So you’ve found ‘The One’ and want to pop the question, yeah? Well the UAE is full of picture-perfect engagement spots that will surely seal the deal. So your next big question is, which one do you pick?
Mountain, beach, water, wilderness, sky or even popular tourist attraction – wherever you choose to get on bended knee, make sure the vibe is right for your intended.
Of all the stunning spots to propose in the UAE, here’s our list of those almost guaranteed to get you an emphatic ‘Yes!’…
For more of the best beauty spots in the UAE click here.
But for now, read on for where to propose in the UAE in style…
Abra on Burj Lake
In the shadow of the gravity defying Burj Khalifa, Burj Lake is a rare peaceful place among the hubbub of bustling Dubai. Hire one of the traditional abras and be sailed out on to the still water, the retail frenzy of the Dubai Mall seemingly miles away. Time it right and your other half will be distracted by the Dubai Fountain spectacle as you pull out the ring. Just make sure you don’t drop it in the water.
Dhs65 per person. Daily 5.45pm-11.30pm. Downtown Dubai, www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/downtown-dubai/the-dubai-fountain/ (800 2884 3867).
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Another of Downtown Dubai’s top attractions, the sheer variety of sealife species at the Dubai Aquarium will ensure you won’t be fishing for small talk as you’ll both be left speechless anyway. We’ve always thought it would be fun to propose during the Shark Walker. And if your partner has suddenly had the frighteners put on them by Jaws and co, they’re bound to say yes just so you’ll get them out of there.
From Dhs199 per person entry fee (Shark Walker is Dhs620 per person). Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. The Dubai Mall, www.thedubaiaquarium.com/ (800 382 246 255).
Dubai Miracle Garden
The fact a desert city such as Dubai can sustain such a floral wonderland as this is a miracle in itself. What is less unlikely, though, is a snub to your ‘Will you marry me?’ when you have wooed your love with a romantic meander around this bountiful garden – the largest of its type in the world with more than 150million blooms. Can’t find the right words? Just say it with flowers… (Though you’ll have to wait for winter for this one.)
Dhs55 for adults. Open Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri 9am-11pm, Sat 9am-10pm. Al Barsha South 3, Dubai www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/ (04 422 8902).
Fossil Rock
Perfect for the outdoorsy types among you, this stunning spot in Sharjah will soon have them swooning. You want to arrive here a couple of hours before sunset as if you follow the usual route that starts just off the Sharjah-Kalba highway then it will take you that long to reach the summit. Recite that romantic speech as the sun goes down and they’ll be putty in your hands. Especially if there’s a big, glistening rock in your hand.
Free. Visit www.visitsharjah.com/en/activities/nature/fossil-rock/ for more.
Hatta Dam
Arriving in Hatta you’d never believe it was part of Dubai as the City of Gold feels like a world away. Hatta Dam is one of the most picturesque places in the UAE and another one that’s ideal for the active couples out there. And whether you decide to hike, cycle or kayak around here the magic of the water will soon have you being showered with affection as that unexpected ‘Will you marry me?’ leaves your loved one in floods of happy tears.
Activity prices vary. Hatta, Dubai, www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/hatta-dam-2
Hot air balloon ride over the desert
For a special way to set you other half’s heart rate soaring, and to give your chances of a ‘Yes’ a massive lift, take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the desert. As the sun rises over the sands, any bleary eyes will soon be opened by the majestic beauty of the deserted wilderness below. Balloon Adventures Dubai will provide you with the ‘Ultimate Marriage Proposal’, which will surely be better in an intimate balloon. They claim to have a 100 cent success rate so let’s hope love is in the air for you too.
Prices vary. Visit www.ballooning.ae/ or call 04 440 9827 for more.
Jebel Hafeet
If your other half has lofty ambitions you should: a) not be stingy with your ring budget; and b) show them the height of romance with a proposal on Jebel Hafeet. Just north of Al Ain, this 1,400m mountain is popular with hikers and picnic parties and offers some stunning vistas of the Garden City below. It also has a network of caves that would be perfect for an engagement ring treasure hunt, the finale of which will hopefully be where xoxoxo marks the spot.
Jebel Hafit Desert Park: open daily 11am-11pm. North of Al Ain, visitabudhabi.ae/en/what-to-see/iconic-landmarks/jebel-hafit
Jubail Mangrove Park
One of the most cunning projects the UAE has come up with in recent years, this wildlife haven offers the ideal way to discover the mangroves, Abu Dhabi’s finest natural wonders. The boardwalk zig-zags among your stunning surroundings, giving you the chance to spot both avian and marine species in their element. Stop awhile to survey the mangroves’ beauty, then tell your intended how beautiful they are as you surprise them by popping the question.
Dhs15 per adult. Open daily 7am-9pm. Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi, park.jubailisland.ae/ (02 546 8341).
Jumeirah Al Naseem beach
Well, you might not be able to afford the Royal Penthouse having shelled out for that engagement bling but who really cares when you have 2km of pristine beach at your disposal. In the shadows of the iconic Burj al Arab, the sands of Jumeirah Al Naseem are just perfect for a sunset stroll, hand in hand with the love of your life. Sneak off beforehand and write your proposal in the sand – keep an eye on that tide though…
From Dhs1,380 per room, per night. Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/jumeirah-al-naseem (04 366 8888).
Love Lakes
A man-made marvel tailor-made for romance, this pair of intertwined waterways immediately became a must-see destination for loved-up couples when it opened a mere three years ago. After a delicious barbecued steak (food is the way to their heart after all), meander around the lakes before finding a suitably secluded spot in which to get down on one knee. Your loved one shouldn’t need it spelling out for them but just in case, the trees here will do it for you.
Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra, Dubai, www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/love-lake-dubai
The Green Planet
You might think we’re bonkers by suggesting what is essentially a children’s edutainment centre as a place to pop the question. But seriously, what’s not to love about the world’s biggest indoor rainforest? The most romantic way to experience The Green Planet is with a camping trip, where you’ll get to spend the night among the 3,000 exotic plants and animals.
Dhs700 for two. Nightly from 7pm-8am. City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai, www.thegreenplanetdubai.com/en (800 7699).
The Rooftop at folly by Nick & Scott
After a superb candlelit dinner courtesy of Time Out favourites Nick and Scott, take the charm offensive up to the next level by heading to the rooftop for a nightcap. Let the mixologists here knock you up something suitably mood-catching as your other half’s gazes out over the waters of the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Arabian Gulf, the Burj al Arab lit up in the near distance. Maybe tip the waiter off about your intentions and have them serve up a ring with your one for the road.
Open daily 4pm-3am. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, folly.ae/ (04 430 8535).
The Starlight Camp
Fabienne and Urs Eiselin are very much of the romantic persuasion, hence why they have set up The Starlight Camp here in the UAE. This secret hideout is as secluded as they come and the husband and wife duo will set it up just for you. Having set the mood with a dinner by candlelit, make a proposal your desert as you gaze up at the skies.
Dhs2,310. Outside Dubai, www.starlight-camp.com/ (050 345 5358).
The View at The Palm
When it comes to Dubai’s iconic landmarks, Palm Jumeirah is right up there with the best of them. And by taking your bride or groom to be to this awesome 360-degree viewing platform, your marriage proposal will be right up there with the best of them too. Yes, it’s impossible to measure how deep your love runs but asking the ultimate question at 240m above The Palm is a great way to show it. The view will take their breath away, but not half as much as the sight of that sparkler you’ve bought them.
Dhs100 per person. Open Sun-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, www.theviewpalm.ae/ (800 843 8439).
Wadi Shawka
Set in the majestic Hajar Mountains, Wadi Shawki is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most enduring hiking spots. Climb the 200 or so steps up and you can start a loop around the dam and take in the rugged beauty all around you. Stop off at one of the cabanas and speak freely of your love. For those of you who didn’t know ‘Hajar’ means ‘rocky’ in Arabic but your future will be anything but if you play your cards right here.
Open daily 24/7. Ras Al Khaimah, www.timeoutdubai.com/attractions/467223-uae-beauty-spots-dubai-abu-dhabi-sharjah
