Dhow cruise dinner — Dubai Marina
A traditional wooden dhow boat, modernised with a glass-enclosed upper deck and an air-conditioned lower deck, sails Dubai Marina for two hours with an international buffet and live entertainment.
A dhow dinner cruise around Dubai Marina is the city's most popular evening tour after the desert safari, and it's a different experience entirely. You board a traditional wooden dhow — modernised with glass enclosures and air conditioning — and sail a circular two-hour route through the Marina, past the JBR walk, around Bluewaters and Ain Dubai, then back.
What's included
International buffet — typically grilled meats, biryani, pasta, salads, hummus, fresh bread, dessert. Vegetarian options available on request.
Welcome drink (mocktail) on boarding; soft drinks, tea and Arabic coffee throughout.
Live tanoura performance on the upper deck.
An onboard photographer (photos are sold separately at the end).
Where to sit
The upper deck is open-air with glass barriers and the best views of the Marina skyline — book this if you can. The lower deck is fully air-conditioned and the better choice in July-August when even the breeze is hot. Most operators let you move between decks during the cruise.
Marina vs Creek dhow cruises
If you have a choice, Marina is the more visually striking route — it sails past the Cayan Tower (the twisted skyscraper), the Princess Tower and Ain Dubai. The Dubai Creek dhow cruise is older-style and runs through the historic side of the city; it's worth doing once but the views are less dramatic at night.
Booking tips
The boarding point is at the Marina Promenade near the Westin. Pick-up from Dubai hotels is typically included in the AED 129-180 range; transfers from Abu Dhabi are extra. Friday and Saturday slots fill up — book at least 48 hours ahead in peak season (October-April).
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