Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises

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Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises Guide

Dubai today is an exemplary city that showcases what a modern civilization with few to no constraints can grow to become into. Just over a century ago, Dubai was a small port town in the Persian Gulf that lay in the traditional trade routes between Europe, East Africa, and South Asia. Its lifeline was the Dubai Creek, a small seawater inlet that formed the natural harbor around which the fishing and port town of Dubai was settled. Today, the Dubai Creek still flows through the old heart of the city, and several dhow cruises, or Bateaux cruises as they’re called, will take you on a luxurious cruise down the creek and while you feast on a wonderful dinner and soak in the age-old beauty of the Arab city.

Post Covid-19 Safety Measures and New Rules while on a Dubai Cruise

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise operators have enforced a couple of safety measures:

All visitors are required to wear masks covering their nose and mouth while on a cruise.
Visitors will have to maintain social distancing even while on the dhow to ensure everyone's safety.
Certain shows, street entertainment, and selected experiences will not be available until further notice.
Contactless payment is encouraged throughout.
Marine transport means will be operating on seven lines from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Tourist lines, Dubai water canal lines as well as Al-Ghubaiba-Sharjah aquarium stations will remain closed.
Children under 12 years and adults above 60 years will not be allowed to travel on the ferry.

All Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Ticket and Tour Options

A Dubai Creek Dhow cruise experience is one of the quintessential Dubai experiences. Cruising in Dubai Creek allows you to gaze upon prominent Dubai landmarks such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Village, Al Diwan or The Ruler’s Assembly, traditional gold & spice souks, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Sheraton Dubai Creek, and the Rolex Twin Towers. On this dhow cruise, you will not only be able to catch stunning sights of Dubai, but also enjoy a wonderful dinner and watch traditional Emirati entertainment as well.

Dubai Creek Sightseeing Cruises

Dubai Creek Dinner Cruises

Dubai Creek Cruise Combos

The history of Dubai and Dubai Creek are inseparable. Settled along the creek since its inception, Dubai Creek has played a pivotal role in Dubai’s past, helping it develop from a fishing village to a booming trade center, receiving trade from Europe, Asia as well as East Africa. A natural sea inlet, Dubai Creek has shaped Dubai’s growth as a lifeline and today flows through the center of Dubai. A cruise down Dubai Creek is quite a traditional way of experiencing Dubai - sailing down the creek, enjoying a wonderful dinner aboard a dhow, and taking in the beautiful sight of Dubai’s skyline laid out on both sides of the creek.

Why go for these tickets?

Explore the hidden gems of Dubai: Cruising in Dubai Creek allows you to gaze upon prominent Dubai landmarks such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Village, Al Diwan or The Ruler’s Assembly, traditional gold & spice souks, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Sheraton Dubai Creek and the Rolex Twin Towers.
Multi-course Dinner: Most dhow cruises that travel up and down Dubai Creek are large vessels with world-class restaurants in them. They often serve multi-course international buffets with a wide variety of dishes. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike can take their pick from dishes that range from Indian food preparations, Italian cuisine, grilled meat, and seafood, and desserts.
Live Entertainment: As you relax and enjoy, local performers will put up a fantastic show consisting of singing and traditional dance forms. Some of the popular shows that are put up include tanoura dance, puppet shows, horse dance, magic show, and others.

Recommended Experiences

Dubai Creek Sightseeing Dhow Cruise

Take a cruise down Dubai Creek, the lifeline of Dubai that flows through Deira and Bur Dubai. Gently cruise past some of Dubai's glittering landmarks, taking in stunning sights of Dubai landmarks such as the National Bank of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed's House and Heritage Village. Additionally, Get hassle-free transfers from your place of residence and go to the departing jetty on the Dubai Creek.

Some of the Dhow Cruise experiences at Dubai Creek are famous for the delicious dinner they offer. At the time of booking a cruise, you can opt for the ones that have multi-course meals listed and enjoy a fulfilling sail under Dubai’s night sky. One of the best things about Dhow Dinner Cruises is that you get to witness the passing scenery from the comfort of your dinner table. The menu on a dinner dhow cruise typically consists of a global 3-course buffet prepared with 5-star standards.

Why go for these tickets?

Cruise through the heart of Dubai: Cruising in Dubai Creek, you will be able to view iconic sights that you will pass by while on a Dhow Cruise are - Heritage Village, Traditional Gold, and Spice Souks, National Bank of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed’s House, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, Grand Mosque, Sheraton Dubai Creek, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Al Diwan (The Ruler's Court), Rolex Twin Towers and the Old Boat Fort.
Multi-course Dinner: While boarding the dhow, a friendly staffer will offer you welcome refreshments. Dinners on a dhow cruise are in the form of 3-course international buffets with a wide variety of dishes. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike can take their pick from dishes that range from Indian food preparations, Italian cuisine, grilled meat and seafood, and desserts.
Live Entertainment: As you relax and enjoy, local performers will put up a fantastic show consisting of singing and traditional dance forms. Some of the popular shows that are put up include tanoura dance, puppet shows, horse dance, magic show and others.

Recommended Experiences

Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Dubai Creek

Make your way to Dubai Deira Creek and climb aboard the luxurious Creek Dhow cruise. Embark on a two-hour cruise across Dubai's territorial waters and watch iconic landmarks float past you. You’ll be greeted by the friendly faces of the staff with welcome refreshments, including Arabian coffee, followed by a sumptuous spread of continental and traditional Arabic dishes. Head to the bar to quench your thirst with a drink as you listen to the traditional music playing in the background. There's more; a lively Tanoura and puppet show awaits you post-dinner.

Taking a Dubai Dhow cruise is one of the best ways to experience the city, especially when combined with a visit to other top landmarks in Dubai. You can combine your luxury Dubai Dhow Cruise experience with a visit to the world's tallest building and Dubai's emblematic landmark, the Burj Khalifa, a Desert Safari, or a Dubai City tour. If you're on a timebound trip, this is the best way to experience the magnificent city of Dubai.

Why go for these tickets?

Explore everything that Dubai has to offer: Combine your Dubai Dhow Cruise with a visit Al Fahidi fort, Jumeirah Mosque, The Palm Island, Atlantis Hotel, Dubai Museum and Gold Souk or the emblematic Burj Khalifa.
A multitude of experiences: Depending on your ticket, you'll be able to scale the tallest building in the world or go dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking or camel riding, or feast on a lavish dinner as you watch a belly dancing show and tanoura dance. Combo tickets offer you the best value for money as they give you a glimpse of quite a few Arabic experiences.
Live Entertainment: Depending on your ticket, you could also have live entertainment as you feast on a sumptuous meal. As you relax and enjoy, local performers will put up a fantastic show consisting of singing and traditional dance forms. Some of the popular shows that are put up include tanoura dance, puppet shows, horse dance, magic show and others.

Recommended Experiences

Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Dubai Creek

Plan your Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise

Timings

Boarding points of Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises

Best Time to Visit

1. What are the opening hours of Dubai Dhow Cruises?

Opening Hours:

Dhow Creek cruise departure times : 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30 pm.

Dubai Creek Dinner Cruise: 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.

2. How long does it take to complete my Dubai Dhow Cruise?

To completely explore Dubai and enjoy your Dhow Cruise, you will need at least 2 hours once you board the dhow.

Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises:
Depending on your package, most Dubai Creek cruises start at (or around) Marsa Al Seef St, Opposite British Consulate, British Embassy, Dubai.
Dubai Sightseeing Dhow Cruises:
Dubai Creek (Depends on your package): Marsa Al Seef St, Opposite British Consulate, British Embassy, Dubai.

When is the best time of the year to visit to go on a Dubai Dhow Cruise?

Dubai and its skyline are best experienced during the winter as visibility is at a peak and the weather is usually pleasant. This is the perfect combo for a mesmerizing Dubai Dhow Cruise experience.

When is the best time of the day to go on a Dubai Dhow Cruise?

Depending upon what you would like to experience, you can opt for day-time cruises that are geared for sightseeing or go for cruises later in the evening that is popular for dinner and onboard entertainment.

Discover Dubai Dhow Cruises

Dhows have featured in the culture of Dubai from time immemorial. Since the days when the city was settled along the Dubai Creek, dhows have played a huge role in building the city from its days as a fishing village to the modern trade hub of today. Dhows have evolved along with the city. Earlier, dhows were single sailed boats that could seat a small group of people. Today, dhow cruises in Dubai have evolved to become cruising vessels that will travel the seas and comfortably house a restaurant, world-class facilities as well as host at least a 100 people.

The Dhow

Almost all cruises take place in large wooden boats that are called dhows. These cruising vessels are large enough to host more than 100 people comfortably. They usually feature an indoor seating facility and an outdoor deck where one can stroll to, breathe the fresh air and take in the uninterrupted sights of Dubai.

A few cruises happen on more modern versions of these dhows and feature 360-degree glass walls. Even though these boats are not reflective of the wooden dhow traditions, they bring the same benefits to the field as traditional wooden dhows.

Finally, a few cruises take place in smaller boats called abras. Abras have been used as water taxis for centuries. Capable of seating anywhere between 10-20 people, these small boats are a unique way to experience Dubai.

Meals

A dhow cruise will be incomplete without dinner. Most, if not all, dhow cruises have a vast buffet spread that features food dishes from around the world. With enough options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, there is something for everyone. Dishes range from local preparations such as shawarmas, fattoush, and baklava; Indian snacks, curries and biryanis; Italian pasta and pizzas, barbeque and grilled meats, a variety of seafood and of course, desserts. Some dhows prepare their food onboard while most have them prepared with the highest standards at 5-star hotels. These buffets definitely are an attractive feature of Dubai dinner cruises.

Seating

The Dubai climate forces the seating in most dhow cruises to be indoors. With glass panels for walls, you will be able to comfortably view the sights of Dubai. There will also be an outdoor deck that provides a welcome break for those wishing to stretch their legs and go out, feel the air coming in from the sea and catch uninterrupted views of Dubai.

Entertainment

As you enjoy your dinner, you will be entertained by multiple forms of dance and entertainment shows that performers will put up for you. Some of the popular shows that are put up include tanoura dance, puppet shows, horse dance, magic show and others.

Sightseeing Route

The Dubai Creek dhow cruises will allow you to sightsee landmarks such as Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Village, Al Diwan or The Ruler’s Assembly, traditional gold & spice souks, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Sheraton Dubai Creek and the Rolex Twin Towers. Cruising in Dubai Marina, you will be able to gaze at the Dubai Yacht Club, the yacht club promenade, Dubai Marina Mall, Sheikh's Boatyard, Jumeirah Beach Residence and parts of the Palm. Finally, cruises in Dubai Water Canal will allow you to view Festival City Mall, Ras Al Khor Sanctuary, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge and JW Marriott Hotel and St Regis Hotel.

Day vs Night

Sightseeing dhow cruises are more frequent than dinner cruises as they take place through the day. If you’re looking to go for a sightseeing cruise only, you can have your pick from a range of cruises that leave at regular intervals, starting before noon. Day sightseeing cruises have clearer views while night cruises are more magical and also have the option for dinner.

FAQs

1. Is there a ticket to go on a Dubai Dhow Cruise?

Yes, you need tickets to access the shows to go on a Dhow cruise in Dubai. There are quite a few ticket variations to choose from, including Dubai Creek Cruise tickets, Dubai Marina Cruise tickets, and Dinner Dhow Cruise tickets.

2. What are the rules and regulations to follow while on a Dubai Dhow Cruise?

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.

3. What are the facilities available on Dubai Dhow Cruises?

All basic facilities including sanitization measures are available on all Dhow Cruises. Additionally, depending on your ticket and dhow, there maybe locker facilities and nursing rooms.

4. Are there any new rules and regulations in light of the coronavirus crisis?

There are some basic regulations in place to fight the pandemic, including mandatory usage of masks. All visitors are required to maintain social distancing and undergo temperature checks before entering the boat. Certain shows, street entertainment, and selected experiences will not be available until further notice. Contactless payment is encouraged throughout.