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Heart-shaped pizzas, pink snacks: These women celebrate friendships with Galentine's Day in UAE
For some, hosting these gatherings are a way to step back from the everyday routine, and make memories with loved ones
- PUBLISHED: Tue 11 Feb 2025, 8:24 PM
On February 14 every year, the world turns its attention to Valentine's Day, traditionally dedicated to celebrating romantic love with roses, candlelit dinners, and heartfelt gestures.
However, in recent years, there's been a growing trend of honouring another type of love: the love and appreciation for friendships.
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The idea of Galentine's Day was made popular in 2010 by the television show Parks and Recreation. In an episode, the main character, Leslie Knope played by Amy Poehler, invites her female friends for brunch on February 13 to honour their friendships and shower them with gifts and affection. Since then, the concept has grown, turning February 13 into a celebration of female empowerment, friendship, and connection.
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Haneen Saad, a Syrian living in the UAE, is hosting her first Galentine's Day celebration. "I wanted to show appreciation for the amazing women who have supported me throughout my journey," she said. They have always been there for me, and I thought this would be a wonderful way to celebrate our friendship and love for one another."
This year, Haneen plans to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, with fun activities, good food, and moments to reflect on her friendships. "I'm excited to start new traditions — maybe a toast to our friendships, handwritten notes of appreciation, or a fun game where we share our favourite memories," she added.
For UAE citizen Alya Al Abdulla, hosting a Galentine's Day gathering was a way to step back from life's busy rhythm and celebrate the friendships that light up her days. "I wanted to celebrate the amazing friendships in my life and create a special day dedicated to appreciating the people who bring joy, laughter, and support," Alya shared. "Life gets busy, and this is a perfect excuse to slow down and make memories with my closest friends."
Alya also noted that people realise that love isn't just about romance; it's also about our deep connections with friends. Social media has played a role in spreading the idea of Galentine's Day, making it a more widely-recognised and cherished occasion.
Previously, Alya only hosted a casual dinner or a cosy night in. This year, she decided to make it even more memorable. "I will start by choosing a theme that reflects my desired vibe, like a pajama party or a fancy dinner.
Then, I am going to plan fun activities like games, a photo booth, or a 'gratitude circle' where we share what we love about each other." She added that food is a must, so she will provide a mix of pink snacks, red desserts, and glittery drinks.
For the second year in a row, Rawan, a Palestinian-Canadian living in the UAE has hosted Galentine's Day, blending her love for themed gatherings with celebrating friendships. "It keeps us close and gives us something to look forward to."
Drawing inspiration from TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, she adds her unique touches to make each Galentine gathering memorable. "Our gatherings include dressing in pajamas, doing our hair and makeup, getting our nails done, and making heart-shaped pizzas while decorating the pizza boxes," Rawan explained.
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.