Dubai · Sharjah · Ajman · Abu Dhabi · Ras Al Khaimah
Dinner on the water, the old Dubai way.
Two hours on a wooden dhow with a buffet dinner, live music and the lights of the Creek or the Marina sliding past. The most relaxed evening in the city, and one of the best value.
✦Creek or Marina, both with pickup
✦Buffet dinner and live show included
✦Family friendly, alcohol-free boats available
✦From about AED 100 per person
A dhow is the wooden trading boat that built Dubai long before the towers. Dozens of them now run dinner cruises every evening, and the choice comes down to where: the Creek, which is the old town, with the souks, the abras and the lit-up Deira skyline; or the Marina, which is glass towers, yachts and JBR beach.
The evening is simple and that is the point. Board around 8 pm, a welcome drink, a buffet dinner with Arabic and international dishes, a Tanoura dancer or a musician, and the boat returns around 10 pm. Prices are low compared to almost anything else in Dubai, which makes a dhow dinner the easy choice for a first night or for a group with children and grandparents.
The pages below compare the Creek and the Marina, list what a cruise costs and what is included, and explain the small differences between boats that change the evening a lot.
Good to know
Creek or Marina?+
Creek for atmosphere and the old town; Marina for the skyline and a more modern boat. If you have only one evening, the Creek is the more Dubai experience.
Is alcohol served?+
Most Creek dhows are dry; many Marina dhows and glass-boat cruises have a licensed bar. We say which before you book.
Is there vegetarian food?+
Every buffet has vegetarian dishes, and most have vegan and Indian options. Tell us about allergies when you book.
Is it suitable for children?+
Very. Boats have no age limit, the ride is calm, the show is family friendly and children under four usually eat free.
What is the dress code?+
Smart casual. It is cooler on the water in winter, so bring a light jacket.
Make it a full trip
Same team, same simple booking, other days of your stay.