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Plan your Dubai dhow cruise: Your guide to seeing Dubai the traditional way

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Alexandra Sea Lounge Dhow Cruise illuminated at night on Dubai Marina.

Dubai's dhow cruises sail three main routes, each showing different sides of the city. Marina cruises pass modern skyscrapers and Ain Dubai. Creek cruises navigate through the older part of the city. Canal cruises offer front-row views of the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Road. Most run 1-2 hours with dinner service in the evening or sightseeing during the day. You'll board traditional wooden vessels with enclosed air-conditioned lower decks and open-air upper decks. Here’s everything you need to plan your trip, from timings and boarding points to onboard facilities and essential tips.

Dubai dhow cruises: Visitor information at a glance

Dhow boat cruising in Dubai Marina with city skyline in the background.
  • Where: Dubai dhow cruises operate across three routes: the Creek, the Marina, and the Water Canal. The Creek highlights the city’s heritage, Marina showcases its modern skyline, and the Canal combines calm waters with luxury.
  • Choose between sightseeing cruises (1 hour, soft drinks included) and dinner cruises (2–2.5 hours with buffet dinner, entertainment, and drinks). Luxury dhows and VIP boats like Alexandra offer a more premium dining setup.
  • Timings: Sightseeing cruises typically run all day. Dinner cruises depart at 8pm. Timings vary by operator and season.
  • Boarding: Creek cruises board from Al Seef and Deira Creek piers. Marina cruises board at Pier 7, a short walk from DMCC Metro, and Canal cruises depart close Dubai Festival City.
  • Accessibility: Most dhows welcome children of all ages. Kids under 3 usually sail free, and dinner cruises provide high chairs on request. Larger dhows are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and accessible restrooms on the lower deck.

Dubai dhow cruise timings

Dubai Marina dhow cruise with guests boarding for a 5-star Indian dinner experience.
  • Sightseeing cruises: Operate daily between 10:30am and 6:30pm across Creek and Marina routes. Ideal for daytime views of the skyline.
  • Sunset cruises: Depart around 5:30pm to 7:30pm, depending on the season. Best for golden-hour lighting and cooler weather.
  • Dinner cruises: Begin between 8pm and 10pm, lasting 2–2.5 hours. Boarding usually opens 20 minutes before departure.
  • Luxury & canal cruises: Evening departures from 8:15pm, returning around 10:45pm. These run slightly longer and include premium dining.
  • Frequency: Sightseeing cruises run every 1–2 hours, while dinner and luxury dhows operate once daily in the evening.
  • Best time to go on a dhow cruise: Sunset or evening departures (5:30pm–9pm) offer the most striking skyline reflections and cooler weather.
  • Best season: November–March delivers pleasant evening temperatures and calm seas, perfect for outdoor decks.

Where are Dubai dhow cruise boarding points located?

Dubai dhow cruises depart from three main waterways, each with designated boarding points. Marina cruises board near Marina Mall along Marina Promenade; Creek cruises depart from two areas: Al Seef Heritage District on the Bur Dubai side or Deira Old Souk wharfage on the Deira side. Canal cruises board from Business Bay, specifically along Marasi Drive near the waterfront promenade.

Dhow boat cruising along Dubai Creek with city skyline in the background.

Dubai Creek

Location: Al Seef and Deira Creek Piers, Bur Dubai & Deira Corniche
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Getting there:

  • By metro: Take the Green Line to Al Fahidi Station (Bur Dubai side) or Baniyas Square Station (Deira side). Both are about a 5–8 minute walk to the pier.
  • By bus: Routes C7, C9, E400, and 53 stop at Al Seef or Al Ras.
  • By taxi/car: A 15–20 minute drive from Downtown Dubai. Taxi fares average AED 25–35 each way. Paid parking is available near Al Seef Mall and Creek Park Gate 4, though spots fill quickly after 7pm.
  • Famous for: Heritage charm, calm waters, and close proximity to Al Fahidi Historical District and textile souks.
Alexandra Dhow Cruise illuminated at Dubai Marina during sunset.

Dubai Marina

Location: Pier 7 and Dubai Marina Walk, next to Dubai Marina Mall
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Getting there:

  • By metro: Take the Red Line to DMCC Station (Exit 3), 10 minutes’ walk to the pier through Marina Mall.
  • By tram: Stop at Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence 2, both 5 minutes away on foot.
  • By bus: Routes 8, 84, and F55A stop at Marina Promenade or JLT Seaside.
  • By taxi/car: A 25–30 minute drive from Downtown Dubai. Taxi fares range between AED 35–45. Underground parking is available at Dubai Marina Mall and Pier 7 Tower, with direct access to the boardwalk.
  • Famous for: Glittering skyline views, luxury yachts, and proximity to JBR and Bluewaters Island.
Dubai Water Canal cruise boat with illuminated lights under a purple waterfall.

Dubai Water Canal

Location: Al Faris Floating Restaurant, Al Jadaf, near Dubai Creek Harbour
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Getting there:

  • By metro: Take the Green Line to Al Jadaf Station, then walk 8–10 minutes toward the waterfront.
  • By bus: Routes 61, C18, and C04 stop at Creek Metro Bus Stop, about a 7-minute walk.
  • By taxi/car: Around 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai or Business Bay. Taxi fares average AED 25–30. Free parking is available next to Dubai Festival City Mall and limited roadside parking near Al Jadaf Marine Terminal.
  • Famous for: Scenic bridges, the Sheikh Zayed Road Waterfall, and peaceful skyline views away from tourist crowds.

How can I get to the Dubai dhow cruise boarding points?

  • Hotel transfers: Most dinner cruise packages include or offer shared hotel transfers. Buses collect guests from Dubai hotels 45-60 minutes before cruise departure. Works best for travelers staying in Business Bay, Jumeirah, or areas without direct metro access. Drop-off after cruise is included. Not available for midday sightseeing cruises.
  • By taxi/rideshare: Direct drop-off at all boarding points via Uber, Careem, or RTA taxis. Most flexible option. Budget 15-50 AED per ride depending on origin. Marina and Creek have taxi stands for return trips. Canal cruises may need app-booked pickups as fewer street taxis operate in Business Bay evening hours.
  • By car: Self-driving works if staying nearby. Marina has paid parking near Marina Mall (10 AED/hour). Creek offers free street parking near Al Seef (limited availability after 6pm). Canal boarding points have minimal parking, use paid lots along Marasi Drive (5-10 AED/hour). Roads congest 6-8pm, so arrive 30-40 minutes early.

Know before you go on a Dubai dhow cruise

Dhow boat illuminated at night in Dubai Marina, reflecting on the water.
  • Onboard comfort: Air-conditioned lower decks and open-air upper decks for breezy skyline views.
  • Dining setup: Buffet counters on lower deck; beverage stations open throughout sailing.
  • Restrooms: Available on most dhows, located on the lower deck; limited stalls on smaller boats.
  • Family amenities: High chairs available on dinner cruises; infants under 3 sail free.
  • Accessibility: Large dinner dhows have ramps to lower deck; not suitable for wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Pier facilities: Ticket desks, waiting areas, and parking near all boarding points. Paid parking at Marina Mall and Al Seef; free or low-cost lots near Al Jadaf Canal.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi available on select luxury cruises; signal may drop mid-route, so download maps in advance.
Dhow boat cruising in Dubai Marina with city skyline in the background.
  • Boarding & check-in: Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure; final boarding closes 10–15 minutes prior to sailing.
  • Dress code: Smart casual required; avoid beachwear, sleeveless tops, and flip-flops. Bring a light jacket for open decks.
  • Food & drink: Outside food or beverages not permitted. Alcohol served only on luxury dhows.
  • Smoking: Allowed only in designated upper-deck areas.
  • Photography: Flash discouraged during Tanoura shows; drone use prohibited.
  • Children & supervision: Kids under 12 must remain with adults; stairs between decks are narrow and steep.
  • Safety & conduct: Life jackets onboard; follow crew instructions. Disruptive behavior or intoxication may lead to removal without refund.
Dubai Marina dhow cruise with guests boarding for a 5-star Indian dinner experience.
  • Best photo spots: Sit starboard (right side) for Marina skyline views, port (left side) for Creek heritage buildings; switch sides on return.
  • Timing: Arrive early for upper-deck rail seats; sunset slots (5:30–7:30pm) offer the best lighting.
  • Avoid crowding: Dinner cruises fill quickly Thursday–Saturday, so book 2–4 days in advance.
  • Wind & comfort: Upper decks get breezy after 8pm; bring a scarf or light layer.
  • Families: Choose Creek or Canal routes for calmer waters and earlier dinners if sailing with young kids.
  • Payment & extras: Most operators accept both cash and cards onboard for photo prints or bar tabs.
  • Navigation tip: Marina pier closest to DMCC Metro; Creek to Al Fahidi; Canal to Al Jadaf. Taxis from Downtown average AED 25–45.

Top attractions to spot on a Dubai dhow cruise

Open-top Big Bus tour in Dubai with Burj Khalifa in the background.

Burj Khalifa (Visible on Canal route)

The world’s tallest tower gleams above Downtown Dubai, its reflection rippling across the canal at dusk. Evening cruises offer the best angles. Watch its lights shimmer as bridges glow below. Best seen on Canal routes.

Ain Dubai Ferris wheel at sunset with city skyline in the background.
Al Fahidi Historical District with traditional wind towers and a mosque in Dubai.
Tolerance Bridge over Dubai Water Canal with Dubai skyline in the background.
Luxury dhow cruise with lights on Dubai Marina at night, skyscrapers in the background.

Frequently asked questions about dhow cruises in Dubai

What are the different types of dhow cruises in Dubai?

Six main types: sightseeing cruises (60-90 min, no meal), dinner cruises (2 hours with buffet), luxury cruises (premium food and unlimited alcohol), sunset cruises (early evening golden hour), combo cruises (Canal + La Perle show), and pirate ship cruises (family-themed with pizza).

What time do Dubai dhow dinner cruises start?

Most dinner cruises board between 7:45pm-8:30pm and depart at 8:30pm or 9pm. Return time: 10:30pm-11pm. Sunset cruises depart at 5:30pm. Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure time.

How do I get to the dhow cruise boarding points?

Three options: hotel transfers (included on most dinner cruises, pickup 45-60 min before departure), metro + 5-15 min walk (Marina and Creek only), or taxi/rideshare (all boarding points, 15-50 AED per ride). Self-driving possible but parking limited.

Are Dubai dhow cruises suitable for children?

Yes. Sightseeing cruises work best for young kids (shorter, daytime). Dinner cruises run late (return 10:30-11pm), better for older children. No kids' menus but buffets offer variety. Stairs between decks not stroller-friendly, strollers must be folded.

What should I wear on a Dubai dhow cruise?

Smart casual attire. Cover shoulders and knees: no shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless tops. Flat shoes recommended (narrow stairs between decks). Bring light jacket for upper deck evening cruises as Marina and Canal routes get breezy after 8pm.

Is alcohol served on Dubai dhow cruises?

No on standard cruises, unlimited soft drinks only. Alcohol available exclusively on luxury cruises with upgrades. BYO alcohol not permitted. No alcohol served during Ramadan month.

What's the difference between upper deck and lower deck tickets?

Lower deck is enclosed, fully air-conditioned, with assigned tables and stage views for entertainment. Upper deck is open-air rooftop with bench seating and standing rail areas, better for photography and breeze. Upper deck costs 15-20% more. Cannot switch after booking.

Do I need to book dhow cruises in advance?

Yes for dinner cruises, upper deck tickets sell out 2-3 days ahead on weekends. Sightseeing cruises have more walk-in availability. Luxury and combo cruises require 4-7 days advance booking. Last-minute bookings risk lower deck only or no availability.

Which dhow cruise route is best?

Marina for modern skyline and Ain Dubai views, best for first-timers. Creek for heritage atmosphere and traditional souk views, best for culture seekers. Canal for Burj Khalifa photography and IMAGINE show, best for landmark focus.

Are Dubai dhow cruises wheelchair accessible?

No. Narrow stairs connect upper and lower decks, not suitable for wheelchairs or walkers. Lower deck accessible from boarding ramp but bathrooms are compact. Boats lack wheelchair facilities or ramps. Limited mobility guests should book lower deck and inform operator in advance.

Do dhow cruises operate during Ramadan?

Yes but with modified timings. Iftar (sunset breaking-fast) cruises replace standard dinner cruises. Boarding times shift to sunset hour. No daytime food service until after sunset. Entertainment may be reduced. Alcohol not available even on luxury cruises during Ramadan month.

Are dhow cruises safe?

Yes. Boats undergo regular safety inspections. Life jackets stored under seating. Crew trained in first aid and emergency procedures. Rails secured on upper deck. Safety briefing during boarding. Guests must follow crew instructions and stay seated during boarding/disembarkation.