While there are many cult favorite places and activities in Dubai that the visitors as well as people around the world rave about, Dhow cruise dubai is by far one of the most raved about among them all. This is because it is quite a unique experience to tour the beautiful city of Dubai. Marvel at its futuristic developments amidst the sparkling water of Dubai.
Let’s introduce you to what a dhow cruise actually is. It is mainly a traditional Arabic boat that has been a part of the local tradition of Arabia for a long time. It was basically used for purpose like fishing, trading and pearl diving.
Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina: An Ultimate Guide to Experience the Magic of the Arabian Gulf
Discover the true charm of Dubai Marina by taking a traditional dhow cruise. Imagine gliding past towering skyscrapers while soaking in the warm breeze. It’s a perfect way to blend Dubai’s rich heritage with its modern luxury. Whether you’re celebrating or just looking for a special evening, a dhow cruise promises unforgettable memories.
Discover Dubai Marina’s Iconic Waterfront
Dubai Marina stands out as one of the most lively parts of the city. It’s a hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The marina stretches over 3 kilometers and is lined with cafes, boutiques, and high-end hotels. What draws many visitors here is its stunning waterfront views.
No other part of Dubai offers a mix of old and new quite like Dubai Marina. You get to see sleek glass buildings sitting alongside traditional wooden boats. A boat ride gives you a chance to experience both the city’s history and modern marvels in one trip.
Definition and History of Dhow Cruises
Dhow ships are traditional Arab sailing vessels. They’ve been around for hundreds of years, mainly used for trading and fishing across the Gulf. These vessels are made of wood and have a simple but sturdy design. For centuries, dhows played a key role in Dubai’s trade.
Types of Dhow Cruises Available in Dubai Marina
Dinner Cruises
Enjoy a delicious meal onboard while watching the city glow at night. These cruises usually serve Middle Eastern and international dishes. Live music or traditional performances add to the fun atmosphere. Most dinners last around 2 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite.
Sightseeing Cruises
If you want stunning views of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, sightseeing cruises are your best choice. They typically last between 1 to 2 hours and follow a route that showcases the skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and other famous sites. These cruises offer plenty of photo opportunities.
Private and Exclusive Charters
Looking for a more personalized experience? You can rent a dhow for private parties, anniversaries, or corporate events. These charters can be customized with your preferred route, menu, and entertainment options. Expect top-tier luxury with plush seats and private cabins.
Evening vs. Day Cruises
Evening cruises are perfect for romantic dinners or catching the city’s glittering skyline at night. Day cruises, on the other hand, let you enjoy warm sunshine and clear views. Both options have their charm—choose based on your mood and schedule.
Top Attractions and Sights Visible from a Dhow Cruise
Dubai Marina Skyline
The view of Dubai Marina’s skyscrapers is simply breathtaking. Buildings light up beautifully at night, creating a shimmering backdrop. The Marina Tower and Cayan Tower, with their unique shapes, make excellent photo material.
The Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Hotel
From the water, these landmarks look incredible. The Palm’s distinctive shape and the Atlantis hotel’s impressive structure are landmarks you’ll remember. Seeing them from the boat offers a fresh perspective that photos can’t do justice.
Dubai Eye and JBR Waterfront
The Dubai Eye, the world’s biggest Ferris wheel, and the lively JBR Beach add to the scenery. Their colorful lights and buzzing atmosphere make for a lively cruise backdrop. It’s like being in the middle of a spectacular city festival.
Other Notable Landmarks
Along the route, you’ll notice Marina Walk, Bluewaters Island, and more. All these sites come alive from the water, giving you a full sense of Dubai’s vibrant waterfront life.
Experience Features and Amenities on a Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
Onboard Dining and Beverage Options
Expect a tasty variety of cuisines, from Middle Eastern classics to international favorites. Many cruises serve fresh seafood, kebabs, and salads. Drinks include soft beverages, juices, mocktails, and sometimes alcohol, depending on the cruise.
Entertainment and Activities
Music plays a big part in making your cruise memorable. Live bands, traditional dance performances, or DJ sets keep the energy high. Some cruises even offer opportunities for guests to take photos for social media.
Luxurious Comfort and Facilities
Most dhow boats offer indoor air-conditioned spaces plus open sun decks. You can relax in plush seats or take photos from the top deck. Private cabins and themed décor add touches of luxury for special occasions.
Safety and Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Safety comes first on all cruises. Life jackets and safety instructions are standard. Many operators also focus on eco-friendly practices like waste reduction and using sustainable materials.
Presently, much larger and more advanced ships have become available for these purposes which is why these old traditional boat have been converted in to floating restaurants which is pretty cool. So here was a brief introduction to dhow cruise Dubai.
Join the evening cruise for best dinner cruise Dubai
To enjoy the mesmerizing views of Dubai and its developments, join the dhow cruise dinner in the evening because Dubai gets lit in the night with all the special effects of the majestic lighting and techniques. That’s one view you don’t want to miss on.
Get your hands on the dhow cruise deals in Dubai
To save some bucks, try and get your hands on some of the deals for dhow cruise in Dubai marina. These deals could easily be found on some of the trusted travel and tourism websites like getyourguide.com or viator.com.
Dubai is one of the best places where many deals and discounts are offered by various travel agents. Websites around the globe so this is a good place if you want to save some bucks but want to experience Dubai in all its glory.
Keep up with the Dress Code
Since Dubai is part of an Islamic country, travelers must respect that and take care that they follow the appropriate dress code.
This means that for men, it is advised that you wear full pants with shirt or t-shirt and women are advised to stay in modest clothing. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should go full ham with the burqas and abayas, but avoid wearing skirts and sleeveless tops. Rather try to show less skin.
These instructions should specially be taken into account while visiting dhow cruise as it part of the Arabian culture.
Visit the spice souk
Dubai is known for its gold and spices souk which have been a part of Arabic tradition in the past. Tourists are taken to the Spice souk where they get to explore the bazar. Even buy various authentic spices for the purpose of cooking at home. These spices are stored in hygienic order and have amazing fragrances.
Marvel at the architectural landscapes of Dubai
This tour is not only great for enjoying the dhow itself but also offers incredible views to the tourists. Tourists get the opportunity to see Palm Jumeirah. As well as other landmarks of Dubai including the attractive skyline of Dubai located on Sheikh Zayed Road. Also known to be the Downtown of Dubai.
This is one of the best ways to briefly observe the city. In a short amount of time and get a general perspective of the glamorous Dubai city.
So here were some of our tips and places to visit from Dhow cruise to fulfill your desire. Satisfy your evening and make it worth the bucks you pay.
Conclusion
A dhow cruise in Dubai Marina blends the charm of Arabian tradition with the luxury of modern Dubai. It’s a fantastic way to see the city’s most famous sights while enjoying comfort and entertainment. Whether you’re out for a romantic dinner, sightseeing, or private celebration, this experience will stand out. Book early to secure your spot and get ready for a journey you’ll never forget in the heart of the Arabian Gulf.