Which Dubai dhow cruise is best?
There is no single best cruise; it depends on what you want to see. Pick the Marina cruise for modern skyline and yachts, the Creek cruise for old-Dubai heritage, the souks and the best value, and the Water Canal cruise for the Waterfall Bridge and Downtown lights. All three run about 2 hours and include a buffet dinner and live entertainment.
How much is a dhow cruise in Dubai?
Prices depend on the cruise, the boat, the menu and whether hotel transfers are included. The Creek cruise is the most affordable, the Marina cruise is at the higher end, and the Water Canal cruise is mid to premium. The traditional abra crossing is the cheapest boat ride of all at AED 1 per person. Contact Arabiers for current per person rates and group or child discounts.
The abra: old Dubai's AED 1 heritage crossing
What is an abra?
An abra is a small traditional wooden water taxi that has crossed Dubai Creek for generations. The public crossing runs between Bur Dubai Abra Station and the Deira Old Souk Abra Station, right beside the Gold and Spice Souks, and takes about 5 minutes. It is the most authentic and affordable way to experience old Dubai from the water.
Public crossing: AED 1 per person Private hire: about AED 120 per hour Runs from early morning to midnight
For a quieter, photo-friendly trip you can hire a whole abra and sail at your own pace at sunset. We explain exactly how in our guide to booking a private abra ride in Dubai. The abra pairs perfectly with a heritage Dubai Creek dinner cruise on the same stretch of water.
Different dhow cruise places in Dubai
Why choose our Dhow Cruise tours ?
Our dhow cruises offer an experience like no other. The highlights:
Travel back to your roots
The dhow is a traditional boat that keeps its charm and lets you step back in time for an authentic experience on the water.
Unforgettable dining
A range of dining options lets you enjoy a culinary fusion of Arabic and international dishes, complemented by music and live entertainment.
The best sights
Take in the stunning Dubai skyline and famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, and see the city from a fresh perspective.
Our Dubai dhow cruises
We run dhow cruises in Dubai Marina, the historic Dubai Creek and the modern Dubai Water Canal. Explore the full guides for each: Marina dinner cruise, Creek dinner cruise and Water Canal cruise.
Dhow cruise in Dubai Marina
More Details
Dhow Cruise in Dubai Creek
Dhow Cruise in Dubai Canal
Different types of dhow cruises
Traditional dinner cruise: a full buffet dinner with views of the surroundings and live music or dance.
Romantic dinner cruise: tailored for couples, with a more intimate setting and attentive service.
Luxury dinner cruise: gourmet cuisine, premium service and VIP seating.
Historical sightseeing cruise: a guided sail past Dubai's heritage sites, forts and souks along the creek.
Modern skyline cruise: cruise the Marina or canal to admire contemporary architecture and the skyline.
Cultural cruise: immerse yourself in local culture through traditional music, the Tanoura dance and Arabian cuisine.
Festival and holiday cruises: special sailings for occasions such as New Year's Eve and National Day, with festive decoration and, on some dates, fireworks.
One of the most popular choices in Dubai. Sail the calm waters as the sun sets, relax and capture the skyline at golden hour.
Book a whole dhow to yourself for a private event, corporate gathering or celebration such as a birthday, anniversary or wedding, tailored to your preferences.
What to expect on a dhow cruise
Cruise along the creek, Marina or canal to see the famous Dubai skyline, from the Marina towers to the Burj Khalifa in the distance.
A dhow dinner cruise lasts about 2 hours, with boarding around 30 minutes before departure. That is enough time to enjoy your meal, the entertainment and the scenery.
Most dhow cruises serve both Arabic and international cuisine, with a full buffet that includes grilled kebabs, rice dishes, salads and desserts, plus vegetarian options.
Enjoy traditional music and the Tanoura dance, and on some cruises other performances. Live entertainment brings the local culture on board.
Choose the air-conditioned lower deck for comfort or the partly open upper deck for the breeze and unobstructed views. Most dhows let you move between the two.
The gentle sway of the boat, the cool evening breeze and the city lights on the water make a dhow cruise a calm, romantic evening for couples, and a relaxed one for families and friends.
The water and skyline make a perfect backdrop. For the best shots, choose a sunset cruise as the city lights come to life.
Best time for a dhow cruise in Dubai
Dubai dhow cruises run day and night, for sightseeing or for a dinner and entertainment evening.
Daytime cruises suit sightseeing, while an evening cruise is best for a dinner and a show. Sunset is the most popular time of all.
The cooler months from November to March give the most comfortable evenings on the water. On sunny days, choose the shaded or air-conditioned deck.
Popular dhow cruise routes
Dubai Creek is the gateway to the city's history. Cruise its historic waters to see the heritage side of Dubai. Read the full Dubai Creek dinner cruise guide.
Map View
- Emirates NBD building
- Traditional abras crossing the creek
- Gold Souk (exterior view)
- Under the creek bridges
- Old Dubai and Heritage Village
- Al Fahidi historic district/li>
Visit the Al Bastakiya district, a historic neighbourhood of old buildings that show the traditional architecture of the region.
See the Spice Souk and Gold Souk from the water, and watch dhows load and unload goods at the wharfage.
Explore Al Seef, where modern and traditional Emirati architecture sit side by side, perfect for photos.
Pass through the Heritage Village and learn about the traditional craftmanship and culture of the region.
Enjoy the traditional Tanoura dance and live music on board a Dubai Creek dhow cruise.
Enjoy a buffet dinner while taking in a different view of historic Dubai.
Dubai Marina is the city's showcase of luxury and modern living. Read the full Dubai Marina dinner cruise guide.
Map View
- Marina Canal
- Open sea
- Bluewaters Island
- Marina skyline
- Ain Dubai observation wheel
- Atlantis (far view)
Dubai Marina is ringed by skyscrapers. Admire the modern architecture and city landmarks from the water.
Walk the Marina promenade before or after, with its waterfront restaurants, cafes and shops.
Pass Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel, lit up beautifully against the night sky.
See some of the city's most lavish yachts and waterfront homes, a glimpse of Dubai's elegant lifestyle.
Enjoy live music and dance performances as part of the cruise.
The Marina at night is a sight in itself, with the city lights reflected on the water.
The Dubai Water Canal is a modern waterway lined with attractions. Read the full Dubai Water Canal cruise guide.
Map View
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Burj Khalifa (far view)
- Ras Al Khor Sanctuary
- Business Bay
- Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge
Cruise beneath the Waterfall Bridge. The water pauses as a boat passes and resumes after, and it is illuminated at night.
Pass the Design District, home to the city's creative scene.
Admire the distinct architecture and developments of the Business Bay district./p>
Enjoy the canal's evening light show, with colour reflected across the water.
Enjoy buffet dining in the canal's modern, artistic setting.
Every route offers something different, from a historical journey to a modern adventure, all with cultural entertainment and a buffet dinner on the water.
History of dhow cruises
Dhows have a long history in Dubai. For centuries these wooden boats were used for pearl diving, fishing and trading goods across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, built to handle the rough waters of the Gulf. Today they are restored as comfortable vessels that carry visitors and stand as a reminder of the culture and heritage of Dubai. Sailing on a dhow lets you experience the legacy of the Emirates on the water.
Tips and Recommendations
Wear comfortable, breathable fabrics. Bring a light jacket for an evening cruise, as it can get cool on the open deck, and shoes with non-slip soles.
For daytime cruises, use a high-SPF sunscreen and bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Bring a camera or smartphone for the views and memories. Sunset gives the best light.
If you are prone to motion sickness, take a remedy beforehand. The creek and canal are calm, but the open sea on the Marina route can be choppier.
Carry your passport or ID for check-in, and keep essentials in a small bag.
Dhow cruises depart on fixed times. Arrive at the departure point a bit early to give time for check in.
