Florists to try

What’s the first thing you associate with Valentine’s Day? Love? Romance? Marriage proposals? Nope. It’s the flowers. But where’s the best place to buy them in Dubai? Here are a few options to try…

Blooms
This spot specialises in silk (fake) flowers but there are fresh ones to be had. Yes, fresh ones are the only way to go on an occasion like this so even if they’ve run out of red roses plump for something else in pink or red of the fresh variety and hope you’ve been nice enough for the rest of the year to get away with it.
Umm Suqeim, 04 394 6094

Green plain flowers
Another fresh and fake flowers specialist with an outstanding array of displays. This is the place to go for a really fancy bouquet, or basket, if you’re feeling flash.
Al Mankool Road, Satwa, 04 398 9864

Oleander
This one’s kind of a hidden gem as it’s more of a garden centre than a florist but the bouquets are surprisingly attractive. Definitely worth a look or a last-minute call. Century Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Road, 04 344 0560

Spinneys, various locations
For heaven’s sake, make sure you take the labels off if you get your flowers from here, a supermarket stop is almost as bad as the last-minute petrol station dash. Luckily, the blooms on offer are pretty nice, so with a bit of clever re-packaging, they shouldn’t disappoint.

Forever Florist
If you are more of an online shopper, you could take a look at www.forever-florist-dubai.com. The selection is pretty good, from red roses to huge pink explosions for those of you who like a ‘grand’ gesture.

Upscale and posh
This is one of the best-named shops in Dubai, and yes, it really is quite upscale and rather posh. You even get an ‘advisor’ to help you pick your bunch. The posh pinks are a very pretty red rose alternative if your Valentine’s isn’t a traditional sort.
Call your very own floral advisor on 050-1736479 and place your order.

Sentiments Flowers
This award-winning florist has a lot to offer this Valentine's Day. From bouquets to baskets of fresh flowers, and blooms with an additional gift to make it more special and attractive to your loved ones. http://www.sentimentsflowers.com/about.htm

DXB flowers
These life-savers offer same day delivery across the emirates if you've been naughty and forgotten the big day. Call them to arrange some beautiful blooms and if they're going to be late, make sure they're a big bunch, for heaven's sake. 04-258 8875.

Ibe Flowers
Another online stop, for those who'll be ordering from their desks. The selection's pretty good and your romantic gesture is only a click away. http://www.iberflowers.com/valentine_roses_dubai.htm

Emirate's Florist
And finally, one last online stop to try if everyone else has run out of roses. Log on and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck! http://emiratesflorist.com/product.php?cid=2