Skip past the conventional ways to woo your beloved. Swap those old-school ideas of candles and roses, chocolates and movie dates. Instead, go for a grand escape! Where to? You might wonder. We have the perfect spot for you! The land of cultural charms, modern wonders and captivating ambience, we present to you the idea of a romantic time spent in Abu Dhabi – the capital of UAE. A city for a romantic date? Hear us out! There are plenty of spaces that are away from the city’s buzz. But, Abu Dhabi’s city charms will also make you want to linger more within the city’s bustle as well. Here’s why.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Talking about stepping away from the city buzz, the sprawling Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi immediately comes to mind. This nature reserve feels like a secret world of intimacy and nature carved within the bustling modern Abu Dhabi. The beauty of this spot rivals what any restaurant or cinema experience offers. Enjoy a stroll along the park’s scenic boardwalks for gorgeous views of the mangroves and lagoons. It’s a great spot for cute couple photos, capturing candid moments with nature as your backdrop. Are you an adventurous couple? Then a serene kayak waits for you on the shallow water channels. Add a touch of luxury to your nature experience. You can enjoy a drink at the lounge or indulge in a spa treatment or hammam experience at the nearby Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Hotel.
Location: Set just outside Abu Dhabi’s city center, near Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
Tickets and Timings: Here’s the best part! The entry to the park is free. However, kayaking would cost you extra. For two hours, it costs approximately AED 160 per person. The park stays open from 7 am to 9 pm.
Dhow Cruise Abu Dhabi
Take an Arabic Dhow ride for that ultimate date night! Gently meander along the Corniche, soak in the splendours of Abu Dhabi’s waterfront and city skyline. A dhow cruise offers incredibly serene settings to enjoy moments together. Take the evening cruise to enjoy the sunset hues. Then, view the twinkling shimmer of illuminated city lights on the gentle waters after dark – perfect for enjoying nonchalant moments with your beloved. Cruising along the Corniche for a 2-hour ride also immerses you in Arabian culture. The wooden boat is a nod to the old Emirati seafaring days. Onboard, you will be spoiled with lavish Arabian dinners and folklore and Tanoura shows. When boarding, request upper-deck seating for the best views and that romantic, al-fresco feel.
Location: Dhow cruise in Abu Dhabi sets sail from Yas Marina and Marina Mall, and cruises along the waterfront of Corniche.
Tickets and Timings: Prices for dhow cruises vary depending on the duration and inclusions. Most dinner cruises run daily from 7 pm to 9 pm or 8 pm to 10 pm. This timing is perfect for sunset and city lights. A 2-hour dhow cruise dinner experience can cost anywhere between AED 200 to AED 250 per person.
Al Ain Oasis
Experience the true beauty of Abu Dhabi’s vivid nature at one of UAE’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Al Ain Oasis. Take a detour to the Garden City of UAE for a refreshing change of scenery. Brimming with lush green date palm trees, which strikingly contrast the sand-coloured desert escape, the beauty of Al Ain is sure to take your breath away. This spot is perfect for hand-in-hand strolls amid 147,000 date palm trees, with sunbeams filtering through fluttering leaves. The shaded pathways make it feel like the oasis was designed just for you two. It’s the kind of place where you can whisper sweet nothings without a soul around to interrupt.
Location: Al Ain Oasis is one of the many oases located within Al Ain City which lies 2 hours away from Abu Dhabi City Centre.
Tickets and Timings: There are no admission fees to enjoy strolls in Al Ain Oasis. The oasis is open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace is the epitome of Arabian elegance and is always listed as one of the must-visit places on an Abu Dhabi City tour. But enhance your romantic trip by booking a luxury stay at this palatial hotel. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi isn’t just a hotel. It’s a bucket-list experience for you and your partner. With glittering chandeliers, marble corridors, golden domes and rooms overlooking pristine beaches, a stay here feels straight out of a royal fairytale. The hospitality is graceful and impeccable, and the food is next-level! Don’t forget to indulge in a pampering spa session together, like rose-petal baths or massages in a private suite. This is an extraordinary experience in Abu Dhabi for couples. If you are on a honeymoon, mention the same while booking a stay. Many packages gladly offer freebies like champagne, rose-petal turndowns, or spa discounts.
Location: The hotel overlooks a pristine beach and is perched on West Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi, just a 10-minute drive from downtown and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Accommodation price: Rates range from around AED 1200 to 2500 per night. These prices fluctuate depending on the type of room and the month you are planning to stay.
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Abu Dhabi Overnight Desert Experience
Your love story in Abu Dhabi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the surreal Arabian dunes. Sure, all Abu Dhabi visitors experience a desert safari tour, but for love birds, capturing the magical essence, not the adventure aspect is the main thing. For the ultimate romantic vibe, splurge on a private dune dinner or a private camp setup. Even better, book an overnight glamping in Camp Nujum or a luxury stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the Liwa desert for an authentic, Arabic cultural night under the starry skies. Apart from the authentic Arabic ambience, the star-filled sky and cosy bonfire nights add to the romance.
Location: The Liwa desert is one of the places to visit in Abu Dhabi at night for tranquil luxury overnight stays. The desert lies two hours away from the city centre.
Accommodation Price: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a prime luxury desert resort to book if you are seeking a luxury and romantic night in the dunes. The nightly rate starts at AED 1500 for the most basic accommodation and goes up for larger rooms and more amenities.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Anything with a French ring to it is, of course, romantic. So, the Louvre Museum is one place you should be visiting in Abu Dhabi with your partner. Though it is a museum, the ambience is incredibly beautiful enough to count it as one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for couples. The museum represents cultural love for art beyond borders, yet the ambience speaks gentle romance, offering a serene setting for couples to explore and appreciate art together. The gorgeous beauty of the floating dome, the serene outdoor pools, the filtering of natural light through the trellis, the play of light and shadows, and the monotone ambience all contribute to creating that perfect atmosphere for shared moments and meaningful conversations. Visit this museum once, and you will realize we are not wrong, the ambience spills romance even though it is a museum. Pair your visit with a trip to one of the most pristine beaches in Abu Dhabi – Saadiyat Beach. For a luxurious dinner, book a table at Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi nearby for a French-inspired dinner.
Location: Located at Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi is just 10 10-minute drive away from Abu Dhabi city centre.
Tickets and Timings: Open from 10 am until midnight, daily except Mondays. Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomes you and your beloved to witness its splendour in daylight or moonlight. However, the galleries and exhibits are open only till 8.30 pm. General Admission tickets are AED 65 per person.
Observation Deck at 300
Take romance to new heights in Abu Dhabi with a visit to Observation Deck at 300. Set on the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, this is the place to get an unrivalled view of Abu Dhabi’s incredible city skyline from above. It’s an amazing way to simply relax and soak in the views with your beloved on the air-conditioned indoor deck overlooking memorable scenery. The 30-minute visit is perfect for soaking in the views without feeling rushed, except when you quickly ascend to the 74th floor. For the ultimate romantic experience, time your visit for sunset and arrive early to grab a good viewing spot. The views of the Corniche and Arabian Gulf at golden hour will certainly be etched in your lives forever. Later, indulge in some light bites and beverages and enjoy each other’s company. The best way to make it extra special? Book a luxury stay at Conrad Abu Dhabi, and you can save time by avoiding a taxi ride.
Location: The Observation Deck at 300 is located within one of Abu Dhabi’s iconic modern structures – the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers on Corniche Street, Al Bateen.
Tickets and Timings: You can explore the vistas from the top of this attraction for AED 95 per person which also includes a 50 AED food and beverages credit. As one of the most romantic places in Abu Dhabi for couples, the attraction stays open from 10 am till after evening hours – 8 pm.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Add a soul-stirring, divine and mesmerizing experience to your romantic interlude. A visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers exactly that. It is a cultural landmark of the UAE and you must witness its grandeur first-hand. Also, no Abu Dhabi trip feels complete without a visit to the largest mosque in the UAE. A masterpiece of cultural art and beliefs, the mosque features 1000 pillars, magnificent domes gilded white and gold, reflective pools, and serene gardens. This is a place to slow down, soak in the tranquil beauty, and feel closer to each other in a setting that feels almost otherworldly.
Location: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, at Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Al Rawdah.
Tickets and Timings: There is no entry fee to visit this beautiful Abu Dhabi landmark. Visiting hours are from 9 am until 10 pm. On Fridays, the mosque stays open from 9 am until noon, then from 3 pm until 10 pm.
Saadiyat Beach
To enjoy your time as a couple in Abu Dhabi by the beachside, nothing comes closer to Saadiyat Island. This breathtaking island flanked by pristine white sandy beach shore is one of the most romantic places in Abu Dhabi for couples. The Saadiyat beach, in particular, offers a perfect ambience for romantic, laid-back leisure. Its soft, white sands, turquoise waters, and abundant sunshine create an idyllic setting. The beach is conveniently located minutes away from the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Hence, a sunset museum visit followed by a beachfront stroll and dinner at the posh Turtle Bay Bar & Grill at Saadiyat Beach Club makes for the perfect way to spend a romantic evening with your beloved. Book a table for sunset and request a spot on the terrace for the best views.
Location: This stunning stretch of sandy shores edges across Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Tickets and Timings: You can visit Saadiyat anytime you want. However, some sections such as the Saadiyat Beach Club, are privately owned, and entry is restricted to members. Most beaches do not allow visits after dark.
Yas Mall
Don’t forget to spoil your beloved with a shopping spree and Yas Mall is the ultimate spot for that! It’s the largest mall in Abu Dhabi, hosting more than 300 international brands. Apart from that, it is one of the best shopping malls in Abu Dhabi for a wholesome experience of fun activities, and romantic moments. Nothing speaks romance like picking out gifts for each other. The mall’s stores cater to every taste, from high-end fashion to quirky souvenirs, making it easy to find a keepsake for your trip. After shopping, linger on to revel in the laid-back, upscale ambience and then enjoy a casual, romantic dinner at one of the many fine-dining restaurants here. Our pick: Al Fanar Restaurant & Café – The Fountains for that intimate Arabian dinner in rustic, romantically lantern-lit settings.
Location: Yas Mall is tucked in Yas Island, Near Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi.
Timings: The mall opens around 10 am daily. The last few hours to enjoy the mall at night are around 10 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Conclusion
Honeymooners and couples, Abu Dhabi in 2025 is your calling! It’s got the luxury, the culture, and the quiet moments you crave for a romantic escape. It is brimming with stunning oases, beaches, jaw-dropping architecture and a vibe that’s both glamorous and serene. Unlike its flashier neighbour Dubai, Abu Dhabi feels a bit more intimate to connect with your beloved and make memories.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi for a romantic holiday?
The cooler months from November to March offer an ideal time to explore Abu Dhabi on a romantic vacation.
2. Are there any romantic dinner cruises in Abu Dhabi for date nights?
Yes. Dhow Cruise with dinner experience is one of the best options to enjoy a date night cruise in Abu Dhabi.
3. What are the unique outdoor activities for nature-loving couples in Abu Dhabi?
Kayaking in Mangrove Park, visiting Al Ain Oasis and glamping in Abu Dhabi’s deserts are some memorable outdoor activities to do for nature-loving couples.
4. Are there any budget-friendly romantic activities in Abu Dhabi for couples?
Absolutely! Places like Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Ain Oasis, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosques are all amazing spots to visit for lovely strolls without paying an entry fee.
