It's no secret that the mere mention of heart-shaped chocolates and velvety roses brings most men out in a cold sweat. To help you out, we have put together a guide to giving him what he really wants this Valentine's.
1. For the lad of luxury: If your man aspires to the finer things in life, organise a day-trip for the two of you on a yacht. Cruise down the Dubai coastline or simply drop anchor and relax for a few hours in the serene open sea – either way, this special treat is guaranteed to make him feel like James Bond and earn you mega brownie points.
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club hires out yachts for a minimum of two hours, prices starting at Dhs3,600. Call: 04-2956000.
2. For the fitness freak: Recent research from the University of Denver found that couples who have fun together with shared activities are more likely to have happy marriages. So if your man lives, eats and breathes sport, try taking up a sporting activity that you can do together, such as tennis, squash or golf.
For Valentine's Day, book a course of lessons or invest in the necessary equipment and make it a regular date. A 45-minute golfing lesson with a coach at The Four Seasons Golf Club costs Dhs450 per couple. Call 04-6010101.
3. For the gaming geek: Fed up with playing second fiddle to the latest computer game? Why not invest in a female-friendly game to spice up boring nights in.
Guitar Hero for Nintendo Wii is surprisingly good fun and encourages a bit of healthy competition, while Boom Blox, also for Wii, is a puzzle game where you have to work as a team.
Rock Band, for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, allows you to join forces as musicians (singer, drummer, guitarist or bassist) in a band hoping to achieve stardom. Available from selected stores or from http://www.game.co.uk (plus shipping).
4. For the hopeless romantic: For the ultimate in schmaltzy schmoozing, plan a dinner at home themed on a special memory or time in your relationship.
For example, if you honeymooned in Mexico, serve fajitas washed down with rum and Cokes, whack on a Buena Vista Social Club CD and present him with a canvas print of a photo from the honeymoon. Get your photos printed on to canvas at Riot Art (04-4224166).
5. For the petrol-head: A fail-proof treat for any dedicated speed-junkie is a trip to the Dubai Autodrome. With experiences ranging from riding shotgun while an instructor shoots around the track to racing an F1-style car himself, there is sure to be something on the Autodrome's menu to gets your partner's heart thumping with adrenaline.
Alternatively, hop in the hot-seat and join him for a session of go-karting. Prices start at Dhs100. (www.dubaiautodrome.com, 04-3678700).
6. For the music man: Nothing could be simpler than planning a meaningful Valentine's surprise for a music lover – ten years ago it would have been the mixed tape of his favourite songs, now it's the playlist for his mp3 player.
Not only does this show that you know him well and have spent time thinking about what he really likes, it only takes a few minutes and is absolutely free.
7. For the nature fiend: If your partner gets a kick out of the great outdoors, he will probably be happy with a shwarma and a cold bottle of beer in some remote desert location.
However, for a truly memorable occasion, nothing beats a hot air balloon ride over the dunes at sunrise or sunset. Check out www.arabiahorizons.com, www.ballooning.ae and www.bluebanana.ae, all of whom offer balloon rides for Dhs950 per person.
8. For the film buff: Get a copy of his all-time favourite movie and set up your own private cinema in your living room. Stock up on popcorn and junk food, move the furniture so you have ‘front row seats', make it as dark as possible and insist that all mobiles are turned off for the duration of the movie.
9. For the eco-warrior: Consumerist goodies just won't cut the mustard with a planet-conscious soul. Try making your own card and serving a home-cooked organic meal with goodies from the Organic Foods and Café (04-3617974) to be eaten by energy-saving candlelight (preferably beeswax or vegetable-based candles).
Or why not forego Valentine's Day altogether and give him an acre of tropical rainforest (Dhs275, www.worldlandtrust.org), adopt him an endangered animal (prices start at Dhs17 per month, www.wwf-adopt-an-animal.org) or send chickens to a third world family on his behalf (Dhs77, www.musthavegifts.org).
10. For the committed type: Give your relationship a polish with the Relationship Enhancement course at Dubai Herbal Treatment Centre (Dhs1,500 for six sessions).
Psychologist Devika Singh says, “The workshops are for couples who simply want to make things better.'' Devika is offering one Aquarius couple the chance to attend the Relationship Enhancing workshop free of charge – for more information, e-mail Devika detailing why your relationship needs enhancing on devika1@gmail.com.
