UAE Valentines Day: Go on a heart-themed tour of Dubai

MIRACLE GARDEN: This bloom-filled cornucopia of colour in Dubailand was first opened on Valentine’s Day in 2013, and its famous Hearts Passage is one of the most photographed features of this amazing, psychedelic flower garden.

Although little ones might love the heart that’s nestled in the paws of the park’s 12-metre-high friendly teddy bear as a photo backdrop even more!

Weave through the heart-shaped archways and enjoy the scent of thousands of stunning flowers and plants, before snapping your V-day family photo. DETAILS: Dh55 per person (aged 12 and above), Dh40 per child (3-12 years), under 3s free. Dubaimiraclegarden.com.

‘LOVE ME’ SCULPTURE, DUBAI DOWNTOWN: This shiny steel heart sculpture, called ‘Love Me’, is crafted by famous sculptor Richard Hudson, and sits in a prime location in Downtown Dubai in front of the majestic Burj Khalifa, which looms both above it and within its reflection.

Representing the values of both love and strength, this makes for a fitting backdrop for a Valentine family selfie during the pandemic.

CITY WALK: Open-air shopping mall in Jumeirah 1 City Walk is a treat for the eyes with its array of stunning street art, created by a variety of top-notch artists and sculptors via Dubai Walls. While there are many irresistible photo backdrops, the monochrome-and-hearts creations by well-known street artist Nick Walker (aka The Vandal) are some of the area’s most iconic.

Take the kids on a street art scavenger hunt around the mall’s many nooks and crannies to find these impressive murals, for a happy, heart-themed Valentines photo.

DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR: Head down to Dubai Creek Harbour’s promenade to catch a selfie in front of this heart-shaped sculpture, which is perfect for expressing your family’s love of the UAE as well as each other.

DUBAI GARDEN GLOW: This unique outdoor theme park in Zabeel park Dubai makes for a retina-arresting, brain-neuron-firing explosion of colourful lights, as well as a great family evening out.

There are several different heart backdrops to choose from at this luminous landscape, which opens from 5pm in the evening to ensure you appreciate the full force of its luminescence.

Its mesmerizing heart-lined avenue is a neon-powered display that will amaze kids, and any loved ones who you send your Valentines family photo to. DETAILS: Dh65pp, under 3s free, Dubaigardenglow.com.

LA MER: This laidback beachside destination boasts a bounty of beautiful wall art, some of which feature gorgeous hearts.

Go on an art-themed exploration and try to find the child with heart-shaped sunglasses, or the little girl on a heart swing.

DUBAI BOULEVARD: Head to Downtown Dubai again for this very cool, retro-styled illuminated backdrop to show your love of Dubai.

DUBAI MALL: Just by the Dubai Mall Waterfall this pretty photo op structure has been erected, making the ideal backdrop for a whimsical Valentines Day photo with the family.

LOVE LAKE: Last but definitely not least is Dubai’s most famous, love-themed destination: Love Lakes.

While you will have to have a bird’s eye view to get the full impact of the lakes’ shape, there are a multitude of heart-shaped backdrops dotted about the lakeshore.

Pack a picnic and take the kids on a Heart Hunt, to find some of the many different heart shapes scattered about.

Some hang from trees…

While others are hidden in rocks... But wherever you end up going, you're bound to have love-ly time!