4.4(10,530)

Dubai Dhow Dinner Cruises

Gourmet dinner & drinks
Gourmet dinner & drinks
Stunning nighttime views
Stunning nighttime views
Romantic atmosphere
Romantic atmosphere
Alexandra Dhow Cruise illuminated at Dubai Marina during sunset.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Dagmawit michael
AE

Dagmawit

United Arab Emirates
Jul 2025
5/5

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Excellent Cruise! Had an amazing time! The ship was clean and beautiful, the staff were incredibly friendly, and the food was fantastic. Entertainment was fun and the excursions were well-organized.
M. R.
IT

M.

Italy
Jul 2025
5/5

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I booked this cruise just to spend a different evening, but given the price I did not expect anything exceptional. 14 € in low season, 12.50 € with discounts after other bookings. As soon as we depart, dinner is served buffet style, in small groups so there is no confusion and everyone can help themselves at their leisure. Quite varied and surprisingly good dishes. After several encores of dishes and desserts, a show begins at the end of the evening that entertains until we return. All well organized. Recommended. Only flaw, the location provided on Maps, is incorrect. Better to get to the piers a little earlier and ask.
fatima Kubra

Fatima

Jun 2025
5/5

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+1 more

Honestly,It was such a wonderful experienced & we loved to explore the journey of xclusive yatch through headout , it's Very smooth & easy to booked the tickets from headout & I suggested many of my friends to download the headout App to get combo offers & special discounts over there.
Agim Zeqiri
CH

Agim

Switzerland
Oct 2025
5/5
It was absolutely incredible and surely unforgettable. However, I don't think Indian music or anything other than Arabic music belongs on these boats. We come to the UAE to discover Arab culture and we end up discovering a completely different culture which we have no problem with, but it's not what we want.
Anant Agarwal
IN

Anant

India
Jul 2025
4/5
The experience was good, food was good but since everyone had the access to both upper and lower decks, I felt cheated as I paid extra for upper deck. Headout should know about their partners and the service distinction when they charge separate fees.
Santhanam Sivakumaran
IN

Santhanam

India
Nov 2025
4/5
A well planned and organised setup. The crew are very helpful. The dance program is also ntrrtaining. The coverage is great. Food quality can be improved. Overall, a must-do for Dubai tourists
JAVID ALIYEV
AZ

Javid

Azerbaijan
Nov 2025
5/5
Everything about this experience was absolutely amazing! From start to finish, the service was exceptional — the staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure every guest felt comfortable and special. The meals were delicious, offering a perfect variety of flavors that matched the elegance of the evening. The dance show was full of energy and entertainment, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere on board. The view from the cruise was breathtaking, especially as the city lights reflected beautifully on the water — truly a magical scene. It was also wonderful meeting new people and sharing this beautiful experience together. Overall, everything — the service, food, entertainment, and view — came together perfectly for an unforgettable night. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Alexandria! 🌅✨
Tania Maria Mejia Capistran
ID

Tania

Indonesia
Oct 2025
5/5
This is my 3rd time on this activity but with headout was waaay more easier and super good price, i totally recommend you to do your booking here because is something you CANNOT miss ! The views, drinks and bbq what else could you ask for?

Top things to do in Dubai

What to expect on a Dubai dhow dinner cruise?

Dubai Marina dhow cruise with guests boarding for a 5-star Indian dinner experience.
Dhow cruise with colorful lights on Dubai Creek at night.
Couple dining on Alexandra VIP Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina.
Tanoura dancer performing on Alexandra VIP Dhow Cruise with guests watching.
Illuminated dhow boat on Dubai Marina with city skyline and Ferris wheel in the background.
Dhow cruise with lights on Dubai Creek at night, city skyline in background.
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What to expect on a Dubai dhow dinner cruise?

Boarding is straightforward: the crew guide you to your table and help groups sit together. Some cruises offer a welcome drink as guests settle in before departure.

Open-air upper deck views

The open upper deck gives wide-angle views of Marina towers, Creek heritage districts, or Canal bridges. It’s the best place for photos, especially as the skyline lights up after sunset.

Buffet dinner service

Dinner begins soon after the cruise starts. Expect an international buffet with salads, grilled dishes, rice, pasta, and desserts, along with vegetarian options. Service runs throughout the sailing.

Evening entertainment

Many dinner dhows include a tanoura dance or live music on the lower deck. Performances last around 15–20 minutes. Some luxury boats offer alternative entertainment, and shows pause during Ramadan.

Night skyline photography

The brightest views come mid-cruise: Marina skyscrapers, JBR shoreline, the Creek’s heritage facades, or the Canal’s illuminated bridges. Reflections on the water create perfect night shots.

Relaxed return to the pier

The final stretch is calmer with soft music and uninterrupted views. Crew assist with dessert rounds, photos, and guiding guests during disembarkation.

Things to know before booking a Dubai dhow dinner cruise

  • Menu Style: All dinner dhow cruises offer an international buffet with Arabic dishes and vegetarian options. Some luxury cruises include a live grill or upgraded menu.
  • Duration: Standard Marina, Creek, and Canal dinner cruises typically last 1.5–2 hours. Combo experiences (like Canal + La Perle) last 3 hours+.
  • Seating: All cruises provide a choice of open-air upper deck or AC lower deck. Seating is usually assigned on the lower deck and self-selected on the upper deck.
  • Entertainment: Marina and Creek cruises almost always include a Tanoura show. Canal luxury cruises replace this with live music, depending on operator.
  • Drinks: All standard cruises include unlimited soft drinks and water. Only luxury Marina/Canal cruises offer alcohol packages (beer/wine/house beverages).
  • Transfers: Hotel transfers may be included or optional, especially for Creek and Canal routes.
  • Weather: All dhows have enclosed indoor dining areas for warm or windy evenings. Open decks stay pleasant in winter and cooler months.

Your Dubai dhow dinner cruise options

Traditional dhow boat illuminated at night for a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek.

Standard dinner cruises

Affordable, classic dhow experiences with buffet dining, soft drinks, and live entertainment. Ideal for first-time visitors and families.

Recommended experiences:

Dubai Marina: 2-Hour Dhow Dinner Cruise

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Inclusions: International buffet + soft drinks
  • Entertainment: Tanoura show
  • Best for: Classic Marina skyline views

Dubai Creek: 1.5-Hour Dhow Dinner Cruise

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Inclusions: Buffet dinner + soft drinks
  • Entertainment: Tanoura show
  • Best for: Heritage atmosphere & Old Dubai views
Dhow cruise with lights reflecting on Dubai Marina at night.

Premium dinner cruises

Higher-quality dining, better ambiance, and enhanced entertainment. Great for celebrations, couples, and travelers seeking elevated comfort.

Recommended experiences:

Alexandra VIP Dhow Marina Cruise

  • Duration: 1h 45m
  • Inclusions: Premium buffet + live grill
  • Entertainment: Tanoura + live music
  • Best for: Top-rated service & Marina highlights

Alexandra VIP Sunset Dhow Cruise

  • Duration: 1h 45m
  • Inclusions: Buffet dinner + beverages
  • Entertainment: Tanoura show
  • Best for: Early-evening golden-hour Marina views
Luxury dhow cruise on Dubai Canal with illuminated cityscape in the background.

Luxury dinner cruises

Five-star food, refined ambiance, glass-enclosed decks, and the option for unlimited house beverages. Perfect for special nights out.

Recommended experiences:

Dubai Canal Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Inclusions: Gourmet buffet + unlimited drinks
  • Entertainment: Live saxophone
  • Best for: Burj Khalifa views & IMAGINE show timing

Dubai Marina: Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Inclusions: 5-star buffet + unlimited drinks (optional)
  • Entertainment: Live performances
  • Best for: Upscale dining with Marina skyline

Your Dubai dhow dinner cruise boarding points

Address: Dubai Marina Promenade, near Marina Mall & Pier 7

Best ways to get there

  • Metro + Walk: Take DMCC Metro Station, walk 10 minutes along Marina Walk.
  • Taxi: Direct drop at Marina Promenade (15–40 AED).
  • Car: Park at Marina Mall (paid).
  • Transfers: Available on most dinner cruises.

Public transport

  • Metro: DMCC or Dubai Marina stations (10–15 minutes).
  • Tram: Marina Mall stop (5–8 minutes).
  • Bus: Routes 8, 84, F55A to Marina area.

Parking

  • Marina Mall (paid).
  • Limited street parking after 6pm.

Address: Al Seef (Bur Dubai side) or Deira Old Souk Wharfage (Deira side).

Best ways to get there

  • Metro: Fastest and avoids souk traffic. Take Al Ghubaiba Metro (Green Line); 5-minute walk to Al Seef.
  • Taxi: Reliable on both sides.
  • Transfers: Offered on many Creek dinner cruises.
  • Car: Possible, but Deira street parking is limited.

Public transport

  • Metro: Al Ghubaiba (5 minutes), Baniyas Square (6–8 minutes).
  • Bus: C07, X25, 29, 21 (Bur Dubai) & C28, C01 (Deira).

Parking

  • Al Seef: Paid and easiest.
  • Deira: Limited spaces—arrive early.

Address: Back side of Jameel Art Center, Jaddaf Waterfront.

Best ways to get there

  • Taxi/Rideshare: Most convenient at night. Take a taxi directly to Marasi Drive, closest and simplest.
  • Metro + Taxi: Business Bay + 7–10-minute ride.
  • Transfers: Common on luxury Canal cruises.

Public transport

  • Metro: Business Bay (15-minute walk or short taxi).
  • Bus: Routes F14, 7, 21 with 7–12-minute walk.

Parking

  • Marasi Drive paid parking (5–10 AED/hr).
  • Street parking limited after 8pm.

Top sights to see on your Dubai dhow dinner cruise

Luxury dhow cruise with lights on Dubai Marina at night, skyscrapers in the background.

Dubai Marina skyline

Glide between glittering glass towers that rise dramatically on both sides of the canal. From the water, the skyline feels closer and more immersive, with reflections shimmering off the calm marina surface.

Ain Dubai Ferris wheel illuminated at night with a houseboat in the foreground.
Dubai Creek with traditional boats and city skyline in the background.
Dubai Water Canal cruise boat with illuminated lights under a purple waterfall.
Panoramic view of Dubai's Business Bay skyline featuring the Burj Khalifa.

Plan your Dubai dhow dinner cruise experience

Dining setup on a dhow cruise with city skyline in the background.

General dinner cruise timings: Most dhow dinner cruises operate in the evening with boarding 30–45 minutes before departure.

  • Standard dinner cruises (Marina & Creek): Depart around 8:30pm
  • VIP & luxury cruises (Alexandra VIP & Canal Luxury): Depart between 8:00pm–8:30pm
  • Sunset cruises: Fixed 5:30pm departure on select days
  • Dinner + La Perle combo: 6:30pm cruise followed by 9pm show

Best months for a dinner cruise in Dubai

  • The ideal seasons are November to March, when evenings are cooler (18–26°C) and upper decks feel comfortable even late at night.
  • April–May and September–October are warm but pleasant after sunset.
  • June–August is humid—most guests prefer lower air-conditioned decks or luxury glazed-window boats.
Underground parking garage with multiple cars and orange P1 D signs.
  • Air-conditioned lower decks with dining tables
  • Open-air upper decks on most Marina and Creek cruises
  • Live entertainment, typically Tanoura shows or music
  • International buffet dinner with vegetarian options
  • Restrooms on lower deck
  • Snack bars or beverage counters on select cruises
  • Hotel transfers available on many dinner cruises
  • Safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency protocols
  • Professional crew & sailing staff
Wheelchair access sign indicating barrier-free entry.
  • Ramps vary by pier, and some dhows use gentle slopes while others have steeper gangways.
  • Wheelchair access is limited on traditional wooden dhows due to narrow passages and staircase-only access to upper decks.
  • Lower deck boarding is usually manageable for guests with mild mobility concerns.
  • Bathrooms are compact, even on larger boats.
  • Strollers must be folded before boarding.
  • Crew can assist with early boarding and safe seating—highly recommended for elderly travelers.
Dhow cruise with lights at Marina, skyscrapers in background, Alishba Cruise.
  • Book ahead; weekend dinner cruises in Marina and Canal often sell out 2–4 days in advance, especially upper deck seats.
  • Arrive 30–45 minutes early to secure good seating and avoid the pre-departure rush at the pier.
  • Dress smart-casual, light layers for winter nights; avoid heels due to narrow deck stairs.
  • Dietary needs? Tell staff when boarding; buffets always include vegetarian dishes but vegan/gluten-free options vary.
  • Best views: Upper deck (Marina/Canal) or window-side lower deck (Creek). Move to the railings during departures for great skyline shots.
  • Cash helps; for photos, souvenir prints, or extra beverages on premium cruises.
  • Stay safe: Avoid leaning over railings and keep to marked areas, especially during docking.

Frequently asked questions about Dubai dhow dinner cruise tickets

How long does a Dubai dhow dinner cruise last?

Most dhow dinner cruises run 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route. VIP and luxury options follow the same duration but offer elevated dining and entertainment.

What does a Dubai dhow dinner cruise include?

Dinner cruises typically include a buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks, and live entertainment such as Tanoura shows. Luxury cruises may add house beverages, gourmet menus, or hotel transfers.

Is seating assigned or first-come-first-served?

The lower deck usually has assigned tables. The upper deck follows a first-come-first-served system — rail-side seats fill up quickly, so arrive early.

Is photography allowed on Dubai dhow dinner cruises?

Yes. Photography is welcome on all cruises. Flash may be restricted during performances, and tripods aren’t allowed due to space limitations.

Is live entertainment included on all dinner cruises?

Most dinner cruises include Tanoura dance performances or traditional music. Luxury Canal cruises often feature live saxophone instead of Tanoura.

Can I access the open deck for sightseeing?

Yes. Every dhow has an open-air upper deck with skyline views. Lower-deck guests can move upstairs unless the boat is at capacity.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. Buffets offer vegetarian selections, and many operators can accommodate vegan diets with advance notice.

Is alcohol included or available?

Standard cruises serve soft drinks only. Alcohol is offered only on luxury cruises (Marina VIP or Canal Luxury), either included or as an upgrade. BYO alcohol isn’t permitted.