Why you should choose Dubai for your wedding and honeymoon

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to pop the question, for the wedding venue of your dreams, or for the ultimate honeymoon escape for you and your soul mate, Dubai is a destination that drips with romance, with lashings of luxury and indulgence on the side.

Read on for some of the best spots lovers should set their sights on…

Where to propose

Over a romantic meal

If food is central to your wooing technique, you’re in the right place. Dubai has some seriously alluring restaurants. Ninive, an opulent al fresco Arabian oasis in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, is a standout. All flickering lanterns, cushioned banquettes and low tables, its sumptuous décor is inspired by Arabian gardens and caravanserai.

Sumptuous: expect flickering lanterns, cushioned banquettes and low tables at seriously opulent Ninive

The chermoula-marinated grilled lobster and slow-cooked wagyu beef ribs with pine nuts and pomegranate should set the right tone for popping the question.

At sunrise drifting over the desert

Float above silent plains as the sun creeps up and a new day ushers in an exciting new chapter of your life. A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the desert is one of the most romantic things to do in Dubai, and a memorable way to propose.

Making memories: usher in a new chapter in your life with a hot air balloon flight over the desert at sunrise


Credit: Visit Dubai

Make sure you have peace and privacy for your big moment by booking one of Platinum Heritage’s private trips. You can celebrate afterwards with a delicious breakfast on the desert sands.

On the beach

Sea views, sunsets that lead into sultry starlit nights and seafood to die for – a proposal at Shimmers has all the right ingredients for a great big “yes”. On the shores of the Arabian Gulf in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, the Mediterranean-inspired hotspot overlooks the water and Burj Al Arab. Despite its spectacular setting and food, it’s far from stuffy. Meaning you can relax into your evening before finding the right moment.

Spectacular setting: Mediterranean-inspired Shimmers overlooks the Arabian Gulf in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam

On the water

Ask your loved one for their hand in marriage as you soak up the charms of old Dubai on an abra cruise around Dubai Creek. These traditional Emirati wooden vessels are a symbol of the city’s heritage.

Charter a private abra cruise for the occasion then hotfoot it back to shore to celebrate your news – the beach club-esque Twiggy by La Cantine at the Park Hyatt Dubai is just the spot.

Where to wed

In the desert dunes

Revel in the romance of the desert as you say your vows surrounded by friends and family. Nara Escape organises bespoke desert camps for wedding celebrations in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Romantic vibes: say your vows at Nara Escape in a secluded sunset ceremony and feast under the stars

Camps are created to suit your vision, but you can expect secluded sunset ceremonies and oasis-style scenes. Think fairy light-festooned canopies and long candle-lit tables for convivial feasts under the stars.

Up in the sky

Reach the heights of cool by hosting your nuptials 200m up in the air. Aura Skypool, home to the world’s highest 360° infinity pool, is now catering for weddings. This will be one pool party to remember.

Spectacular views: tie the knot at one of Dubai’s most exclusive swimming spots

Serve sharing-style dishes with a pan-Asian spin for guests to nibble on around the oasis-like deck as they gaze at unobstructed views of Dubai’s landmarks before leaping into the glimmering water for a swim.

Stay small and special

Intimate, understated and utterly enchanting, the XVA Art Hotel is a boutique hotel in the Al Fahidi Historical District. Oozing old-world charm with its traditional interiors, shady tree-lined courtyards, ornate wind towers and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect step back into yesteryear.

Old-world charm: the boutique AVA Art Hotel is in heart of the Al Fahidi Historical District and has 15 guest rooms

It’s ideal for couples looking for a unique setting with a sense of place. What’s more, your guests can take over the hotel’s 15 guest rooms.

Celebrate in style

Cast away to the luxurious island oasis that is Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm for your nuptials. Taj Hotels certainly knows how to make weddings memorable. Go for a large-scale event with a lavish Indian banquet and live traditional music in one of its two ballrooms or opt for a more intimate beachside celebration.

Island oasis: the luxurious Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm knows how to make your wedding memorable


Credit: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Where to hole up on your honeymoon

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa

Romance seems to be embedded in the landscape of the desert – rolling dunes that take your breath away, a sense of adventure and dramatic sunsets and sunrises.

Luxurious desert getaway: the romantic scenery and dramatic landscape at Al Maha will take your breath away


Credit: Marriott International Lux

Secluded among date palms, luxurious desert getaway Al Maha certainly seduces with its tented suites, filled with exquisite handcrafted furnishings and private plunge pools. Spend mornings languishing on your deck gazing at dune and mountain views before nature treks and horse rides.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

Picture this scene: you’re basking by the pool in a private cabana with a couples’ spa treatment and sunset cruise ahead of you. And that’s before the bespoke five-course moonlit dinner on the sands of Jumeirah Beach. Pure indulgence and unadulterated romance are what honeymoon days at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach are all about.

Couple goals: enjoy pure indulgence on a romantic honeymoon at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

One&Only The Palm

Start married life on a high at this exclusive Andalusian-style hideaway on Palm Jumeirah. Float between palm-lined pools and the private beach and stroll the gorgeous grounds. Indulge in an Arabian body ritual in the opulent Guerlain spa then dine like royalty.

Exclusive hideaway: begin married life on a high note in the opulent surroundings at One&Only The Palm

Stay by Yannick Alléno, with its two Michelin stars, will seduce with its elegant French cuisine – go for the secluded garden terrace where twinkling fairy lights and stars add to the allure.

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

Slip away on an abra to your own waterside abode, inspired by traditional summerhouses of Arabia. Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf’s sumptuous summer houses have balconies, courtyards, traditional majlis and marble bathrooms.

Sophisticated sanctuary: newlyweds can hideaway in their own private waterside abode at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

Some have sweeping ocean views, others look over lush gardens. Either way, they are a sophisticated sanctuary for newlyweds. And when you feel like re-entering the real world, the pools, spa and private beach are waiting.

Broaden your horizons in Dubai 

In Dubai, you’ll find all the right ingredients for a sun-soaked trip. The sophisticated metropolis by the sea provides unforgettable experiences, from serene safaris in the desert to dining in the world’s tallest building.

Broaden your horizons with a trip that takes in its exhilarating mix of record-breaking architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and white sand beaches. You’ll return home with plenty of tales to share.

Find out more at, visitdubai.com