Romantic things to do in Dubai

Perched at the end of its own private pier stretching out into the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic may just be the most romantic restaurant in Dubai. Couples visiting the city, either on honeymoon or a well-deserved vacation, will love what this restaurant has to offer. Fine Italian cuisine served against stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah, and the sound of the waves against the shore, Pierchic is near impossible to beat.

The Queen Elizabeth 2, once one of the world's most iconic ocean liners, is now one of Dubai's star attractions, permanently moored as a floating hotel. And what better way to recreate the romance of an old-fashioned cruise than to enjoy afternoon tea in the QE2's mid-century-modern dining room, The Queen's Grill. Sample an exquisite collection of pastries, scones and savoury bites while looking out over the Arabian Gulf, in the timeless elegance of a legend of the seas.

A distinct addition to Downtown Dubai's sparking skyline, Dubai Opera is an architectural masterpiece not to be missed. Make your evening more romantic by discovering the beauty of its dhow-shaped silhouette situated against The Dubai Fountain, in the shadows of the breathtaking Burj Khalifa. There's always an exciting line-up of performances to see in its acoustically advanced auditorium, with past productions including the likes of Les Miserables, Plácido Domingo and West Side Story.

The Asian heritage of Anantara The Palm blends classic Thai influences of peace and tranquility with the glitz and glamour of Palm Jumeirah. Great for couples, the Anantara Spa has 17 treatment rooms, an authentic Turkish hammam facility and a plethora of therapeutic treatment options. However, the perfect place to book is one of the two couples suites, which offer a sanctuary for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

A delicious feast served onboard a traditional Arabian dhow along the historic Dubai Creek. Sounds romantic? This is what you can enjoy with well-known travel operators such as Orient Tours. Couples can dedicate an evening of their holiday to the floating restaurant experience, dining on a first-class buffet while taking in the glittering sights of the city's skyline in the background, all accompanied by live entertainment throughout the voyage.

The desert is a majestic place – especially at dawn, when the sun is just peeping out over the horizon, illuminating the endless sand dunes. And what better way to witness the beauty of the desert than from a hot air balloon? Balloon Adventures Dubai is a well-established company which has been offering desert balloon rides for well over a decade. They offer special packages for couples who want to add an adventurous twist to their romantic getaway, to make your balloon ride a truly personal experience.

Nestled in the dunes of the Dubai desert, yet only a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, Bab Al Shams is a truly special resort. Couples on a romantic retreat can enjoy Bal Al Shams' stunning natural setting, with the hotel making the most of its desert surroundings to impress its guests. The resort boasts all of the facilities you would expect from a luxury retreat, with an opulent spa featuring a swimming pool, sauna and couples treatment rooms. All this and more ensures any stay here will create the perfect romantic mood.

Burj Al Arab's luxurious and elegant interiors, from gold-plated accents to historic Italian marble, can make any couple feel like royalty. It's also home to one of Dubai's finest seafood restaurants, Ristorante L'Olivo at Al Mahara. Helmed by chef Andrea Migliaccio, of two-Michelin-starred Ristorante L'Olivo in Capri, the Al Mahara edition offers the experience of dining underwater, with the restaurant completely surrounded by enormous coral-filled aquariums – along with fantastic seafood, of course. Why not splurge at this exquisite setting for one of those unforgettable memories?