First Time on a Dhow Cruise? Here's Exactly What to Expect

What Exactly Is a Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina?

A dhow cruise is a two-hour dinner cruise on a traditional wooden boat, built in the style of old Arabian trading vessels but fitted out with modern guest decks. You board at Dubai Marina Harbour, sail a loop through the marina past the skyline, and eat dinner along the way. The ticket covers the cruise, the buffet, and the entertainment together.

It's a fixed-route sightseeing dinner, not open-water sailing, so there's no itinerary to plan yourself. For the full rundown of what's on board, see our Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner page, or compare timings and seating across other sailings on Marina Cruise Dubai.

Where Do You Board, and What Time Should You Arrive?

Boarding is at Dubai Marina Harbour. Gates open at 8:00 PM, the dhow departs at 8:30 PM, and it's back at the dock by 10:30 PM.

Arrive at 8:00 PM sharp rather than right at departure. That gives you the full thirty minutes to check in, find your seat, and settle in before the boat pulls away, instead of rushing on at the last minute.

Transfer isn't included in the ticket by default. A shared transfer costs AED 30 per person from Dubai and Bur Dubai, and a private transfer costs AED 300 for one to seven people, covering Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. Both need to be arranged when you book; our Dhow Cruise FAQ covers pickup questions in more depth.

What Happens Once You Get On Board?

You check in at 8:00 PM, the dhow departs at 8:30 PM, and for the next two hours it's dinner, skyline views, and live entertainment before you're back on land at 10:30 PM.

What Food Is Served on a Dhow Cruise?

Dinner is an international buffet with separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian counters, and every dish served is halal. There's a full vegetarian line running alongside the non-vegetarian one, not just a side salad.

Standard cruises serve a 4-star buffet. The Premium VIP cruise upgrades this to a 5-star spread, which is the main difference between the two tiers beyond seating. See what else changes on our Premium VIP Marina Cruise page.

There's also a bar section on board. Because of local licensing rules, alcohol is only served to guests who confirm they are not Muslim, and bar staff will check before pouring anything.

What Should You Wear?

Smart casual is the rule. Think of what you'd wear to a nice dinner out, not the beach.

Between October and April, evenings on the open upper deck are pleasant with a light breeze, so a thin jacket or shawl is enough. From May to September it's hot and humid, and more guests choose the air-conditioned lower deck, especially before the sun fully sets.

What Should You Bring, and What Should You Leave Behind?

Bring a charged phone for photos, a light jacket or shawl for the AC lower deck or the breeze on the open deck, and cash or a card if you plan to use the bar.

Leave large bags and luggage behind. A small bag or clutch is fine, but the dhow isn't set up for suitcases. Outside food and drink aren't part of the plan either, since the buffet and bar cover the whole evening.

Is a Dhow Cruise Suitable for Kids and Elderly Guests?

Yes. It's a seated, low-movement evening that most elderly guests find easy, and kids aged 3 and under sail free.

Above age 3, kids pay the same rate as adults, though a 10% discount for under-12s is sometimes available depending on the date. Ask when you book if it applies to your cruise.

Wheelchair access is limited to the Premium VIP cruise, for an extra AED 80 fee. The standard cruise's seating isn't set up for wheelchair users, so if that's a requirement, book Premium VIP in advance rather than on the day. Our Dhow Cruise Dubai guide has more on how the two cruise tiers compare.

Will You Get Seasick?

Almost certainly not. Dubai Marina is a sheltered, artificial waterway rather than open sea, and the dhow cruises at a slow, steady pace for the full two hours.

Most first-time guests feel no motion at all. If you're normally sensitive to boats, sitting toward the centre of the lower deck keeps things even steadier.

How Do You Book, and What If Plans Change?

Book by messaging us on WhatsApp, calling directly, or browsing Marina Cruise Packages to see current departures and pick your night.

If your plans change, cancel at least 2 days before your scheduled cruise for a full refund. Full terms are on our cancellation policy page, and our team can confirm your specific booking over WhatsApp or phone.

This cruise is run by Ramz Al Haya Tourism LLC, which has operated tours and cruises in Dubai for more than 15 years.

First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

A few small mistakes come up again and again with first-time guests:

• Arriving right at 8:30 PM and missing the best seats. Come at 8:00 PM instead.
• Assuming all three shows run every night. Only two of Tanoura, Puppet, and Panda play on any given cruise.
• Showing up in beach sandals or shorts and feeling out of place next to smart-casual tables.
• Forgetting that transfer isn't automatically included. Arrange sharing or private transfer when you book, not on the way out the door.
• Needing wheelchair access but booking the Standard cruise. Confirm Premium VIP ahead of time instead.
• Cancelling the day before and missing the 2-day refund window.