Dhow cruises in Dubai offer a unique blend of traditional Arabian culture and modern luxury. Whether you choose a Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise or a Creek Dhow Cruise, enjoy a memorable evening cruise Dubai with stunning views, delicious food, and entertainment. Book easily with Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise booking and explore the best Marina Dhow cruise deals or the cheapest dhow cruise in Dubai Marina, with options to suit every budget and Dubai dhow cruise cost.
Dhow
Dubai
2 hours
Dubai Dhow Cruise Buffet Dinner at Creek with show
Experience the Cruise on Dubai Creek on a Traditional Dhow Cruise A captivating journey through Dubai Creek with our Dhow Cruise experience, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. As the Dhow, a traditional Bedouin boat transformed into a luxurious...
Regular price
$14.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$14.00 USD
Unit price
per
Dhow
Dubai
2 hours
Dubai Dhow Cruise Marina Dinner Show
Dubai Dhow Cruise Marina Dinner Show The Traditional Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina offers a 90-minute voyage along the stunning waters, passing the iconic illuminated skyline of Dubai Marina. Enjoy a buffet dinner with a variety of international and Arabian dishes, catered to all tastes, while being entertained by a...
Regular price
$40.00 USD
Regular price
$55.00 USD
Sale price
$40.00 USD
Unit price
per
Yacht
Dubai
1 hour
Morning Yacht Tour Dubai
Morning Xclusive Shared Yacht Tour Looking for an affordable cruise experience in Dubai Marina? The Dubai Marina Tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour, and JBR aboard a budget-friendly boat cruise. Marvel at Ain Dubai, the world's largest Ferris wheel, from the sea while enjoying the...
Regular price
$23.00 USD
Regular price
$25.00 USD
Sale price
$23.00 USD
Unit price
per
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Local secrets to save you time and money.
1
Creek Route for Culture, Marina Route for Skyline
If it's your first time in Dubai, choose the Creek dhow cruise — the heritage architecture, souks, and wind towers are unique and you won't see them any other way. If you've already explored Old Dubai, the Marina route delivers jaw-dropping modern skyline views. Both routes cost roughly the same.
Compare Both Routes
2
Book the Upper Deck for Photos
When booking, request upper-deck seating. The open-air upper deck provides unobstructed panoramic views for photography and is also where the Tanoura dance performance takes place. In summer from May to September, the air-conditioned lower deck is more comfortable.
3
Arrive 30 Minutes Early in Peak Season
November through March is peak tourist season and dhow cruises sell out. Boarding is first-come-first-served for seat selection on shared cruises. Arriving 30 minutes early secures the best window seats and upper-deck positions with clear skyline sightlines.
4
Combine with a Gold Souk Visit
Creek dhow cruises board near the Al Fahidi Heritage District and the Gold/Spice Souks. Arrive 2 hours early, take an abra water taxi for AED 1 across the Creek, explore the souks, then walk back to the boarding point. It makes the perfect full-evening Old Dubai itinerary.
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5
Private Dhow Is Perfect for Proposals
If you're planning a proposal or anniversary dinner, a private Creek dhow with custom decorations including rose petals, candles, and a photographer starts at AED 3,000 for 20-person capacity, even if it's just two of you. Several operators offer dedicated proposal packages with cake and champagne.
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About Dubai Dhow Cruise
A dhow cruise is Dubai's most atmospheric evening experience. A traditional wooden Arabian sailing vessel, beautifully restored and lit with lanterns, glides through Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina while you enjoy a lavish buffet dinner, live entertainment, and panoramic views of the glittering skyline.
Two routes dominate: Dubai Creek dhow cruises pass the historic spice and gold souks of Deira and the wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi, while Dubai Marina dhow cruises float beneath 200-metre skyscrapers and the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Over 1 million guests board dhow dinner cruises in Dubai every year.
Two routes dominate: Dubai Creek dhow cruises pass the historic spice and gold souks of Deira and the wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi, while Dubai Marina dhow cruises float beneath 200-metre skyscrapers and the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Over 1 million guests board dhow dinner cruises in Dubai every year.
Target Audience (Best for)
Address
Dubai Creek Wharf / Dubai Marina Promenade, Dubai, UAE
Also Known As
Dubai Dinner Cruise
Annual Visitors
1,000,000+
Expected Wait Time
15–20 Minutes (Peak Season Boarding)
(Peak)
5–10 Minutes (Off-Peak)
(Off Peak)
Interesting Facts (Fun Facts)
Discover hidden secrets and stories.
Dhows have sailed the Arabian Gulf for over 2,000 years, originally built without nails. Planks were stitched together with coconut coir rope. Today's cruise dhows are modern steel-hulled vessels styled to replicate that historic design.
Book Creek Dhow Cruise
Dubai Creek is the birthplace of Dubai itself. Pearl divers, merchants, and fishermen settled along its banks in the early 1800s. A dhow cruise is the only way to see this living history from the water at night.
Marina dhow cruises pass beneath Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel at 250 metres tall, nearly double the size of the London Eye. Seeing it illuminated from the water is a uniquely Dubai perspective.
Traditional dhow cruise buffets serve over 30 dishes blending Emirati, Arabic, Indian, and Continental cuisines, a reflection of Dubai's multicultural heritage. Expect everything from lamb ouzi and chicken biryani to hummus, grilled prawns, and Arabic sweets.
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Why visit Dubai Dhow Cruise?
Heritage Meets Modern Luxury on the Water
A dhow cruise is the only Dubai experience that blends 2,000 years of Arabian maritime tradition with a modern fine-dining evening. The wooden vessel design echoes the trading dhows that built Dubai, while the buffet, entertainment, and skyline views are thoroughly 21st century.
Book Dhow Cruise
Two Iconic Routes, Creek or Marina
Choose heritage or modernity. The Creek route passes gold souks, Al Fahidi's wind towers, and the old merchant quarter. The Marina route glides beneath 200-metre skyscrapers and the Ain Dubai wheel. Both are stunning. Many visitors do one of each.
Incredible Value, Dinner, Show and Cruise from AED 100
A shared Creek dhow cruise starts at AED 100 per person and includes a 2-hour cruise, over 30 dish international buffet dinner, soft drinks, live entertainment, and panoramic night views. It is arguably the best value dinner experience in Dubai, and certainly the most memorable.
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Highlights
Plan your visit
Al Seef Wharf, Creek Dhow Departure
Most Creek dhow cruises board from Al Seef waterfront promenade in Bur Dubai. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure for check-in and deck selection. The wharf is a 10-minute walk from Al Fahidi Metro station through the atmospheric Al Fahidi Heritage District. Street parking and paid lots available nearby.
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Marina Walk, Marina Dhow Departure
Marina dhow cruises depart from pontoons along Marina Walk promenade. The DMCC Metro station (Red Line) is a 5-minute walk; the Dubai Tram Marina Mall stop is even closer. Complimentary parking at Dubai Marina Mall with validation. Boarding begins 15 minutes before the 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM sailing.
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Monday
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Thursday
08:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Friday
08:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday
08:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM
International Buffet Dinner
A lavish buffet with over 30 dishes blending Emirati, Arabic, Indian, and Continental cuisines. Expect grilled meats, seafood, biryani, salads, mezze, fresh bread, and a dessert station with Arabic sweets, fruit, and pastries. Halal menu standard. Vegetarian and vegan options available on all vessels.
Air Conditioned Lower Deck
All dhows have an air-conditioned glass-enclosed lower deck for comfortable dining in summer months. The open-air upper deck is the preferred spot October to April for skyline photos and entertainment viewing. Both decks have full table service.
Onboard Restrooms
All cruise dhows have clean restroom facilities on the lower deck. Larger mega dhows on the Marina route have separate male and female restrooms with attendants during peak season.
Photography Friendly Upper Deck
The open-air upper deck on every dhow is designed for panoramic photography, unobstructed 360-degree views of the Creek heritage skyline or Marina skyscrapers. Some premium dhows provide professional photographer services and drone footage packages at additional cost.
Ground Level Boarding Available
Most Creek dhows use gangway ramps at dock level, making lower-deck access possible for guests with mild mobility limitations. Wheelchairs can access the lower dining deck on newer vessels. Upper deck access requires stairs. Contact operator in advance for specific accessibility needs.
No Alcohol on Standard Cruises
Standard shared dhow cruises serve soft drinks, juices, tea, and Arabic coffee only. No alcohol is included or available. Premium and VIP dhow cruises from licensed operators offer alcoholic beverage packages at additional cost. Check your booking confirmation for details.
Smart Casual Dress Code
Most dhow cruises recommend smart casual attire. Swimwear, beachwear, and overly casual clothing are not permitted on dinner cruises. VIP and private charters may have stricter dress requirements. Operators advise at the time of booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you go.
1
What is the difference between Marina and Creek dhow cruise?
2
How much does a dhow cruise dinner cost in Dubai?
3
What food is served on a Dubai dhow cruise?
4
What time does the dhow cruise depart and how long is it?
5
Is there live entertainment on a dhow cruise?
6
What is the dress code for a dhow cruise?
7
Can I book a private dhow cruise for a party?
8
Is a dhow cruise suitable for families with children?
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Should I do the dhow cruise during Ramadan?
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Do dhow cruises include hotel pickup?
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