Date a bit differently

February, the month of love. A time for unfairly heightened romantic expectations and crushing disappointment as the day passes and is forgotten. The flower and chocolate shops cash in as they send the same bouquets and boxes to endless faceless names across the country.

So why not forget the usual clichés and do things a little differently this year? Look beyond the norm and get back to basics when it comes to love with your significant other.

Ski or snowboard

Hitting the slopes is romantic, especially if you stop halfway down for a hot chocolate. So, OK, we may not have the views of the Alps, but considering we live in a desert, it's pretty cool (pun intended) that we have options here. While ski pants aren't especially attractive, you can help your date up when they fall over, and if you are feeling especially corny, go in for a cheeky kiss on the chairlift. Head to Ski Dubai. Log on to www.skidxb.com for more information.

Date night at the museum

There's something romantic about galleries and museums. They are quiet and relaxing, and give you time to walk, reflect and spend time together. Photos conjure up the romance of the stories behind them — even if you're learning about the Dubai Creek along the way. Grab food at a romantic arty café, and don't break the bank in the process. Eye Gallery in Bastakia is a small, pleasant gallery with avant-garde exhibitions from resident artists in Dubai, especially Iranian art. Call 04 3534833 for details. The Cuadro Fine Art Gallery is also exhibiting works from Dubai-based Lebanese artist Nadine Kanso's Makan fi al Zakerah (Memory of a Place) photography series until March 7. Log on to www.cuadroart.com for more information.

Laugh a little

A sense of humour is right up there on the "must have" list for any couple making a go of things. So ditch the dinner and head for the Laughter Factory this month. While there's no show on Tuesday, February 14 (Valentine's Day, for all those who need reminding), you can postpone the celebrations until February 15 at Zinc, Crowne Plaza, Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai, and February 16 and February 17 at Grand Millennium, Tecom, Dubai. Visit www.thelaughterfactory.com for more information.

Take out with a twist

For those who don't want to spend a romantic Valentine's Day dinner in the company of 200 other couples in a restaurant, wine and dine with your loved one in the privacy of your home and impress them with delicious food from Casserole. Rather than the usual less-healthy (read cholesterol-fuelled) take-out options, this one's not only home-cooked but also easy on the purse. Choose a three-course meal for Dh60 per person or a four-course meal for Dh75 per person. A minimum of two people per order is required. Call 800 707. Available from February 14-16.

Donate Blood

Visit one of the centres which are open on Valentine's Day with your sweetie, and give someone else a gift that's truly from your heart. Blood donations tend to be down during the winter, but the need for blood remains the same. It's a unique way to spend time with someone close and do a good deed which will leave you feeling light-headed in more ways than one. Visit www.uaedonors.com to see where and when you can sign up.

Get arty

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, Our Pots Are Hot, Yours Can Be Too. Re-enact that famous scene from Ghost and sculpt clay together. Or just head to Café Ceramique and paint your own. Flirting can be cleverly disguised by poking fun at each other's handiwork. The artworks you make together will be fired and ready to collect two weeks after the class. Food is also available, so dinner is taken care of as well. Visit www.cafe-ceramique.com for more information.

Vertical endeavours

Rock climbing may not be your first choice for a Valentine's Day activity, but trying something new is often a great way to re-ignite a flame (no judgment, I swear). Visit www.climbingdubai.com, a perfect place to book and plan a session on a wall or maybe even take the brave step and plan a minibreak away, where you can attempt to scale the faces in RAK. The enormous sense of achievement this brings is enough to make you want to hug the person next to you. Very convenient.

Diving

What could be more romantic then stripping down to your smalls and shoe-horning yourself into a wetsuit before placing a plastic mask across your face and donning a giant pair of flippers? My point exactly! But while the attire necessary for scuba diving may not be the most desirable, the activity itself couldn't be more romantic. Leave the cares and troubles of the world behind as you disappear south into an underwater haven of marine life. The great thing about diving as a couple is that you see things together, whether turtle, shark or stingray. And there's nothing like sharing a cuppa afterwards to warm the cockles of your heart. Visit www.alboomdiving.com to plan a trip.

Choccie lovers

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and that women will do almost anything for chocolate, so why not keep both parties happy at the Gourmet, Chocolate & Pastry Brunch on February 17? Brunch is well-loved by many and what better way to enjoy the day off with a gourmet brunch than with chocolate and pastries as part of Abu Dhabi Gourmet. The event, priced at Dh600 per person, takes place at the Park Rotana, Abu Dhabi, from noon-4pm. Visit www.gourmetabudhabi.ae for details.

A wild ride

Nothing can compare to watching the sun rise over rolling desert dunes from the saddle of your horse. This is just one of the exceptional pleasures of desert hacking available to riders in the UAE. Set off in the early morning or late evening, and you will be able to explore nature and maybe even catch sight of wild gazelle. Escape the humdrum of the world for two unforgettable hours and leave the cares behind. Log on to www.poloclubdubai.com for prices.