Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina

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Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina

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Overview

Spend an evening on a traditional wooden dhow as it glides through Dubai Marina, with the illuminated towers reflected in the water all around you. This 2-hour dhow cruise dinner includes a red-carpet welcome, an international buffet and live entertainment on board. It is a relaxed, sociable way to see one of Dubai's most impressive skylines by night, well suited to couples, families and groups of friends. The cruise departs from Dubai Marina; hotel transfers are not included.

Highlights

  • 2-hour evening cruise on a traditional wooden dhow
  • International buffet dinner included
  • Views of the illuminated Dubai Marina towers and waterfront
  • Live entertainment on board
  • Red-carpet welcome at boarding
  • Departs from Dubai Marina, easy to reach by metro or tram

Full Description

The Dhow, a Symbol of the Gulf

For centuries, wooden dhows carried pearls, dates, spices and textiles across the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, linking Dubai with India, Iran and East Africa. Their long curved hulls and lateen sails became a symbol of the region's seafaring past, and dhows are still built by hand in a few yards along the Emirati coast.

Today many dhows have been converted into restaurant boats with carved wooden decks and soft lighting. A dhow dinner cruise lets you enjoy that heritage in comfort, with seating on the deck and inside, and it remains one of the most popular evening activities in Dubai for visitors of all ages.

Dubai Marina by Night

Dubai Marina is at its most spectacular after dark, when the glass towers light up in changing colours and the promenade fills with people. From the dhow you see landmarks such as the twisting Cayan Tower and the tall residential skyscrapers that line both sides of the canal.

The slow pace of the boat gives you plenty of time for photos, and the calm water of the Marina makes the ride smooth even for young children. Many visitors ask whether the Dubai Marina dhow cruise is better than the Creek cruise: the Marina offers the modern skyline, while the Creek shows the old city, so choose based on the view you prefer.

Dinner and Entertainment on Board

Dinner is served as an international buffet, with a selection of Arabic, Asian and Western dishes, salads and desserts, so there is something for every taste. You are welcomed with a red-carpet entrance, and the crew guides you to your table as the dhow leaves the berth.

During the cruise, live entertainment adds to the atmosphere as the lights of the Marina pass by. Book an early evening departure if you want to catch the last of the daylight over the towers, or a later one for the full night-time effect. Arrive a little early to get a good seat on the open deck.

Itinerary

  1. Arrival at Dubai MarinaArrive at the berth shown on your voucher 30 minutes before departure for check-in.
  2. Red-carpet boardingBoard the dhow and take your seat as the crew welcomes you.
  3. Cruise through the MarinaSail slowly past the lit towers and waterfront for about two hours.
  4. Buffet dinner and entertainmentEnjoy the international buffet while live entertainment runs on board.
  5. Return to the berthDisembark at the same berth at the end of the cruise.

What's included

  • 2-hour cruise on a traditional dhow
  • International buffet dinner
  • Red-carpet welcome
  • Live entertainment on board
  • Views of the Dubai Marina skyline at night

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

  • Families with children — a child price for ages 3–11
  • Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
  • Food lovers
  • Anyone who wants to see it from the water

Think twice if

  • You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
  • You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

  • Travellers looking for hotel pickup (transfers are not included)

Meeting point

The cruise departs from a berth in Dubai Marina; the exact location and check-in time are on your voucher. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; Dubai Marina is easy to reach by metro, tram or taxi.

Important information

  • Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included
  • Smart casual dress is recommended
  • Bring a light jacket in winter for the open deck
  • Tell us about dietary needs in advance; buffet choices are fixed on the day
  • Bring a valid ID or passport

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Dubai Marina dhow cruise dinner cost?

The price depends on the date and the traveller type. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for your chosen date.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You meet the dhow at Dubai Marina, at the berth shown on your voucher.

How long is the dhow cruise?

About two hours, plus check-in 30 minutes before departure.

Is dinner included?

Yes. An international buffet dinner is included.

Is the dhow cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The Marina's calm water makes it a comfortable evening for families.

What should I wear?

Smart casual clothing. In winter, bring a light jacket for the upper deck.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Usually yes, if the booking panel shows availability. Weekend evenings fill quickly.

Is there vegetarian food?

The international buffet normally includes vegetarian dishes and salads. Let us know special dietary needs when booking.

Which is better, the Marina or the Creek dhow cruise?

The Marina cruise shows the modern skyline and glittering towers; the Creek cruise shows the old city and souks. For a first night in Dubai, many visitors prefer the Marina.

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