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A Dubai Water Canal cruise is a roughly 2-hour sail on a traditional wooden dhow along the 3.2 km Dubai Water Canal, which runs from Dubai Creek through Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf. The evening dinner cruise pairs an international buffet with live entertainment and floodlit views of the Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge, the Burj Khalifa and the Downtown skyline. It boards along the canal and suits couples, families and groups.
A Dubai Water Canal cruise usually lasts about 2 hours. Allow around 2 to 2.5 hours in total, including boarding time before departure.
The Dubai Water Canal is 3.2 kilometres long and was opened in November 2016, connecting key waterfront areas of Dubai.
Dubai Water Canal cruises usually board from Dubai Festival City, Al Jaddaf or Business Bay, depending on the operator and cruise package.
Most Dubai Water Canal cruises operate in the evening. Guests are usually asked to arrive around 30 minutes before departure for boarding.
Dubai Water Canal cruise prices start from AED PRICE_VERIFY per adult. The final price can change based on the operator, deck, inclusions and season.
A typical Dubai Water Canal cruise includes an international buffet, welcome drink, soft drinks and live entertainment during the sailing.
The cruise usually serves international and Arabic cuisine, with vegetarian options available for guests who prefer meat-free meals.
Most Dubai Water Canal cruises include an air-conditioned lower deck and an open-air upper deck for skyline and waterfront views.
The signature view is the Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge, one of the most popular photo moments during the canal cruise.
The cruise is suitable for couples, families, groups and celebrations, especially for guests who want a relaxed evening experience in Dubai.
A Dubai Water Canal cruise is one of the best and most memorable ways to explore the modern skyline of Dubai from the water. The canal stretches about 3.2 kilometres, connecting Dubai Creek to Jumeirah Beach by way of Business Bay.
During the ride, guests board a traditional Arabian dhow boat. It sails through the city while you enjoy a dinner buffet, live music and dance shows.
Visitors enjoy striking views of famous Dubai landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the vast Dubai Mall area and the Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge. The cruise is ideal for families, couples and travellers who want a relaxing taste of Dubai's nightlife.
A Dubai Water Canal dinner cruise lasts about 2 hours. Boarding and check-in open around 30 minutes before departure, so set aside roughly 2 to 2.5 hours in total for the evening. Daytime sightseeing rides along the canal are shorter, typically around an hour.
Dubai Water Canal cruises board along the canal, not at Dubai Marina. The main boarding points are Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Jaddaf near Jameel Arts Centre, and Business Bay along Marasi Drive. The nearest metro stations are Al Jadaf and Business Bay. Confirm your exact boarding point and any hotel transfer when you book.
Sunset and early evening are the best times to sail the Dubai Water Canal. Evening dinner Bridge and Downtown towers light up. The cooler months from November to March give the most pleasant evenings on the water.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline, including the Burj Khalifa and the Downtown towers.
Glide right beneath the Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge, the signature highlight of the canal route.
Enjoy music, dance performances and cultural shows in a relaxed setting on board.
If you love photography, this is a great opportunity for night and skyline shots from the water.
The ride suits couples, families and group travellers, with calmer water than open-sea cruises.
Luxury dining, sightseeing, music and relaxation come together in a single unforgettable journey.
Choose the Water Canal cruise for the Waterfall Bridge and Downtown lights, the Marina cruise for modern skyline and yacht views, and the Creek cruise for old-Dubai heritage. All three are about 2 hours and include a buffet dinner and live entertainment.
| Cruise | Scenery | Boards at | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Canal | Waterfall Bridge, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, quieter route | Festival City, Al Jaddaf, Business Bay | Skyline plus the Waterfall Bridge, calmer setting |
| Dubai Marina | Marina towers, Ain Dubai, luxury yachts | Dubai Marina promenade | Modern, glamorous skyline views |
| Dubai Creek | Old souks, heritage waterfront, historic Dubai | Al Seef or Deira Creek | Culture and heritage, families with young children |
The Dubai Water Canal area has many hidden places most tourists do not know about, and they are well worth seeing.
You can also watch the spectacular La Perle show nearby, which combines water stunts, acrobatics and stage performance.
A canal cruise offers a unique view of the city. Many dhow boats have glass-covered seating areas and open upper decks, giving uninterrupted views of Dubai's modern skyline. During the cruise, you can see:
Guests are welcomed on board with Arabic coffee (kahwah), fresh dates and refreshing drinks, a taste of authentic Emirati hospitality. The crew make sure your evening is comfortable and welcoming throughout the journey.
Most cruises include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some also feature live music or a saxophone performance to enhance the evening.
Prices depend on the cruise operator, the inclusions and seasonal demand. Children's rates and group discounts are available.
The Dubai Water Canal is a man-made waterway. The project began in 2013 and the canal opened to the public in November 2016, when the Ruler of Dubai inaugurated it. The canal-side development includes a shopping centre, four hotels, around 400 restaurants, cycle paths and luxury housing. The canal connects the Business Bay area of Dubai to the Arabian Gulf. It was built to develop the city's infrastructure and to draw both residents and visitors to the heart of Dubai. The canal is one of the best experiences for first-time travellers, as it covers many of the city's finest locations in a single ride, revealing Dubai's modern development while honouring its past as a trading hub.
Dubai Water Canal is a manmade water passage. This project was initiated in 2006 and was opened to the public in 2016. Then Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai opened this canal to the public. The canal sidewalk includes a shopping center, four hotels, nearly 400 plus restaurants , cycle paths and luxury housing. The canal connects the business bay area of Dubai with the gulf. This was built with the intention of developing the city’s infrastructure. It was also a goal to attract both local and non- local travelers to the center of Dubai. The canal is one of the best experiences for first time travelers to Dubai as it covers all the best locations in one ride. It also reveals the modern development while commemorating its past as a trading hub.
Departure and return times vary by operator and the type of cruise you choose, though most evening dinner cruises follow a similar pattern.
Confirm the exact timings with your operator when you book.
The Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2 kilometre artificial canal that connects the Dubai Creek part of the city to the Arabian Gulf. It starts near the Business Bay area by Dubai Creek and flows towards Jumeirah Beach, where it drains into the Gulf.
The canal opened in November 2016 as part of the country's project to improve Dubai's infrastructure and waterfront. It was built to improve water flow through the city and to expand the waterway transport network.
A Dubai Water Canal dinner cruise lasts about 2 hours. Allowing for boarding and check-in, which open around 30 minutes before departure, set aside roughly 2 to 2.5 hours in total.
Dubai Water Canal cruises board along the canal, not at Dubai Marina. The main boarding points are Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Jaddaf near Jameel Arts Centre, and Business Bay along Marasi Drive. The nearest metro stations are Al Jadaf and Business Bay. Confirm your exact boarding point when you book.
Evening dinner cruises usually board in the evening and sail for roughly 2 hours after sunset. Daytime sightseeing rides run earlier in the day. Sunset is the most popular time, when the city begins to light up.
Cruises range from budget standard dinner cruises up to luxury and special-event sailings. The exact price depends on the boat, menu, deck and whether hotel transfers are included. Contact Arabiers for the current per person rate and group discounts.
Choose the Water Canal cruise for the Waterfall Bridge, Burj Khalifa and Downtown views in a quieter setting. Choose the Marina cruise for modern skyline and yacht views, and the Creek cruise for old-Dubai heritage. All three include a buffet dinner and live entertainment and run about 2 hours.
Highlights include the Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall Bridge, the Burj Khalifa and Downtown skyline, Dubai Festival City Mall, the D1 Tower, the Tolerance Bridge and, at low tide, flamingos at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Yes. The international buffet usually includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Tell the team about any dietary needs, such as Jain or allergy-related requirements, when you book.
Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged on request for an additional charge. Let the team know your hotel and area in advance so transfers can be confirmed.
A Dubai Water Canal cruise is an experience where you board a traditional wooden dhow and sail along the artificial Dubai Water Canal, giving you a unique viewpoint of the city's skyline and landmarks.
There are morning, sunset and evening cruises along the canal, with each offering a different experience and viewpoint of the city.
You can book online through our website, or visit our offices in Dubai to make a reservation in person.
There is no strict dress code, but smart casual clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended so you can move around the boat easily. A light jacket is useful on the open upper deck in winter.
Cancellation policies vary by operator. Many allow a full refund when you cancel at least 48 hours before departure, while no-shows and late cancellations are non-refundable. Confirm the terms with the team before you book.
Yes. Children are welcome and some operators offer family and child rates. Infants under 3 often travel free. Confirm child rates when you book.
The best time is sunset and early evening, when the sun is setting and the city is beautifully illuminated. The cooler months from November to March give the most pleasant evenings on the water.
