Text Nabila Eltigi

Ahead of Valentine’s Day this year, we decided to seek love and relationship advice off the beaten path. Not from your auntie’s WhatsApp group, and not from the self-proclaimed TikTok relationship counselors, but rather from real, unassuming, and just straight-up everyday people.

And what better place to find these people than a karaoke bar in the heart of Bur Dubai and Satwa on Valentine’s Eve? We scoured Facebook for the creme de la creme of Valentine’s Day karaoke promotions and set out on a mission to speak to the patrons; single, married, those in long-distance relationships, and everyone in between.

These neon-lit venues taught us a lot more than we expected, and we ended up with so much wisdom, even from the hopelessly romantic single kings and queens in these hallowed establishments of unfiltered joy.

Here’s what we learned:

Every day is Valentine’s Day (especially if you’re single and ready to mingle)

Meet Amira, Amira on Valentine’s Day with her best friend, Amber. Amira is single but probably had more plans to celebrate Valentine’s than most couples. Their table was filled with flowers, teddy bears, and goodie bags that they exchanged, mind you, it wasn’t even officially Valentine’s yet… although Galentines would perhaps be the more appropriate term in this case.

What’s even more intriguing is that Amira had plans to do it all over again the next day… with even more friends. Amira then went on to tell us that no matter your relationship status, Valentine’s Day is about showing love to the people you hold closest to your heart and that all relationships can be romantic in one way or another.

When asked about her go-to karaoke song as a single lady on Valentine’s, she let us know that “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, is her go-to song for holding on during tough times. What an absolute belter.

Singing makes long-distance short

Jorelyn has been living in Dubai for almost seven years. As a dedicated karaoke-goer, karaoke is not just a pastime hobby for her, it’s her entire being. She’s not there to kill time, she’s there to cleanse and let go of some baggage.

“It’s a stress reliever,” she tells us. “If you have a problem, if you have stress in your life, your problem will be gone,” she shares.

With her husband back home, Jorelyn isn’t as stressed about what her husband is up to as a lot of other wives. Half thanks to karaoke, and the other half is the fact that she doesn’t really care “as long as he’s not cheating on me” she shares.

When asked what they’d do for Valentine’s had he been in Dubai, she said “We’d come to a place like this” she shrugged. Turns out karaoke builds bonds intercontinental commitment can’t break.

The ‘honeymoon phase’ can be forever?

Well into our advice-seeking quest at RT Restobar 2.0, we couldn’t help but notice a couple sat uncomfortably close to the DJ booth. Enjoying each other’s company, locking eyes as they sang along to “Incomplete” by Sisqó as their DJ friend belted it out. “That’s a solid couple right there” we chattered between us. What was their secret? Though, we had to find out.

“We’ve only been together for 5 months,” said Ysay. “We drove from Al Ain to be here tonight” Christian finished her sentence. That explained it. Driving for hours to be in a karaoke bar on a Thursday night is nothing but peak “Honeymoon phase” behavior.

But why can’t all couples stay like that? When asked for their secret Ysay said “If you love, everything else follows.” Simple yet effective words of advice. When asked what the extra spice in their relationship came from… Ysay said “We love to sing, we love to dance also, every day, even if it’s not Valentine’s,” Ysay says. Their go-to duet? “Mahal Kita” by Renz Verano, Tagalog for “I Love You Forever.”

Jorelyn was definitely right about something.

Even love is a marketing strategy

At the Makati Karaoke Lounge in Deira, love is a big payday for the venue. As part of Valentine’s celebrations, they have put together special offers for couples, heart-shaped effects on every screen, bright red balloons, and teddy bears hanging from the walls.

Mario Maliwat, the bar manager, a true romantic, sums it up like this: “Love, kiss, and happiness, that’s it.” Simple, but effective. He then proceeded to share the Valentine’s Day price list with us.

20% discount on all food items

Only 99 AED for a food and drink combo because love (and good deals) should be shared

Private karaoke pods for an exclusive night of “their 15 minutes of fame”

Thanks to Makati Karaoke Lounge and RT Restobar Le Paradise Palace Hotel for giving us the space to get personal with these couples.