dhow cruise dubai reviews

Dubai Dhow Cruise – All You Need to Know About Doing a Dhow Cruise in Dubai

Posted on Last updated: May 15, 2023

Planning a Dubai dhow cruise, but aren’t sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

In this guide I have outlined everything you need to do about doing a dhow dinner cruise in Dubai. Including what exactly is a dhow cruise, where you can do it, average prices, the best dhow cruises in Dubai and more.

Dhow dinner cruises are a modern spin on a traditional Dubai experience, one which I think can greatly enrich anyone’s trip to Dubai. It’s without a doubt a very touristy activity, but there’s a reason for its popularity.

Cruising in a traditional wooden dhow boat, while enjoying a delicious meal and admiring the view over the Dubai skyline, is an experience that will stick with you forever.

So without further ado, let’s read on and start planning the perfect Dubai dhow dinner cruise!  

• 1 What is a dhow cruise?
• 2 Where can you do a dhow cruise?
• 3 Dubai dhow cruise prices
• 4 The best dhow cruises in Dubai
• 5 Should you do a dhow cruise in Dubai?
• 6 Where to stay for your Dubai dhow cruise

A traditional dhow boat with the skyline of Dubai Marina at night behind it

What is a dhow cruise?

Dubai may not be the place you associate with the word “tradition”, but here you can find a big part of the Emirates’ maritime heritage: dhows.

A dhow is a wooden sailing vessel that has been used in the region for centuries. It’s so old that its exact origins are unknown.

Today they’re mostly used as part of tourist tours and dinners, and so a dhow cruise in Dubai is really the only way you can see them up close and working.

That said, the boats used for tourists are much more polished than the more work-a-day counterparts: think illuminations, plush interiors and delicious food.

Check out the most popular Dubai dhow cruises below!

A traditional wooden dhow boat in Dubai Marina

Where can you do a dhow cruise?

Though Dubai’s coast is all natural, other artificial water bodies do exist that wind their way into the city proper. The main one is Dubai Marina, but there’s also Dubai Creek and Dubai Water Canal.

They do dhow cruises in all of these Dubai water bodies, but you should check out the area before you book anything, since they all offer different views and experiences.

For me, the dhow cruise in Dubai Marina is the best.

With the iconic skyline of Dubai Marina and JBR, this one has the best views, plus you’re going to be in a better location if you want to do something either before or after your cruise.  

If you want to explore Dubai Creek, a better experience would be to catch an abra; a water taxi. It’s only in Dubai Creek that the more traditional (but motorised) varieties operate, and they’re super cheap – just 1 AED (€0.25).

A dhow boat cruising past Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai

Dubai dhow cruise prices

Generally speaking, a cruise with dinner in Dubai will cost anywhere between €40 and €65.

Cheaper dhow cruises, as well as more lavish, expensive options, do exist; it’s best to shop around to find something that’s going to suit your budget and what you actually want out of the cruise.

The price will basically depend on whether or not a transfer from your accommodation is included, where in Dubai the cruise happens, the entertainment on board, and what the menu is like for dinner, amongst other things.

Wooden dhow boats cruising in Dubai Marina

The best dhow cruises in Dubai

There are a bunch of different cruises you could opt for in Dubai, from the marina to the creek and the canal.

You may think they’re similar, but all the boats are slightly different and have different perks. Here are some of the best.

Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina

Hands down the best area to do a dhow cruise in Dubai is the Marina (in my opinion, anyway). This is the coolest cruise , thanks to the iconic Dubai skyline views you can see here.

Besides the incredible views, the dinner is also awesome: it’s prepared by a chef from a four-star hotel. There’s also entertainment in the form of dancing, and it’s also reasonably priced (around €60).

Click here to book your dhow dinner cruise in Dubai Marina!

Or check out prices & availability below!

The top deck of our Dubai dhow cruise, where you will enjoy your dinner

Dubai Marina Cruise with Buffet Dinner

Another option for a Dubai Marina dhow cruise is this one . It also offers up a delicious buffet dinner, as well as the first-rate views of Dubai’s skyline from the upper deck.

Or you could just kick back in luxury in the lower decks. An added bonus on this tour is being able to upgrade to include a hotel transfer.

Check out prices and availability for a Dubai Marina dhow cruise with buffet dinner on Viator!

The dinner buffet of our Dubai Marina dhow cruise

The skyline of Dubai Marina as seem from the sea during our dhow cruise

Dubai Luxury Dinner Cruise with Optional Transfers

Another location this time: Dubai Water Canal.

The benefit of opting for this tour is that the views of Burj Khalifa are amazing, plus you’ll be passing under Dubai Waterfall Bridge, which is pretty much an event in itself.

The sides of the dhow here are see-through, meaning you get unobstructed views throughout your two hours of cruising time.

Being a luxury cruise, you’ll want to include some of your fanciest outfits in your Dubai packing list !

Click here to book your luxury dinner cruise in Dubai!

Enjoying the view over Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai from the top deck of our dhow cruise

Dubai: Dhow Dinner Cruise along Dubai Creek

If you feel like a cruise along the older Dubai Creek, and on a more traditional looking dhow to boot, then you might want to take a look at this tour .

You’ll cruise along the creek and relax as you soak up the stunning skyline in the distance (rather than up close as in Dubai Marina dhow tours). The ambience is enhanced by the entertainment and dinner, of course.

Click here to book your dhow dinner cruise at Dubai Creek!

Or check out prices & availabilities below!

Cruising past the skyline of Dubai Marina at night

Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai

This highly reviewed Dubai dhow cruise is another that’ll whisk you around Dubai Marina for epic close-up skyscraper views of the city.

There’s some amazing dancers on this dhow, with professional staff who make sure everything runs smoothly.  

Book your Alexandra dhow cruise in Dubai here!

The top deck of our Dubai dhow cruise, where the buffet dinner is served

Royal Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise

If you feel like splashing out and you’re in the mood for some luxury, then you can opt for this Dubai Marina cruise .

It’s a bit more of a five-star option, and as such will start with a red carpet welcome as you board (fancy!). From here you can indulge in food from five-star kitchens and an array of drinks.

If you’re here with your partner and you’re looking for something romantic to do, this tour could definitely make for a memorable experience.

Treat yourself and book this Royal Marina dhow dinner cruise in Dubai!

Dubai Marina at night

Should you do a dhow cruise in Dubai?

Definitely! You should really take some time to book one of these cruises while you’re in Dubai. For one thing, though they’re not for shoestring budgets, the tours are generally not going to break the bank.  

You may be thinking this is a touristy experience, which it is, but it’s also good fun if you’re travelling as a group of friends or family, or as a couple and want to do something romantic.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a tourist experience every now and again! Even if you’re only in Dubai for a long layover , it’s an experience you can easily plan and do in a short timeframe.

Seeing the skyline of Dubai lit up for the night, while cruising along Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek or Dubai Canal and enjoying a delicious meal, is a touristy, but also unforgettable experience.

It will also give you the opportunity to snap some magical Dubai Instagram shots , with the glittering skyline of Dubai behind you.

Overall, this is a pretty unique experience, and let’s be honest: seeing the view of the Dubai skyline at night is always magical. I found it even more incredible than the skyline of Abu Dhabi .

Doing this on a traditional dhow, with food and entertainment as the cherry on top, just makes it even cooler.

Iconic views of Dubai Marina

Where to stay for your Dubai dhow cruise

Personally, I always suggest staying in Dubai Marina, as it’s one of the best areas to stay in Dubai , regardless of your travel style and budget. That way you’ll also be in the area already for your dhow dinner cruise!

However, since most dhow tours in Dubai will include pick-up and drop-off, you could stay in any area of Dubai. Here are some suggestions for every budget.

Budget: Ramada Downtown Dubai   – Overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, this is a polished, modern property made up of studio rooms, suites and a penthouse.  

Click here to book your stay at Ramada Downtown Dubai!

Mid-range:  25hours Hotel One Central – I spent one night here and loved it. This hotel has an epic rooftop pool with a view of the Museum of the Future, and the interior design is truly unique.

Click here to book your stay at 25hours Hotel One Central!

Luxury: Address Downtown Dubai – Among other things, this luxury hotel features an incredible infinity pool with an equally incredible view of Burj Khalifa: the world’s tallest building. The location in Downtown Dubai is prime for exploring top sights, and the spacious rooms offer a luxurious experience.

Click here to book your stay at Address Downtown Dubai!

The pool and view at 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai

Final thoughts on the best dhow cruises in Dubai

There you have it, the ultimate guide on the best dhow cruises in Dubai! Have you been on a dhow cruise in Dubai before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

While it’s true that dhow dinner cruises are very touristy experiences, there’s a reason they’re so popular.

Admiring the Dubai skyline at night, while cruising along and enjoying a delicious meal, is going to be the highlight of any Dubai itinerary .

It’s also a fun way to experience a more traditional side of Dubai, which you don’t normally see amongst the skyscrapers and malls of the metropolis.

Alongside doing a desert safari (and activities like dune bashing and sandboarding while there), it was one of my favourite things to do in Dubai.  

In this article I tried to outline everything you need to know to plan the perfect Dubai dhow cruise, as well as reviewing some of the most popular dhow cruise tours that you can book online.

I hope you will find it useful in planning your own Dubai dhow dinner cruise!

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How to Pick the Best Dhow Cruise in Dubai

Things to do in Dubai Cruises in Dubai Dhow Cruise Dhow Cruise In Dubai

The gleaming sand dunes and high-rises that now mark the grandeur of Dubai make its origin as a small fishing village a little hard to believe. For centuries, the warm and shallow waters of the Dubai Creek supported the local pearl and fishing industries. An integral part of this ancient Arab world was the dhow. Dhows are traditional wooden boats that were masterfully designed and built by the local fishing communities and used for navigating the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Today, these dhows have evolved from being small sailing boats to fine examples of luxury cruises. To visit the city and not go for a dhow cruise in Dubai is almost blasphemy. In this guide, we will look at how to go about selecting a dhow cruise, compare the various options we have and finally help you find a Dubai dhow cruise that suits you best.

Dhow Cruise in Dubai - Guide Navigation

• Where can I go for a dhow cruise in Dubai?

What do the Dubai Creek and Marina cruises look like?

• Headout’s Top Cruise Recommendations
• How do I choose a cruise between Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina?
• What is the best time to go for a dhow cruise in Dubai?
• What are the different dinner and entertainment options on these dhow cruises?
• How much will a Dubai Dhow Cruise experience cost?

Where can I go for a Dhow Cruise in Dubai?

Dhow cruises in Dubai are held primarily in the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina . Sailing along the Dubai Creek will take you back in time as you pass the ancient Souks and witness pearl diving while a trip down Dubai Marina will leave you wide-eyed as you pass through sites like the famous Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab in the Venetian style canal district. The wooden dhow cruises sailing through the two routes offer distinct experiences.

• Dubai Creek
• Dubai Marina

If you are onboard a cruise in Dubai Creek , be ready to get engulfed in the history of the desert city. On either side of the creek, its oldest districts Deira and Bur Dubai stretch out in all their glory. During the hours you spend cruising here, you will witness the timeless hubbub of the gold and spice souks, pass by the heritage village, Rolex Twin Towers, Sheikh Saeed’s house, and National Bank of Dubai among other attractions.

In stark contrast to dhow cruises in the Dubai Creek, reserving a seat on one of the Dubai Marina dhow cruises is a chance for you to get bedazzled by the glittering modernity of new Dubai a.k.a. Dubai Marina. The entire canal is lined by some of the most modern highrises in the city. The architectural wonders like Burj Al Arab, Hotel Atlantis, and Palm Jumeirah that dot this part of the Gulf shoreline are a testament to Dubai's shimmering modernity.

Related Read: Discover the Best Dubai Dhow Cruise Tickets – Creek & Canal Cruises, Sightseeing & Dinner Experiences.

Top Dubai Dhow Cruise Recommendations

Dubai creek dhow cruises.

Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise

Looking for discounts on Dhow Cruises in Dubai? Here is how you can save some extra money.

Use code GODUBAI and get AED 20 off on you first booking with Headout

How do I choose between a Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina Cruise?

Though a dhow cruise in either the Creek or Dubai Marina would be a wonderfully unique Emirati experience, they have their own differences and visitors to Dubai often find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to choosing a cruise between the 2 locations. Let us take a look at what differentiates these cruises.

Sights Covered

Although cruising the Dubai Creek and visiting the older part of town has its own charm, the sights can be limited. While the Deira side of the creek has a few landmark buildings such as the Sheraton or the Dubai Municipality building, the Bur Dubai side of the creek is dominated by a promenade before opening up to the old Bastakiya Quarter, traditional souks and the Heritage Village further up the creek.

On the other hand, Dubai Marina is a fairly modern construction and the skyscrapers surrounding it have a large variety of architectural elements within them. The Marina is also flanked by a promenade on both banks with people going on walks or sitting down in outdoor cafes & restaurants. Passing under bridges as they carry cars and trams across the Marina is also a unique experience.

A cruise down Dubai Marina matches the image you've come to expect of Dubai more than the Dubai Creek does. Though there are prominent buildings on the banks of the creek, these are neither new or old and some visitors may find them underwhelming. Whereas in the Dubai Marina, you will be surrounded by buildings defined by the most modern skyscraper architecture principles. The environment in Dubai Marina is also relaxed and one of leisure while the Dubai Creek has a routine feel, with a heavy commercial traffic.

With regards to the boats, the wooden structure of the dhows can now be found equipped with facilities like 360-degree glass walls, dining spaces, entertainment and recreation units. These ships that were once used as the primary mode of transportation and trade, have now become an anchor between the past and present.

Being fairly modern; the quality of the overall cruise - vessel standard, sightseeing, dinner and entertainment - in Dubai Marina is observably better than a cruise in Dubai Creek. Though the creek has many high quality dhow operators, the sheer large number of operators in the region ensures that a fair number of cruises are "okay" in standard. On the other hand, the competition for operators in Dubai Marina is strict, ensuring a higher quality in the process.

What is the Best Time to go for a Dhow Cruise in Dubai?

Dhow cruises sail throughout the day, and offer either sightseeing or luxury dining opportunities. Depending upon what you would like to experience, you can opt for day-time cruises which are geared for sightseeing or go for cruises later in the evening that are popular for dinner and onboard entertainment.

To be on a cruise during sunset or after the city is blanketed under a moonlit night sky can be a magical experience. Dubai Dhow Cruises gliding along the beautiful setting of Dubai Creek or the Marina offer a different experience at different times of the day. If you are looking to see the intricacy of the architectural marvels, an early morning or an afternoon cruise may be a good idea for you. But avoid being on an open deck during the sunny hours of the day.

What are the Dinner and Entertainment Options on these Dhow Cruises?

Dinner cruises on the Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina are famous for providing one of the most unique culinary experiences in Dubai. Mixing a dining experience with a unique sailing and sightseeing cruise makes dinner cruises in Dubai extremely popular.

DINNER : Most dinners on dhow cruises provide a lavish 3-course buffet meal prepared with 5-star standards . Even before the buffet starts, when you arrive at the dock, you are usually welcomed with dates and coffee. The dinner cruise cuisine is as varied as it comes - Indian, Italian, Continental, Mediterranean, fruits, seafood and the likes. There are enough options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

ENTERTAINMENT : When it comes to entertainment, many dhow cruises feature dance and singing events. As you're seated on your table and enjoy the sights of modern Dubai going past you, local artists will perform a range of local artforms for your entertainment. These dances include belly dancing, tanoura dancing, puppet shows and even magic shows; making the entire cruise experience pretty wholesome.

Dinner Cruises in Dubai

Yacht Cruises in Dubai

How Much will a Dubai Dhow Cruise Experience Cost you?

Dhow cruises in Dubai are available in a wide price range and you can find a dhow cruise anywhere between 40 AED to 450 AED. While the cruises on the lower end offer all the basics that make up the quintessential dhow cruise experience, the more expensive cruises offer much more luxury and even services such as hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Starts from AED60

Dubai Marina Dhow Cruises

Starts from AED120

That brings our guide to selecting the best dhow cruise in Dubai to a close. Without a doubt, a dhow cruise experience when in Dubai is a must - bridging history with Dubai's modern luxury is what these traditional ships now do. If you're looking to purchase tickets for a dhow cruise in Dubai, then check out these dhow cruises on Headout and tick an item off your Dubai bucket list.

Vishakha Gupta

An explorer at heart, Vishakha has travelled to and lived in some of the most offbeat places out there. A freelance writer and documentary filmmaker by profession, her words and camera go everywhere with her. There is not one day that goes by when she doesn’t add on to her knowledge of destinations as different as Dubai and Kyoto!

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