Recently we brought you, ‘six perfect places for a first date‘ and the article garnered a lot of interest…it seems there are a lot of romantics out there in search of some good date spots.

Unfortunately, way too many people stick with the same old boring options; the cinema (not allowed to chat) dinner (not allowed to totally stuff your face) or just drinks (not really allowed to get wasted).

So why not shake things up with a date that’s a bit different. Taking your new beau on one of the options below won’t guarantee you a second date, (that part’s up to you) but we do guarantee they’ll be blown away with these not so run-of-the-mill options.

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Let your love blossom at Dubai Miracle Garden…

Only a 15-minute drive from the Marina, (surely you can keep a conversation going for that long?) the Dubai Miracle Garden is a perfect day-date option. With 45 million flowers on display, it’s impossible not to be totally in awe of this place…which hopefully translates into your date being in awe of you too. 

Where? Just outside Motor City

How much? AED 30 (perfect if you feel like flashing the cash and paying for two)

Not convinced? Check out some beautiful pictures of the garden here.

…Or let it soar at the iFly Wind Tunnel

What better way to show-off your adventurous spirit than taking your date here. The iFly wind tunnel is 10 metres tall with an acrylic glass wall, the qualified instructors ensure there is the right amount of airflow inside the wind tunnel, while you experience life without gravity…or feel something similar to a parachute jump (minus the fear of your chute not opening of course).

Where? City Centre Mirdif. Check out their website for more info.

How much? UAE residents pay AED 175 instead of the standard AED 220 (Keep the discount to yourself and seem flash when you pay for two).

Play games at Stereo Arcade

Half retro club, half rock pub, with an old-school video arcade in the middle, this is a great venue for a first date. Have a go at some classic games; they’ve got Pacman, Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter (oh, but if your date doesn’t recognise these titles then they’re probably too young for you). Later, if things are going well, move further inside to get a drink and see if you share passions beyond awesome 80’s / 90’s video games.

Where? DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai, Jumeirah Beach

How much? Prices vary; check out their website for more info

Show your natural side at Ripe Market

We’re big fans of the Ripe Market here at the Lovin’ office and we’re convinced it’s the perfect place for a first date. The Saturday evening one in Barsha Pond Park is our particular fave; it’s dark, (you don’t have to make as much effort) there are loads of tasty food options, (maybe too many; do your best not to stuff your face) and there are loads of families around too (this is great; judging by how your date acts around kiddies, you can tell immediately whether they’re future parent material or not). 

Where? Barsha Pond Park, Al Barsha

How much? Entry is free. Food prices vary

Watch a movie under the stars

Okay, so we know we said the cinema is a boring date idea, but sitting outside under the stars on super-comfy beanbags is a totally different ball game to a cinema date at the mall. Hot dogs, popcorn, refreshing drinks and free entry; if you’re feeling lazy, this date is an absolute winner. Every Sunday at 8.30pm.

How much? Free, no need for reservations. 

Where? Rooftop Gardens, Pyramids Wafi, Oud Metha District

JANUARY MOVIES
10TH  My Sister’s Keeper
17TH  Rachel Get’s Married
24TH  Hall Pass
31ST  The Notebook

Have a laugh at Tribeca Comedy Night

Are you shy and lacking personality? No problem, take your date here and let the comedian do the talking for you. Your date will never laugh so much and they’ll be so impressed with your amazing date-spot-choosing skills, maybe they’ll be tempted to go on another. This comedy night launches on January 11th, 7 pm and will continue bi-monthly.

How much? Entry is free, but their food and drinks menu is extremely tempting; bring some cash unless you feel comfortable enough to scrounge off your date.

Where? Tribeca, JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR

Check out our review of Tribeca here.