Dubai is a land of wonders; record-breaking skyscrapers, pristine beaches, massive malls, and luxury cars define the city of dreams now. However, its root lies in the traditional Bedouin culture of the Arabian Peninsula, in particular the tribe that lived along the Dubai Creek. Many cultural manifestations from the time can still be found today, playing an important part in the day to day life of Dubai. And none are more important than the Dhow - 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. A popular attraction in Dubai today, Dubai Dhow Cruise tickets come in all variations to suit your preference.
Cruising the waters of Dubai Creek and the modern Dubai Marina, Dhow cruises are renowned for their one-of-a-kind sightseeing and dining experiences. Sailing by prominent landmarks as you engage your tastebuds and enjoy a wonderful dinner is an experience that you will truly remember.
In this guide, we will look at all Dubai Dhow Cruise tickets that are available. There are six different unique Dubai Dhow Cruise tickets to choose from - Creek Dhow Cruises, Marina Dhow Cruises, Dubai Canal Cruises, Yacht Cruises, Dubai Sightseeing Cruises, and Dinner Cruises.
Dubai Dhow Cruise Tickets - Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, Dinner Cruises & More
There are a plethora of choices when it comes to experiencing a Dhow Cruise in Dubai. From basic cruise experiences to tickets that include 2-4 hour sightseeing activities, hotel transfers, live entertainment, and dinner, these carefully curated Dubai Dhow Cruise tickets are guaranteed to make sure you get the experience you dreamt of.
It is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience and you have six different marvelous Dhow cruise variations to choose from. Each Dhow cruise ticket comes with its own set of unique experiences transcending above even the iconic Burj Khalifa experience.
Dubai Marina Dhow cruises will take you on a mesmerizing voyage through the Dubai Marina, one of the most developed and strikingly modern seafronts in the world. You will get to see some of Dubai’s architecture wonders surrounding the Marina as you sail down the artificial canal, with traditional Arabic music playing in the background. There are quite a few Dubai Marina experiences to choose from, including Dinner cruises, Yacht cruises and Sightseeing tours.
Dubai Creek Dhow cruise tickets give you access to an elaborate journey down Dubai Creek, the lifeline of Dubai that flows through Deira and Bur Dubai. You will cruise past many of Dubai’s breathtaking landmarks such as the National Bank of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed's House and Heritage Village, all while exploring Dubai from a completely new vantage point. The Dubai Creek Dhow cruises come in different variations, including dinner cruises and sightseeing tours.
With Dubai Yacht Cruises, you can explore the stunning waters alongside the JBR Beach on the Lotus Mega Yacht. Soak in the Dubai cityscape and admire the views of the Blue Water, the Palm Islands, Dubai Marina, and the Atlantis, while helping yourself to a delicious buffet dinner. You will also go on a culinary journey with local and international cuisines starting from pasta to grills.
Dubai Canal Cruise experiences come in two variations - Abra rides and Luxury Cruises. Abra rides are must-do for anyone from outside the Arabian Peninsula. You’ll cruise along the Dubai Water Canal on an Abra, traditional Arabic boats that are made of wood, taking in iconic vistas of Dubai landmarks such as Festival City Mall, Ras Al Khor Sanctuary, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa and more. On the luxury cruise, you will jump aboard a luxury dhow and cruise down the Dubai Water Canal through the ‘City of Lights’ in Dubai as you enjoy a delicious international buffet dinner.
Dubai Sightseeing Cruises are available through the Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina and Dubai Canal. You will be able to view luxury yachts, abras (water taxis), modern architecture like the National Bank of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed’s House, the Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Village on this cruise through Dubai’s past and present. Most cruises also feature pre-recorded commentary in English, providing interesting information on Dubai and its iconic landmarks. This unique Dubai vantage point offered by cruises is something that you don't want to miss.
Dubai Dinner Cruises are the most exquisite experiences on our list. You can choose to cruise the Dubai Marina, Canal or Creek and view the exclusive Dubai Marina residences, multiple five-star hotels with their amazing architecture, The Dubai Marina Yacht Club Promenade, Dubai Marina Mall and even the Palm Jumeirah. The two-hour cruise and dinner consists of a three-course continental buffet and a lively two piece entertainment program consisting of a female vocalist and a male tanura dance show is also included (depends on your package).
Dubai Dhow Cruise Ticket Options
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise Tickets
Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Tickets
Dubai Canal Dhow Cruise Tickets
Dubai Dhow Cruises - A Quintessential Dubai Experience
What is a Dhow?
Apart from being one of the most sought-after experiences in Dubai, Dhow boats have a rich heritage associated with it. An integral part of Dubai’s lifeline through history, Dhow, wooden boats that were built by the fishing communities by stitching together planks of wood with coconut and palm leaves was used for diving and trading purposes. In their modern reinvention, Dhow cruises have become a hotspot among tourists visiting Dubai as it promises an experience soaked in the traditional practices and modern luxury that the land of superlatives has come to be known for.
Why Go For A Dubai Dhow Cruise?
Travelling through Dubai is a truly life-changing experience as you enjoy the prowess of the supercity in the middle of a sprawling desert. Exploring Dubai and what it has to offer is a pretty straightforward experience - from bus tours to helicopter guided tours, the city has something for everyone. Cruises are popular amongst tourists. The two highly sought after Dhow cruises - Creek and Marina, have their own set of absolutely spell-binding vistas of the Arab city.
Dubai Creek:Dubai Creek has been central to the region’s development as it was once the primary source of livelihood for the local communities. The bustling old city areas of Deira and Bur Dubai that spread out on either side of the creek are peppered with ancient monuments and market areas like the Heritage Village, Gold and Spice Souks, Sheikh Saeed’s House, the Grand Mosque, and Old Boat Fort.
Dubai Marina:
Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city along the Persian Gulf shore, which also doubles up as the world's largest man-made marina. With skyscrapers like the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Mall on its banks, the canal district has the world’s tallest building and the largest mall that are part of the world’s ‘tallest block’. The Marina area also comprises wonderfully architected skyscrapers, including the Dubai Marina Yacht club, Dubai Marina Mall, and a large number of five-star hotels.
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Your Dubai Dhow Cruise Experience - Marina Cruises, Sightseeing Tours & More
Dubai Creek has been central to the region’s development as it was once the primary source of livelihood for the local communities.
The bustling old city areas of Deira and Bur Dubai that spread out on either side of the creek are peppered with ancient monuments and market areas like the Heritage Village, Gold and Spice Souks, Sheikh Saeed’s House, the Grand Mosque, and Old Boat Fort.
The various Dhow cruise experiences at Dubai Creek offer a panoramic view of all of these iconic sites, and more. All in all, a Dhow Cruise in Dubai Creek is a distinct experience and is a must-do activity if you are planning a trip to Dubai.
Dubai is called the city of superlatives because every new development here is bigger and better than the last and Dubai Marina’s rise to prominence in the ongoing decade has a lot to do with this title.
With buildings like the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Mall, the canal district has the world’s most luxurious hotel and the largest mall that are part of the world’s ‘tallest block’. Other landmarks in Dubai Marina are Hotel Atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina Yatch Club Promenade.
Apart from offering stunning vistas of some of Dubai's most famous landmarks, visiting the canal city of Dubai Marina with its shiny high rises and sprawling infrastructure is an awe-inspiring experience that you will not forget.
The Dubai Water Canal is one of Dubai’s most expensive and environment-friendly projects.Dubai Canal is a 3.2 kilometer long waterway that origins from Business Bay and pours into the Persian Gulf, stretching past Al Safa Park and Jumeirah through its course.
On this cruise, you'll drift past the urban parts of Dubai, including the Business Bay Bridge, Safa Park, Dubai Festival City Mall, Burj Khalifa, JW Marquis Hotel and the Westin Hotel.
You can traverse through the canal on a more comfortable boat or ferry, but to truly enjoy the authentic Arab cruise experience, you'll need to sit atop the traditional Arabic Dhow or Abra as you soak in fantastic views of the most modern parts of Dubai.
Marasi Business Bay is Dubai's first yachting destination along the Dubai Water Canal. This 12-km promenade is brimming with water homes, floating restaurants, cafes and other entertainment options making for the perfect view from a luxury yacht. You can opt for a breakfast, lunch or dinner cruise and experience the city on a 3-hour long leisure cruise.
The cruise starts from the Marasi Canal and after passing by several spectacular attractions such as the Business Bay District, Burj Khalifa, Cheese Building, Burj Al Arab and many more ; you'll be dropped back at the starting point.
The Dubai Yacht experience is steeped in luxury and comfort. The plush interiors of the yacht will ensure that you can relax and enjoy stunning views of the city. The upper decks are spacious, and the lower deck has three cabins, along with washrooms. The cruise also provides a palatable meal with a selection of Croissants, Muffins and soft beverages for breakfast and lamb kofta, burgers, salad, desert juices and beverages in the afternoon / evening.
Experiencing a Dhow cruise is a wonderful way to go about sightseeing Dubai. The city has a host of landmarks and attractions that one can see from the waters of Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina. Most sightseeing Dhow cruises take place during the day while dinner cruises are dedicated to dinners.
Dubai Sightseeing Cruises come in a plethora of variations and is fully customized to meet youe unique needs. You can choose between a cruise through the Dubai Creek, Marina or Canal, each with its own set of mesmerizing views of the golden city. Some operators also offer sightseeing trips at night, which is possibly the best view of Dubai you'll get in the UAE.
Most Dhow cruises that operate at night are dedicated dinner cruises. The dinner consists of an international buffet prepared with 5- star standards and the cuisine consists of delectable dishes from around the world. With plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, a dinner Dhow cruise is something everyone would enjoy.
The two-hour cruise and dinner consists of a three-course continental buffet with a wide range of dishes to choose from (depends on your package). A lively two piece entertainment program consisting of a female vocalist and a male tanura dance show is also included (depends on your package).
Choosing the Best Dubai Dhow Cruise - Creek vs Marina 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.
Ambience: A cruise through the Dubai Marina is pretty much the image you've come to expect of Dubai. Dubai Creek, being the older of the two, offer more of a walk through Dubai's history. Though there are prominent buildings on the banks of the Creek, these are neither new or old and some visitors may find them underwhelming.
Experience: 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 mediocre in standard.
Sights Covered: Dubai Marina is a fairly modern construction and the skyscrapers surrounding it feature an array of post modern 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 and restaurants to have a lovely evening. Passing under bridges as they carry cars and trams across the Marina is also a unique experience.
Ambience: In the Dubai Marina, you will be surrounded by buildings defined by the most modern skyscraper architecture principles. The environment in and around the Dubai Marina is also relaxed and leisurely compared to the Dubai Creek. The latter has a routine feel, with a heavy commercial traffic.
Experience: The more premium of the two, the competition for operators in Dubai Marina is strict and compelling, ensuring a higher quality in the process compared to Dubai Creek. While the boats used are more or less the same, the experience varies greatly as Dubai Marina boats bost better facilities and maintenance.
What is the Best Time to go on a Dubai Dhow Cruise?
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.
All Dubai Dhow Cruise Options - Timings, Boarding Points
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruises
Timings
Dhow Marina cruise departure times : 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Boarding Point
Depending on your package, most Dubai Marina cruises start at (or around) Dubai Marina Yacht Club, West Bay, Dubai Marine, Dubai.
Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises
Timings
Dhow Creek cruise departure times : 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30 pm.
Boarding Point
Depending on your package, most Dubai Creek cruises start at (or around) Marsa Al Seef St, Opposite British Consulate, British Embassy, Dubai.
Dubai Yacht Cruises
Timings
The Yacht cruise departs everyday at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
Boarding Point
Most luxury Yacht cruises begin boarding below Pier 7, Outside Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai.
Dubai Canal Dhow Cruises
Timings
The cruise departs daily, at 8 PM from the pier near Dubai Festival City..
Boarding Point
Depending on your package, most Dubai Canal cruisse begin from the Dubai Festival City's designated pier on the Dubai Water Canal.
Dubai Sightseeing Dhow Cruises
Timings
Dubai Creek: Dhow cruise departure times are 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM.
Dubai Marina: Dhow cruise departure times are 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Boarding Point
Dubai Creek (Depends on your package): Marsa Al Seef St, Opposite British Consulate, British Embassy, Dubai.
Dubai Marina (Depends on your package): Dubai Marina Yacht Club, West Bay, Dubai Marine, Dubai.
Dubai Canal (Depends on your package): Dubai Festival City's designated pier on the Dubai Water Canal.
Best Dubai Sightseeing Cruises 2022
Dinner Cruises
Timings
Most dinner cruises are a daily experience that starts at 8:30 PM and ends at 11 PM.
Boarding Point
Dubai Creek (Depends on your package): Marsa Al Seef St, Opposite British Consulate, British Embassy, Dubai.
Dubai Marina (Depends on your package): Dubai Marina Yacht Club, West Bay, Dubai Marine, Dubai.
Dubai Canal (Depends on your package): Dubai Festival City's designated pier on the Dubai Water Canal.
Best Dubai Dinner Cruises 2023
Dubai Dhow Cruises - Tips, Rules & Regulations
- During the holy month of Ramadan there will be no belly dance, music and alcohol as per the law of UAE.
- Pick up facilities are only viable from hotels and not apartments, hence, plan your visit accordingly.
- It is best to be dressed casually for the dinner cruises. The setting is primarily informal and hence, smart casuals should be fine.
- Like most super cities, Dubai truly comes alive when the lights are on and buildings near the Creek are so bright that it will almost resemble sunlight, turning the night into day. This is a special effect that you should not miss.
- According to most tourists, the Dubai Marina has better views compared to the Creek. However, Dubai Creek cruises are considerably cheaper than Dubai Marina Cruises.
- Dhow cruise ships normally carry only fixed number of passengers. If you're part of a large group, please cross-check the number of people allowed on Dhow cruises before booking.
- On a dinner cruise, the cuisine is typically Middle Eastern or Arabic, but make sure that you try everything as the recipes vary between operators.
FAQs
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