Back in the day, the recipe for romance used to involve a lot of preparation, with flowers needing to be ordered weeks in advance, gifts to be bought in a store and wrapped ahead of time, cards to be made or physically browsed through, and romantic mixtapes to be compiled.
But who’s got time for all that?
In our instant economy, apps have come speedily to the rescue, and the perfect romantic date can be had simply by turning down the lights and getting comfy under the covers – with your iPhone.
From travel tickets and dining out to finding the ideal present, technology can help you connect and mingle like never before.
So, with Valentine’s Day falling over the weekend, we’ve put together a list of top apps to ensure this year’s celebrations remain memorable – for all the right reasons.
Head over to Apple’s App store (or Google Play store) and download the below.
GIFT SHOPPING FOR YOUR VALENTINE
Etsy
From art and photography to knick-knacks and toys, the peer-to-peer online marketplace has become the go-to resource for the kind of objects once found at crafts fairs, with nothing mass-produced here.
Find a personal gift that is off the beaten track, whether it’s a quirky treat for your loved one or something personalised and dear to your heart.
Available for iOS and Android
Net-A-Porter
There’s a reason Natalie Massanet’s creation is the most popular fashion resource on the interweb.
As the home of all things luxury, it’s the perfect place to look for a gift for the fashion lover in your life, or to find the perfect outfit, shoes and accessories to light your own Valentine’s spark.
If all else fails, you could also simply order a gift card which goes straight to your beloved’s inbox.
Available for iOS and Android
MarkaVIP
With luxury labels at prices for penny pinchers, this one’s for the budget conscious.
The latest fashions are on sale at up to discounts of up to 85 per cent and for a limited period of time.
App users get extra privileges such as exclusive sales and other offers.
So with a little careful curation, you can surprise the stylish someone-special with some fashion that will set them apart from the crowd, like they deserve.
Available for iOS and Android
Blossm
Nothing says “I love you” like flowers, and now you can order the bouquet of your choice right from the palm of your hand.
The made-in-the-UAE app is a great way to order fresh flowers in Dubai and Sharjah.
You can customise your order with vases, add-ons such as chocolates and personal messages, and have them delivered the same day.
Available for iOS
OUT ON THE TOWN
Entertainer 2016
This Dubai brand, which started as a voucher book, has evolved into a digital app with a variety of offerings from restaurants to spa treatments, holidays and other experiences.
Every purchase follows the brand’s buy-one-get-one-free policy, so you don’t have to break the bank to make your evening one to remember.
Better yet, the app costs less than the book – and though it’s expensive for an app, you’ll recoup its cost within a few weeks.
Available for iOS, Android and Samsung
Booking.com
If a weekend getaway is more your speed – find your home away from home or play tourist in your own city, and select from any of the hotels on offer – many without credit card guarantees.
Features unique to the app are instant check-in, paperless confirmations and offline maps.
Regular users get special offers and discounts.
Available for iOS and Android
Round Menu
With over 5,000 restaurants and cafes in Dubai and 3,000 in Abu Dhabi all in one place, this app takes the headache out of making dinner plans.
You can choose a restaurant by cuisine, reserve a table, check reviews from TripAdvisor, Instagram and FourSquare users, and save with discounts and promotions.
English and Arabic versions are available for iOS.
PLANNING THE PERFECT NIGHT IN
Kitchen Stories
Fancy yourself a Michelin-star chef?
With the hundreds of HD videos and tips on this app, you can be, and can cook the meal of your dreams for a special evening in.
New recipes are added every week, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free suggestions. The app has automatically generated shopping lists, a measurement convertor, a clip-and-keep option as well as the chance to save comments.
Available for iOS, Apple Watch and Android.
Zomato
Not bothered to head out and face the masses this weekend? Neither are we.
And now we don’t need to, with the variety of restaurants to pick from and have dinner sent straight to the door – all in the time it takes to set the table and light the candles.
App features include the ability to create your own collections and share them with friends and followers, as well as a map, rating feature and Passbook option for booking details.
Available for iOS, Apple Watch and Android
Netflix
Married couples are probably overdue some Netflix-and-chill time.
Thankfully, you can download an array of entertainment here in the UAE now to make your cosy time even better.
Available for iOS and Android
Image Credit: Supplied
