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

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! 

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!

 

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).

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.

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!

 

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!

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!

Or check out prices & availability below!

 

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!

 

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!

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!

 

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.

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!

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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