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Getting to Dubai dhow cruise boarding points

Where do Dubai dhow cruises begin?

  • Address: Multiple piers; Marina Promenade (Pier 7), Al Seef Heritage Dock (Bur Dubai), Al Faris Floating Restaurant Pier (Al Jadaf).
  • Distance from Downtown Dubai: ~6–12 km, depending on pier.
  • Time taken from Downtown: Taxi 15–35 min; Metro + walk 10–25 min.
  • Access: Metro, tram, bus, taxi, hotel transfers, paid parking nearby.
  • Recommended experience: Choose Marina for skyline views, Creek for heritage routes, Canal for Burj reflections.
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Getting to your dhow cruise boarding point by public transport

Aerial view of Dubai Marina with skyscrapers and yachts in Dubai.

By metro:

  • Take the Red Line to DMCC Station (formerly JLT). Exit toward Marina Mall and follow signs for Marina Walk / Pier 7, about 8–10 minutes on foot along the promenade.
  • Alternative: Damac Properties Station + Dubai Tram → ride 1 stop to Marina Towers for upper-Marina piers.
  • Fare: 5–7 AED one way with a Nol card.

By tram:

  • The Dubai Tram circles the Marina every 10–12 minutes. Get off at Marina Mall or Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 depending on your dhow location.
  • Walking time: 5–8 minutes.

By bus:

  • Routes 8, 84, and F55A run along JBR and Marina Walk, stopping close to Pier 7 and Marina Mall.
  • Frequency: every 15–20 minutes.
Dhow cruise on Dubai Creek with cityscape backdrop.

By metro (Bur Dubai side):

  • Board the Green Line to Al Fahidi Station or Al Ghubaiba Station.
  • Walk 5–8 minutes to Al Seef’s waterfront dhow pier; follow “Heritage Village / Creek Walk” signage.

By metro (Deira side):

  • Take the Green Line to Al Ras Station; walk 7–10 minutes to Deira Old Souk Wharfage through the souk lanes.

By bus:

  • Buses C7, 29, and 55 serve Al Seef Heritage Village, while E100, 53, and E306 reach Deira Old Souk Station.
  • Fare: 3–7 AED, Nol card accepted.

By Abra:

  • From Deira Old Souk Station, ride the Creek Abra (1 AED, 5 minutes) to Bur Dubai if your dhow departs from the opposite side.
  • Tip: Green Line trains run until midnight (later weekends). For evening cruises, plan your return by 11:30 pm to catch the last train comfortably.
Dubai Water Canal cruise boat with illuminated lights under a purple waterfall.

By metro:

  • Take the Green Line to Al Jadaf Station, the closest stop to the Al Faris Pier.
  • Walk 8–10 minutes toward the waterfront via Marasi Drive / Jaddaf Promenade.
  • In summer, consider a short taxi from the station (~10 AED) to avoid heat.

By bus:

  • Routes 44, 61, and C18 link Al Jadaf Metro with Festival City and the Canal promenade.
  • Frequency: every 15–25 minutes; buses run until 11 pm.

By metro + taxi (from Downtown):

  • Red Line to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Station, transfer to taxi (15–20 min, 20–30 AED) to Marasi Drive Pier near Al Faris.
  • Fare: Metro + bus combo ≈ 7 AED total.

Getting to your dhow cruise boarding point by car

Dubai Marina Pier (Marina Promenade/Pier 7 Area)

Driving directions: From Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), take Exit 32 for Dubai Marina / Jumeirah Beach Residence. Follow signs to Marina Mall and Pier 7 / Marina Promenade. Use GPS for “Pier 7, Dubai Marina Mall” for the closest parking access.

Parking:

  • Marina Mall Parking: Multi-storey, covered, and directly connected to the promenade (≈10 AED/hour after the first 3 hours).
  • Pier 7 Parking Tower: Paid valet and underground spaces available beside the pier.
    By taxi or rideshare:
  • From Downtown Dubai: 25–40 AED (~15–25 mins).
  • From Palm Jumeirah / JBR: 15–25 AED (~10–15 mins).

Tip: Arrive by 7:45 pm for dinner cruises to avoid Marina traffic; outbound JBR lanes get congested from 6–8 pm. Use Dubai Tram or ride-hailing for quicker returns.

Dubai Creek Piers

Driving directions: Take Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (D88) toward Bur Dubai or Baniyas Road (D85) toward Deira. For Al Seef, follow signs for “Heritage Village / Al Seef by Meraas.” For Deira Old Souk Wharfage, follow “Deira Corniche / Al Sabkha Road.”

Parking:

  • Al Seef Parking: Paid street parking and underground lots (5–10 AED/hour, free after 10 pm). Closest to Bur Dubai piers.
  • Deira Corniche Parking: Surface lots near the souk, often full after 7 pm.
    By taxi or rideshare:
  • From Downtown Dubai: 20–35 AED (~15–20 mins).
  • From DXB Airport: 25–40 AED (~20–25 mins).

Tip: Crossing Creek by car takes longer during evening hours; if your dhow departs from the opposite bank, park on one side and take an Abra (1 AED, 5 minutes).

Dubai Water Canal (Al Jaddaf)

Driving directions: From Sheikh Zayed Road, take the Business Bay exit toward Marasi Drive, or from Al Khail Road (E44) follow signs to Al Jadaf Waterfront / Dubai Creek Harbour. Plug in “Al Faris Floating Restaurant, Al Jadaf” into Google Maps for precise navigation.

Parking:

  • Marasi Drive Paid Lots: Street-level and underground parking (5–10 AED/hour).
  • Dubai Festival City Mall: Ample free parking 5 minutes away; short taxi hop (~10 AED) to pier.
    By taxi or rideshare:
  • From Downtown Dubai: 25–35 AED (~15–20 mins).
  • From Business Bay / DIFC: 15–25 AED (~10–15 mins).

Tip: Few street taxis operate here after 11 pm. Pre-book your return ride on Careem or Uber before your cruise ends. Roads near Marasi Drive can close temporarily for canal events.

Accessibility at Dubai dhow cruise boarding points

Dubai Marina Pier (Marina Promenade/Pier 7 Area)

  • Wheelchair/stroller access: The Marina promenade and Pier 7 entrance are fully paved and wheelchair-friendly. Access ramps connect the parking and walkway levels directly to the pier.
  • Boarding ramp: Most dhows at Marina have a moderate incline gangway (~10–15°). Crew assist guests with wheelchairs or strollers during boarding.
  • Onboard mobility: Lower decks are accessible for foldable wheelchairs and compact strollers. Upper decks require narrow stairs, not suitable for mobility aids.
  • Restrooms: Onboard toilets are compact and not wheelchair-accessible.
  • Nearby amenities: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms available inside Marina Mall (3–5 min walk).

Dubai Creek Piers

  • Al Seef (Bur Dubai side): Features flat walkways and wide promenades designed for prams and wheelchairs. However, wooden dhow gangways can be steeper during low tide, so boarding assistance is essential.
  • Deira Old Souk Wharfage: This area has uneven cobblestones and narrow access ramps, making it less ideal for wheelchairs. Not recommended for heavy strollers or guests with reduced mobility.
  • Boarding ramp: Wooden ramps without handrails are common; crew assistance required.
  • Onboard mobility: Lower decks may fit foldable strollers, but upper decks are reached via steep steps.
  • Restrooms: Onboard restrooms are small and may not accommodate wheelchairs; public accessible toilets are available at Al Seef Mall (Bur Dubai side).

Dubai Water Canal / Al Faris Floating Restaurant Pier (Al Jadaf Area)

  • Wheelchair/stroller access: Al Faris Pier at Al Jadaf is one of Dubai’s most accessible dhow boarding points. It has smooth ramps, level paving, and wide entry gates suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
  • Boarding ramp: Fixed steel gangway with handrails, moderate incline. Crew provide assistance during embarkation.
  • Onboard mobility: Lower deck of the Al Faris dhow and other luxury canal boats offers spacious aisles and stable flooring; upper deck via stairs only.
  • Restrooms: Larger boats (e.g., Al Faris, Alexandra VIP) include accessible restrooms on lower deck.
  • Parking & drop-off: Drop-off lane and accessible parking bays available near the pier entrance.

Tips for each dhow cruise boarding point

Dubai Marina Pier (Marina Promenade / Pier 7 Area)

  • Arrive early for sunset views: Get there 30–45 minutes before your cruise to stroll Marina Walk or grab a quick coffee at Arabica or Paul Café facing the water. The skyline lights up just before dusk, making it great for photos.
  • Traffic tip: Skip driving after 6:30pm. Use the metro or tram instead. Marina parking fills up fast, and taxis crawl through JBR traffic.
  • Best photo spot: Just before boarding, step onto the Pier 7 boardwalk. It gives the best angle of dhows with skyscraper reflections behind them.
  • Post-cruise: Stay back for a short walk to the Bluewaters Island pedestrian bridge. It’s beautifully lit at night and takes you right to Ain Dubai in under 15 minutes.

Al Seef Heritage District (Dubai Creek – Bur Dubai Side)

  • Ideal pre-cruise walk: Arrive 45 minutes early and wander through Al Seef’s heritage alleys. The restored wind towers, spice stalls, and Emirati cafés give an authentic Old Dubai feel without crowds.
  • Easy parking hack: Park near Al Seef Mall (Building B); it’s cheaper and shaded. From there, it’s a 3–5 minute walk along the waterfront.
  • Dining detour: If you have time before your cruise, try Kava & Chai for Emirati desserts or Al Fanar Restaurant for traditional mezze; both overlook the Creek.
  • Photography tip: Capture the dhows lining the opposite Deira bank just before sunset. Their golden reflections on the Creek are striking from the promenade.

Deira Old Souk Wharfage (Dubai Creek – Deira Side)

  • Best access route: Skip driving here; instead, take the Green Line Metro to Al Ras Station and walk through the souk. It’s faster than navigating the narrow Corniche roads by car.
  • What to see nearby: Arrive early to explore Deira Gold and Spice Souks, both are within 5–7 minutes’ walk. Keep small change handy; many stalls accept cash only.
  • Evening vibe: After your cruise, stroll along Baniyas Road Corniche, locals gather here after sunset for tea and conversation, and you’ll get a feel for old port life.
  • Tip for families: Avoid strollers here; the pavements are narrow and uneven. Light carriers or foldable pushchairs work better.

Dubai Water Canal / Al Faris Floating Restaurant Pier (Al Jadaf Area)

  • Easiest access: This pier sees less congestion than Marina or Creek. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to enjoy the calm promenade. It’s quieter, ideal for photos with Burj Khalifa in the distance.
  • Nearby stops: If you’re early, grab a drink at Canal Café at Hilton Al Habtoor City (5-minute drive) or walk to the Tolerance Bridge for one of Dubai’s most underrated skyline views.
  • Driving tip: The pier sits within the Marasi Drive loop. Follow signs for “Al Faris Floating Restaurant” rather than “Dubai Water Canal” to avoid wrong turns.
  • Post-cruise add-on: For combo cruise guests, the La Perle theatre is 10 minutes away in Al Habtoor City, perfect to pair a cruise with the evening show.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Dubai dhow cruise boarding points

How to reach Dubai Marina dhow cruise?

Dubai Marina dhow cruises board from Marina Promenade near Pier 7, next to Marina Mall. You can reach it by DMCC Metro Station (10-minute walk) or taxi from Downtown (~25 minutes).

How far is the cruise port from City Centre?

Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal (near Marina) is about 25 km from Downtown Dubai, roughly a 25–30 minute drive via Sheikh Zayed Road. Taxis cost around 40–60 AED one way.

Are Dubai Marina and JBR the same?

They’re adjacent districts. JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) sits along the beachfront, while Dubai Marina is the inland canal area. Both connect by tram and pedestrian bridges, just 10 minutes apart on foot.

How do I go to dhow cruise Dubai?

You can reach dhow cruise boarding points by metro, taxi, or hotel transfer.

  • Marina: DMCC Metro
  • Creek: Al Ghubaiba Metro
  • Canal: Taxi via Marasi Drive (Business Bay)
    Hotel transfers are the easiest for dinner cruises.
What metro station is near Dubai Marina dhow cruise?

The nearest metro stop is DMCC Station (Red Line). From there, walk 8–10 minutes along Marina Walk toward Pier 7 / Marina Mall. The Dubai Tram also connects directly to Marina Promenade.

Which boarding point is closest to Burj Khalifa?

The Dubai Canal / Al Faris Pier (Al Jadaf) is nearest to Burj Khalifa, just 15 minutes by car from Downtown Dubai. It offers skyline and Burj views during evening cruises.

Are dhow cruise boarding points wheelchair accessible?

Canal and Marina piers have ramps and level pathways suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Creek (Deira side) has uneven cobbles and is not recommended for mobility-impaired travelers.