Discover Why the Marina Dhow Cruise Is Dubai's Best-Value Evening Out
Dubai is celebrated globally for its glittering skyline, however some of the finest views of this coastline are enjoyed from the water instead. A relaxed Marina Cruise Dinner offers you that unique vantage point — a leisurely two-hour sail along the glittering Dubai Marina canal, accompanied by a full buffet dinner along with traditional live entertainment.
The best part is the price. Rates start at AED 60 per person, and that makes it one of the most affordable premium experiences anywhere in Dubai.
What Is a Marina Dhow Cruise?
The dhow is a classic wooden sailing craft that has been used along this coastline for pearling and trade. Now, these boats have been carefully restored and modernised into floating restaurants complete with air-conditioned lower decks along with open-air rooftop decks.
Compared with a traditional Creek sailing, the Marina route carries you along the ultra-modern side of Dubai: glass towers on both banks, the sweep of Ain Dubai, the lively promenade of Jumeirah Beach Residence, as well as lights dancing across the surface.
Which Marina Cruise Package Suits You?
There are four main packages — what you pick depends on your budget and the occasion.
Standard Marina Dhow Cruise – AED 60 per person
This is easily our best-selling package. Guests enjoy 120 minutes on the water, a four-star international buffet, chicken BBQ grilled onboard, full veg and non-veg menus, unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, music entertainment, and a a live Tanoura performance. There is seating on the air-conditioned lower deck or the open upper deck.
Luxury Dubai Marina Cruise – AED 70 per person
Ten dirhams more brings a slightly more polished experience. You keep every standard inclusion, with improved seating throughout, a fuller entertainment line-up and a headline Tanoura performance.
Marina Glass and Fiber Cruise – from AED 80
Perfect for anyone seeking the widest possible views, the glass-sided boat is the obvious choice. Guests board at 8 PM and disembark at 10:45 PM, with a complete buffet and barbecue, free-flowing soft drinks, dedicated washrooms for ladies and gentlemen plus gentle music and live shows.
VIP Marina Cruise Dubai – from AED 150, reduced from AED 190
Our top-tier package. Expect a red-carpet reception at boarding, a five-star international buffet dinner, a traditional Arabic wooden dhow decorated in classic style, a professional Tanoura artist, both an AC lower deck and open upper deck, plus landmark views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the full Marina skyline. Boarding is from Dubai Marina Harbour.
Food and Dining Onboard
Dinner is far from an afterthought. The spread covers a broad international selection with Arabic classics, hot mains, a salad and mezze counter, rice and grilled items, and sweet dishes to finish. Barbecue is prepared onboard while you sail, and there is a full vegetarian selection rather than given a token side dish. Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water are included for the full two hours.
Live Entertainment and the Tanoura Show
A highlight of every sailing is the live Tanoura performance. The mesmerising spinning performance traces back to Egyptian and Sufi culture, and the performance is delivered by a trained performer wearing an illuminated, colourful skirt that transforms the deck. In addition, there is music and entertainment throughout from boarding to disembarkation.
Sights Along the Marina Route
While the boat moves along the water, the route takes in the illuminated towers lining the canal, the famous twisting more info Cayan Tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, the glowing Ain Dubai wheel, Marina Walk, and even glimpses of Palm Jumeirah in the distance. The upper deck is unbeatable, particularly just after sunset.
Perfect for Celebrations and Corporate Groups
This experience is ideal for birthdays, anniversary dinners, family reunions, romantic surprises plus corporate group bookings. Birthday setups are available on request, while business groups receive exclusive discounts and tailored packages for team outings and bulk reservations.
Practical Information
Check-in starts at 7:45 PM, and the sailing runs from 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM every day. Try to reach the harbour ahead of time to secure the best seats. Comfortable smart-casual clothing works best, and a light layer is worth bringing because the wind picks up on the water. Families with children are very welcome, and notably kids are priced at the same AED 60.
Other Tours Worth Adding
Consider adding an evening desert safari priced from AED 90, covering 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, a BBQ buffet dinner plus live shows. Further options include Dubai City Tours from AED 100, Abu Dhabi City Tours from AED 220, Burj Khalifa's observation deck from AED 180, Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski tours from AED 200, deep sea fishing trips from AED 250 and yacht rental starting at AED 500 per hour.
Questions We Get Asked
What do I get for AED 60?
120 minutes on the water, an international buffet dinner, chicken BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, a live Tanoura show, music entertainment plus stunning Dubai Marina views.
How much does it cost?
Just AED 60 for both adults and children, covering meals, entertainment and the full cruise.
What are the timings?
Boarding is at 7:45 PM, and the cruise runs 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM every day.
Book Your Marina Cruise Today
Seats fill quickly, particularly between October and April, so it pays to reserve in advance. We are contactable around the clock to help you choose the right package.
Phone +971 56 1277925 or reach us on WhatsApp on +971 50 9912456 to book your Marina Cruise Dinner today. Browse www.marinacruisedinner.com to see all packages and current deals.
