Roses are red, violets are blue, singles can have fun on Feb 14 too…

We are living in a post-Valentine’s Day era.

No longer does being single mean resigning yourself to one day of torture every year, sitting at home alone sobbing into a box of chocolates (which you bought yourself) while all your loved-up friends post annoyingly smug photos on Instagram.

Anti-Valentine’s Day parties are where it’s at. And the concept is spreading faster than a bad case of cooties. Here are just a few you can check out in Dubai.

(Don’t worry – if you are the romantic type, we’ve still got you covered with this list of the 14 best Valentine’s Day dining deals in Dubai).

1. TRIBECA

tribeca

Calling all single ladies! Tribeca is throwing the ultimate anti-Valentine’s Day party, with guests receiving a special “love potion” cocktail on arrival. This JBR hotspot is already known for its Tuesday ladies nights, and this year Feb 14 just so happens to coincide… so gals will receive complimentary drinks before 11pm too.

Tribeca, JA Ocean View Hotel, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Tel: (050) 345 6067. February 14. More info on website.

2. INKED

INKED_Tete a Tete February 12 - February 14th

Why not spend some quality time with someone extra special, aka yourself. INKED’s latest pop-up dining experience, Tête-à-Tête, (French for face-to-face) invites guests to dine in front of a mirror, while seated next to strangers. INKED founders Kenza and Patrick Jarjour say the event is an opportunity for people to explore themselves and their own identity, while getting back to the basics of communication – interacting with strangers in a unique, tongue-in-cheek way. The dinner costs Dhs300 per person and includes a four-course dinner and soft drinks.

INKED, Unit 57, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. Tel: (04) 344 1788. February 12 to 14, with one single seating per evening at 8.30pm, for a maximum of 40 people. More info on website.

3. W DUBAI HOTEL

W Dubai Al Habtoor City WET DECK NIGHT

W Dubai Al Habtoor City’s ValANTInes Love Party (see what they did there?) promises to be anything but traditional. For Dhs295 a head, guests will enjoy free-flowing cocktails and drinks until the clock strikes midnight and February 14 is officially over. There will also be plenty of pass-around canapés if you get peckish, as well as DJs and special entertainment to keep you in the mood.

W Dubai Al Habtoor City. Sheikh Zayed Road. Tel: (04) 436 6666. February 14. 8pm to 12am. More info on website.

4. NIKKI BEACH DUBAI

Nikki Beach Restaurant & Beach Club Dubai

It’s hard to feel sad and lonely when you’re enjoying a blissful beach day with your girls. Nikki Beach Dubai is hosting a ladies day this Valentine’s, and guests are invited enjoy the resort’s private white sand beach, as well as a giant pool with jacuzzis and plush sun loungers. Pay just Dhs125 for the day and you’ll get your fill of delectable sushi, mojitos and bubbles.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah. Tel: (04) 376 6000. February 14, 11am to 6pm. Dhs125. More info on website.

5. FIREBIRD DINER

burgers-vday

Do burgers and bubbles get your heart beating faster than chocolates and flowers? Firebird Diner is launching a brand new ladies night, which could be the perfect anti-Valentine’s Day option for you. Ladies can enjoy unlimited sparkling wine, as well as half price burgers and sliders. With a female-only playlist to get you in the zone, you’ll be feeling strong and independent in no time.

Firebird Diner, Four Seasons Hotel, DIFC. Tel: (04) 506 0000. Available February 14 and 15, and every other Wednesday onwards. More info on website.

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Images: Getty, Supplied.