Ditch The Cliché: Celebrate Valentine’s Day A Little Differently This Year

Whether you’re planning to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other, your closest friends, or someone special, this year is the perfect excuse to do something a little different. If the idea of fighting for a last-minute restaurant reservation doesn’t spark joy, you’re not alone. Three UAE brands are rewriting the Valentine’s playbook with experiences that feel more personal, more memorable, and in some cases, deliciously hands-on.

For the Galentine’s Crew Who’d Rather Create Than Queue: The Charcuterie Date

Who says Valentine’s is only for couples? Organic Foods & Café x KōLab Studio is celebrating Galentine’s Day with a Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Weekend Workshop, a hands-on session where you and your favorite human (romantic or not) can build something beautiful together, then eat it, obviously. Think of it as edible art therapy where you get all the ingredients, the guidance, and a gorgeously styled charcuterie box to take home. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply good food, the Organic Foods & Café x KōLab Galentine’s Workshop is a reminder that the best moments are made when you slow down, get creative, and share something meaningful (and delicious) together.

• When: 4:00 PM, 14th February
• Where: Organic Foods & Café – Golden Mile 9 – The Palm Jumeirah
• Early bird pricing: Book early and enjoy the experience for AED 350 for two (usually AED 500)
• Booking: WhatsApp +971 50 296 2953 / +971 56 673 2017 or visit @organicfoodsandcafegcc/@kolabstudio.ae.

For the “I Forgot Until Yesterday” Crowd: MINT Market to the Rescue

Panic-bought chocolates from the petrol station aren’t fooling anyone. Enter MINT Market’s Valentine’s Pop-Up at Al Seef Village Mall in Abu Dhabi: two days of curated, locally-made finds that look like you’ve been planning this for weeks. From handmade ceramics to artisan skincare, it’s the antidote to generic mall gifting. Plus, it’s free to browse, which means you can take your time finding something that actually suits them.

• When: February 14th & 15th, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Where: Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi
• Entry: Free

For Those Who Think Bigger Than One Day: The Gift That Keeps Giving

Here’s a radical idea: what if your Valentine’s gift didn’t wilt by February 15th? WellnessWonderz is championing the anti-bouquet with one off and quarterly subscription boxes that deliver long after the holiday hype fades. Choose from Strength, Pilates, or their limited-edition Outdoor Box, and suddenly you’re not just giving a gift, you’re giving momentum, routine, maybe even those fitness goals they mentioned in January. It’s thoughtful. It’s practical. It’s the kind of gift that says, I thought outside the box this year.

• Explore options: com
• Price: Starting 400 AED