Muscat – Love is in the air. Now that Valentine’s Day is here, the young and old and the married and unmarried struck by Cupid’s arrow are devising conventional or creative ways to profess love.

Malls, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques are decked out in bright lights, heart shaped objects of all kinds and flowers in every shade of red. Customers of all nationalities can be seen shopping for gifts to give their loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

Maisa Abdel Hamid, assistant marketing manager at Aster Hospital and her beau plan to celebrate the day by being together after work. “Love is where you find a shoulder to lean on, when you always know that you are safe. When we first met a few months ago, I never thought that we will be together. It was fate for sure.” Maisa, however, noted that Valentine’s Day is observed only once a year, but everyday is a celebration of love for the two.

To make the day special, Maisa plans to go for a long drive followed by a surprise dinner with her Valentine.

The best gift on Valentine’s Day has always been flowers and Stella Timothy, manager of Flora D’lite, knows what customers expect. “Flora D’lite has 150-plus products, including flowers, especially for this Valentine’s Day.”

She informed that blue lilies, sunflowers, red roses, tulips and Colombian roses are the most sought after.

Most hotels in Muscat are prepared with special packages and offerings. Lobbies and reception desks are done up in red in anticipation of love- struck couples.

Luca Medda, GM of Grand Millennium, is excited about the hotel’s offerings. “This Valentine, rekindle the romance with your precious one. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and plan a rendezvous in a haven of privacy.”

The hotel’s ‘Romantic Getaway’ package offers a choice of accommodation, including a spacious Classic Room, Executive Suite or luxurious apartments. “To ensure an even more delightful experience, this package includes breakfast and dinner for two at Taybat Restaurant. A ten per cent discount on our Zanta Spa romantic package is also available on couples’ treatments.”

Photo shoots, long drives, creating couple videos and picnics feature in the plans of many couples in the city. Though a working day, it’s not an excuse to not celebrate love for most.

Aakash Kumar, who is in a long-distant relationship, said, “No roses or long drives for us. My partner is in India and that’s unfortunate. But we still plan to be together – online – in the evening and have dinner together.”

Kumar has created videos to share with his Valentine as gifts. In exchange, he has already received a set of JBL wireless earbuds that was delivered via Amazon.