The most romantic time of the year is upon us; Valentine’s Day! And couples worldwide are preparing to smother each other with all the romance and love in the world. It seems like no evil could ever exist on a day like Valentine’s. But as the saying goes, “the lack of money is the root of all evil;” not having a big Valentine’s day budget might come as an issue to many couples. It may even lead to some bad blood. However, fear not! Here are 10 of the most romantic date ideas for couples on a tight budget;

 

1. Movie night: Movies are always romantic. They create a closeness between people unparalleled to any other event. This Valentine’s, treat your partner to a great movie, sit back and enjoy the quality time spent with one another. Some couples prefer to stay in and have a movie marathon. Apart from the cost of ordering take-out, this idea costs absolutely nothing. Grab a few blankets, make some popcorn and hop on that couch for hours of movie entertainment.
2. Game night: If you and your partner are fond of games in general, this is the date night for you! Have over another couple, order some dinner and stay up all night playing charades or monopoly and laughing till your stitches burst. Being a huge fan of games myself, I would definitely recommend you have this game night date at least once.
3. Crash at IKEA: This date might sound silly but as a person who has done this with my partner, this might be the most fun you will ever have on a low budget date. Basically all you need is to go to IKEA, and pretend like it’s your home. Sleep on the beds, imagine you’re switching on the plastic television in your fake living room, cook invisible pancakes in the kitchen; now, this might lead to you and your partner getting kicked out of the store but hey, what’s life if you don’t get thrown out of IKEA at least once?
4. Camp at Al Qudra Lake: Al Qudra lakes in Dubai are one of the most beautiful and serene man-made lakes in the country. It is a very famous camp spot but is not crowded due to the large space and numerous lakes. Take your date there for an overnighter, set up camp, get a bbq going, feed bread to the ducks and swans and overall have a really intimate night together. Make sure to have a 4×4 before setting off as some areas have loose sand where sedan cars might get beached.
5. Road trip:  Road trips are always exciting and never fails to deliver good quality family fun. Set a quaint little place, such as a wadi, as your final destination and set off with your partner for an entire day of laughing, intimacy and low budget entertainment.
6. Shisha Date: If you and your partner are smokers and are fans of the popular shisha found all over Dubai, the Tea Junction in Oud Mehta might be the best place for you. This peculiar little café serves over 20 types of tea and snacks; while having a dedicated Happy Hour from 10 am to 4 pm for couples just like you! One shisha here will cost you 23 dhs, excluding the tea and snacks.
7. Bowling night: If you and your partner are a bit on the competitive side of relationships, then bowling night is perfect for you. Find the nearest bowling alley and go head to head in a friendly match. Order a side of cheese fries and sodas and you have the perfect recipe for date night.
8. Antique or Thrift together: You can find many gems of shops in Dubai that sell the best antiques. Just standing in those shops gives the feeling of being transported back an era. Experience this with your partner as you go antiquing together and if you find a great deal, purchase it! It will make a great addition to your showcase. Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai has a great selection of antique stores if this date night interests you.
9. Stay at home spa: This can be a very relaxing and very intimate date night for both the partners. You could set up a bubble bath, have romantic music playing, pop open a bottle of bubbly and give each other massages. In the end, it’s always a bonus to see your partner in a face mask.
10. Sing the night away: Head over to a karaoke bar and sing to your hearts content! You could sing dedications to your partner which is always a good idea; even if you don’t have a singing voice. It’s the thought that counts!