If you think Dubai’s engineering marvels are limited to astonishingly high buildings, then, Dubai Canal will have you thinking again. A gentle, meandering, artificial waterway, that runs from the city’s glitzy Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf, Dubai Canal is flanked by the city’s historic and modern-day highlights. On a lingering, traditional boat ride, in Abra or a Dhow, you can take in views of Dubai’s premier landmarks, including, the Burj Khalifa, the Design District, and the old harbour. Here are the best Dubai Canal cruises you should consider.
What makes a Dubai Canal cruise special?
One of the latest additions to its impressive landscape, the Dubai Canal is a man-made waterway that runs from Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf. Stretching over 3.2 km, the Canal runs through old Dubai and then runs along the glamourous Business Bay that includes luxe hotels, looming skyscrapers, and entertainment zones.
The Canal is also a picture of tranquillity in ultra-modern, fast-paced Dubai. Lined with walkways and bicycle paths, the Canal is also topped with bridges where you can spend a quiet moment or two. A cruise along the waters of the Dubai Canal promises to be a serene experience that offers glimpses into multi-faceted Dubai. Best shared with a loved one or your favourite gang of friends, the Dubai Canal cruise is a unique way to experience the city – from its lit-up buildings to its manicured parks, waterfalls, restaurants and more.
How to pick the best Dubai Canal cruise?
Here are the various factors that you can weigh out to choose the Dubai Canal cruise that is best suited to you.
Budget
Traditional, sightseeing cruises in an Abra – a small, heritage wooden boat – are easier on the pocket than full-blown dinner cruises. Pick a cruise depending on whether you want value for money or a taste of the high life in Dubai.
Type
The Dubai Canal cruise lineup includes water escapades in traditional boats and dinner cruises on a dhow. While a quick trip in an Abar will give you a feel of the city along with a glimpse of Arabic culture, the dinner cruises are meant for couples or groups of friends looking for a memorable night in Dubai.
Time
If you are in Dubai for a short while, the whirlwind, one-hour sightseeing cruise in an Abar is a safe bet. But if time is your friend, then, the longer dhow cruises that unfold over a couple of hours are better suited to you.
Occasion
Looking to add a slice of panache to your Dubai sightseeing itinerary? Then, hop on board an Abra for a serene journey down the waters of the Dubai Canal and zoom in on the futuristic city’s architecture, the quiet beauty of its pathways, its modern bridges, its luxury hotels, and the bustle of its entertainment and dining district. However, if you are in Dubai to spend quality time with your loved ones, then, a lingering dinner, on a dhow, with the lit-up city looking down on you is the perfect way to collect precious memories.
Dubai Canal Abra cruise
Go back in time and soak in a splash of nostalgia with a sightseeing tour in a traditional Abra. Crafted out of wood, the shallow abra is covered with a wooden canopy and gently travels through the waters of the Canal. On your way, you’ll look out to see iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalif, spot the sky-high buildings that dot the Business Bay area, discover the charm of the old boat yard, and get a glimpse of the modern design district. If you want to ramp up the local culture experience, we recommend you upgrade your ticket to include a traditional tea service.
🎟️ Tickets: Click here!
Dubai Canal dhow cruise
Set sail on the moonlit waters of the Dubai Canal to gaze at Dubai by night while tucking into a lavish buffet. Lasting two hours, this luxury cruise will see you step onboard a glass-encased, traditional dhow that’s fitted with the best of amenities. As the dhow launches into the waters of the canal, you’ll sip on warm, Arabic coffee before turning your attention to the city’s most-recognised sights including the Burj Khalifa, Waterfall Bridge, and the Design District. However, the show stealer is undoubtedly the IMAGINE water show, featuring dancing fountains, at the Festival City Mall. Alongside the visual treats, you can also savour culinary offerings from the buffet table featuring a dazzling array of appetizers, salads, grilled meats, and desserts.
🎟️ Tickets: Click here!
Luxury Dubai Canal Cruise with La Perle Silver Pass
Sign up for a memorable night of cruising and entertainment with a dhow cruise dinner followed by a world-renowned acrobatics show. Step aboard a modernised dhow to chart your course down the Dubai Canal. As you settle in, you are serenaded by a saxophone performance before being charmed by the sights and sounds of nighttime Dubai. As you gaze at passing landmarks, you can feast on a well-curated buffet that includes gastronomic creations from around the globe. When you’ve savoured your dhow experience, the boat docks and you head off to catch a very special La Perle show that blows your mind with its choreography, stunts, motorcycle feats and visual effects.
🎟️ Tickets: Click here!
Know before you go on a Dubai Canal Cruise
- The dhow cruises offer better wheelchair and pram accessibility than the Abra cruise. Choose a dhow cruise if you want a disability or baby-friendly experience.
- Seats on the cruises are limited. So, make sure you get your tickets in advance.
- While there is no strict dress code, we recommend smart casual especially if you are catching a performance or a show after the cruise.
- Make sure you get to the boarding point on time or may be left behind.
