When it comes to uber-romantic and luxurious settings, Abu Dhabi seems to deliver in abundance! There is no end of beautiful and romantic places for couples to visit on a date. From the quaint to the plush, here’s our rundown of the most romantic things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Romantic Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
Now, this all depends on your idea of romance! Whether it is wining and dining or sharing an adrenaline rush followed by a relaxing massage, these are some of the best places for a date in Abu Dhabi:
Enjoy sundowners at Rays Bar
The city has many spectacular views, but one of our favourites is watching the sunset from the 63rd floor of Etihad Towers. Part of Conrad Etihad Towers, the extensive cocktail list is sure to please, with the bathtub gin being one of the quirkiest options on the menu. There’s also a selection of nibbles and light bites on offer if you decide to turn drinks into dinner.
Kayak among the mangroves
If nature is more your thing, then hire some kayaks at Eastern mangroves and take a paddle into the national park. Early morning and sunset are great times to see wildlife and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Hire a traditional dhow
Take a ride from several locations in the city, including Yas Marina, Marina Mall and Al Bateen. You’ll find boats for hire – bonus points if you can sail, of course, and whisk your loved one off without a skipper!
Picnic in the desert
Forget the crowded desert safari tours; we’re talking about taking the time to pick out your own little patch of desert and packing up your partner’s favourite picnic foods. Watch the sunset and gaze at the stars for the ultimate romantic evening.
If you can’t manage it yourself, Desert Rose Safaris can organise beautiful private BBQ setups. Click here for more details.
Take a walk in the park
Umm Al Emarat Park, with its illuminated fountains and fragrant flower gardens, is a great place to start or end a date in Abu Dhabi. Arrive just before sunset to hear the call to prayer from the nearby mosques before strolling through the beautiful site.
Entry to the park is 10 AED per person.
Treat yourself to a couples massage
Relax and unwind before dinner with a couple’s massage; after all, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most luxurious spas in the world!
Atarmia Spa at the Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, is perfect for this. The couple’s therapy room is large and includes a double jacuzzi bath (this must be booked in addition to the massage treatment) and a double shower. There’s also a private pool outside as well as separate male and female changing facilities with their own jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Dinner at the Beach House overlooking the Arabian Gulf would round off any date perfectly.
Beach cabana dinner
Many beach hotels will set up beach cabanas for private dinners for a price. Some of the most beautiful set ups have been spotted at the Shangri-La and at the St. Regis on Saadiyat. Call your hotel of choice directly to see if this is something they could do for you.
Yas Island Theme Parks
Here, fun and romance go hand in hand as you accompany each other through the thrills and spills of Yas Island’s theme parks. What could be more romantic than holding each other’s hands on the fastest roller coaster in the world (the Formula Russo at Ferrari World) or enjoying lists of splash action at Yas Waterworld?
Romantic Dinner in Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for a dinner date in Abu Dhabi, there is an abundance of fine dining restaurants that can deliver; it all depends on what kind of cuisine you’re after. Our top 5 romantic dining spots in Abu Dhabi are:
Hakkasan
With a choice of intimate indoor dining or a stunning outdoor terrace, the Michellin-star Hakkasan inside Emirates Palace is one of our top choices for a romantic dinner date in Abu Dhabi. Specialising in Cantonese cuisine, the exquisite food and plush surroundings provide a swanky and sophisticated date night.
- Hakkasan, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Corniche. For reservations, click here or call +971 2 690 7739.
Catch
If seafood is your thing, it doesn’t get much better in Abu Dhabi than Catch, found on the beachfront side of The St Regis Abu Dhabi. The prime spot overlooking the Corniche, combined with a wide range of shellfish and sushi, is bound to impress.
Buddha Bar Beach
Heading next to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Buddha Bar Beach has long been a favourite in the city for romantic dinners who love to take advantage of the open-air views out to the Arabian Gulf and enjoy the crashing waves alongside side a menu of Asian light nights and creative cocktails.
Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
If it’s distinguished French dining you want in a chic location, look no further than Fouquet’s at The Louvre. With its spectacular views and decadent French delicacies, this pace oozes romance! It’s one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for couples looking for that extra something special in a unique setting.
Asia-Asia
Book a table under the cherry tree or in one of the private cherry booths for a delectable Asian dinner in a romantic setting. After dinner, take a stroll along the illuminated promenade of Yas Bay Waterfront, or finish your evening with a romantic boat trip around the bay.
Romantic Hotels & Resorts in Abu Dhabi
Just as fine dining is a city speciality in Abu Dhabi, so too are luxurious resorts that can deliver everything from honeymoon suites to private spa sessions or candlelit dinners on the beach. For an uber-romantic special occasion in Abu Dhabi, we recommend you try one of these Abu Dhabi romantic hotels:
Sheer Indulgent Luxury at Emirates Palace
You’re in for a complete royal treat at Emirates Palace, the most luxurious 5-star hotel in the city. Add-ons include spa rituals, romantic turndown services, and private dinners on the beach, which are a speciality at this incredible resort hotel.
Intimate Island Escape at Nurai Island
Just a 10-minute speed boat ride away from Saadiyat Island, Nurai Island is a private sanctuary for sunshine and sea lovers. The open-plan villas with their own private pools are perfect for a romantic getaway and make for one of the most popular honeymoon places in Abu Dhabi.
Spend your days swimming and cycling around the island before having an intimate dinner at one of the island’s wonderful restaurants, or simply order room service for a plush dinner on your private terrace.
- To learn more about Nurai Island, click here. (NB, as of early 2025, this property remains temporarily closed as they undertake significant renovations).
Beachside Glamping Eco-retreat
Staying in a converted shipping container may not immediately evoke romance, but hear us out! The new Bab Al Najoum glamping site at Al Mugheirah is the latest eco-resort to open in the emirate, offering unrivalled views. This has been combined with a new mangrove walk and desert and beach experiences that allow you to connect with nature and each other.
Things to do include kayaking, snorkelling amongst the mangroves, horse riding, and falconry. There are also plenty of environmentally focused activities such as tree-planting and eco-crafts.
Desert Opulence & Privacy at Qasr al Sarab
What could be better hidden in the desert dunes? Private villas with their own pool are also available at this exquisite 5-star resort by Anantara in Liwa. Book a sunrise or sunset camel trek or simply relax by the pool in this one-of-a-kind resort.
If you want to make your stay extra special, the hotel can organise a private Bedouin-style dinner in the dunes for a magical romantic evening under the stars.
Special Deals for Valentine’s Day in Abu Dhabi 2026
We are still making updates to this section for 2026 as more details are shared with us! Pricing and deal information below may still pertain to 2025
While Valentines can mean that your favourite romantic spots in Abu Dhabi are a little more crowded than usual, they can also bring brilliant value in packaged deals for you and your loved one to enjoy together, whether you’re seeking a candlelight dinner in Abu Dhabi or a foodie feast with plenty of bubbles thrown in.
The cool days of winter bring the added advantage of mild evenings where al fresco dining can be enjoyed in mid-February.
Why not check out these Valentine’s Day deals in Abu Dhabi this year:
- Asia-Asia (Yas Waterfront, Yas Island) Enjoy a four-course set menu with a glass of sparkling wine and indoor seating for 700 AED per couple. Upgrade to the outdoor terrace for 200 AED (900 AED per couple in total). The Valentine’s set menu is available in Asia-Asia from the 1st to the 14th of February 2024. For more call +971 2 235 8663
- Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar (Aloft Hotel, Capital Gate Area) – Enjoy a three-course meal at this romantic rooftop venue for just 390AED for 2 this Valentine’s Day. With stunning views across the city and a specially curated Valentine’s menu, this is a night out that’s sure to get hearts racing. Available between 7.00 and 11.00 pm from the 14th to the 16th of February. For bookings email: reservations.aloftabudhabi@alofthotels.com
- Catch (St Regis on the Corniche): Seafood lovers will adore the special monochrome menu on offer at this seaside location on February 14th. Featuring a 5-course menu of carefully selected seafood, freshly rolled sushi, and tempting desserts, this Valentine’s dinner may be lacking in colour but makes up for it in taste. Live music sets ta romantic tone for the evening as you enjoy an extraordinary dinner with that special someone. 1000 AED per couple. Available Wednesday 14th February only, 7.00 pm until 11.00 pm. For bookings email: restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com.
- For an evening to really impress, head to the Conrad Hotel, Etihad Towers (Abu Dhabi Corniche) for an intimate dinner under the stars on the beach. Your exclusive culinary journey includes a six-course seafood menu, concluded with a tempting selection of sweet treats, all served in your own private and exclusive gazebo. Available February 14th, 6.30 pm until 10.30 pm, 2500 AED per couple. For more information call + 971 28115666
- COYA – (The Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island)Enjoy a special sharing platter of ceviches, tiger prawn maki rolls and wagyu tacos for 338 AED. Then, indulge in a decadent selection of Valentine’s desserts, including blood orange marquise, red fruit sorbet, raspberries and cotton candy for 72 AED. Available Wednesday 14th February only. To reserve a table, click here or call +971 2 306 7000.
- Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi (Louvre, Saadiyat Island) – 5-course ‘Amour a la carte’ menu ( french cuisine) available to enjoy from 6:00 PM on Wednesday 14 February 2024 – 450 AED per person. For more information, contact fouquets-abudhabi@groupebarriere.com.
- Hunter and Barrel (Yas Waterfront, Yas Island) – Complimentary glass of Prosecco and a special 3-course sharing menu, along with a celebration cake to share. Wednesday 14th February 2024, 390 AED per person. To reserve a table, email yasbay@hunterandbarrel.ae
- Mermaid Restaurant (Rixos, Saadiyat Island) is also offering dinner under the stars in your own private gazebo by the sea for 2500 AED per couple. There will be a live band and red carpet walkways to show that special someone just how important they are. The price also includes two complimentary drinks at Arela Terrace and Bar. For more information call +971 2492 2222
- Glo – Valentines Under the Stars (Rosewood- Al Maryah Island) – Al fresco dining and a 4-course set menu with a bottle of premium bubbly. Wednesday 14th February 2024 from 6:00 PM, 950AED per couple. For bookings, email abudhabi@rosewoodhotels.com
- Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (Saadiyat Island) – Romance under the Stars – Enjoy a three-course dinner whilst gazing at the stars and listening to the waves breaking on the beach. A welcome glass of bubbly is served on arrival, and ladies are presented with a single rose. AED 750 per couple. To reserve your table, email dining.sbgc@viyagolf.com
- Taverna Del Moro (The Collection at the St. Regis, Saadiyat Island), enjoy a delicious Italian feast at this charming Italian restaurant this Valentine’s Day. The special Valentine’s menu includes three courses and a bottle of wine for just 400 AED per couple. Available Wednesday 14th February from 7.00 until 10.00 pm only. To book a table email: admin@dolciecapricci.com.
- The Crystal Lounge (St Regis on the Corniche) – Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea full of Valentine’s inspired treats at the glamourous Crystal Lounge this Valentine’s Day. Prices start at 195 AED per person. Available from Monday 12th to Sunday the 18th February, from 2-6 pm. For bookings, email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com.
- Yas Links (Yas Island) – Choose from the Bronze or Silver dinner packages – The ‘Bronze’ package contains a 3-course a glass of sparkling wine, and a rose for 490 AED, whereas the ‘Silver’ package includes a table on the jetee, four courses, a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of roses for 1,950 AED. Wednesday 14th February from 7.00 PM to 10.00 PM. To reserve your table, email dining.ylad@viyagolf.com
- ZOE Modern Greek Kouzina (Al Bateen) – 5 courses, including welcome drinks and water, available – 400 AED per person: hello@zoekouzina.com
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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