, Sheraton Dubai Creek for Dhs.250 with alcoholic drinks, Dhs.200 for the non alcoholic option (04 207 1750). The Junction at Traders Hotel Dubai has a candlelit Valentine’s buffet dinner for Dhs.222 per couple, which includes a glass of champers upon arrival, a glass of wine during dinner and a rose for the lady (04 214 7272).

Romantic Getaways
In Bur Dubai, the new Gold Swiss-Belhotel Dubai is offering a full overnight Valentine’s package that includes a bottle of wine on arrival, a drink at The Liquid Lounge, a candlelit dinner plus a stay in a deluxe king room with breakfast in bed, all for Dhs.755 plus taxes (04 345 9992). The Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi has a package that includes accommodation and a special Valentine’s dinner for Dhs.1,299 plus taxes (02 508 0555). For a truly memorable romantic break, head to Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah, which has a special Desert Romance Package from 11-15 February, which includes a candlelit dinner in the desert, with your own personal chef and waiters, oud music under the stars, villa accommodation with private pool, bubbly and room service breakfast from Dhs.2,888 per couple (07 206 7777).

Love is all you need

Reluctant to break the bank for one night, but don’t want to be a heartbreaker either? Here are a few suggestions on how to be romantic and remain solvent at the same time.

Picnic In The Park  Find a quiet spot, put down a blanket and tuck into the best deli bits from Spinneys or Waitrose.
Go Global  For old fashioned-style romance, take a trip to Global Village. Pick up kitsch gifts from all over the world and scream your head off on the fairground rides.
Tent For Two  What could be more romantic than a campfire, night sky and the one you love? Cook dinner, watch for shooting stars and listen out for quad bikes bombing over the dunes.
Sunset Stroll  Take a sunset stroll on the beach, watch the night creep in with some chocolates and strawberries washed down with some sparkling grape juice if you’re feeling a bit flash.
Hire An Abra  A private cruise on the creek is a great way to rediscover Dubai together. Hire a dhow plus driver for an hour for Dhs.100, or opt for dinner on one of the many dhow restaurants that line the waterway.
Love Is In The Air  Take your relationship to new heights by doing a tandem parasail, available from the beach hotels along JBR Beach. At over Dhs.300 for a couple on average, it’s not a bargain, but it’s certainly a memorable way to spend some time alone together.

Single Minded
If you’re without partner and want to wallow in it you could check out Valentine’s Day at your local cinema. The stellar cast includes Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Jamie Foxx, the Jessicas Biel and Alba, and none other than Bradley Cooper for the ladies. Alternatively, for guys without gals, thankfully Valentine’s Day falls on an FA Cup Sunday this year, so there’s no better time to head to your nearest sports bar for an evening of guilt-free football.

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