Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise: The Complete Guide to Dining, Sailing and Live Entertainment
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise: The Complete Guide to Dining, Sailing and Live Entertainment
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Buffet Dinner, Live Tanoura and the Marina Skyline — All From AED 60 Per Person
The city of Dubai has earned its reputation for its futuristic skyline, although the most memorable views of the emirate are enjoyed from the water instead. An evening Marina Cruise Dinner hands you precisely this viewpoint — a gentle two-hour cruise through one of the world's most photographed waterfronts, paired with a full buffet dinner and live shows and music.
The best part is how affordable it is. Prices start from AED 60 per person, making it one of the best-value experiences anywhere in Dubai.
The Dhow Cruise Experience Explained
The dhow is a hand-built wooden vessel that was used for centuries across the Arabian Gulf by traders, fishermen and pearl divers. Today, the design has been thoughtfully upgraded into floating restaurants with climate-controlled lower decks and open-air upper decks.
Compared with a traditional Creek sailing, a Marina cruise carries you along the ultra-modern side of Dubai: illuminated high-rises on either side, the famous Dubai Eye, the vibrant JBR, plus reflections shimmering across the canal.
Choosing the Right Package
Not every cruise is the same — the right one depends on your budget and the occasion.
Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner – AED 60 per person
This is the crowd favourite. Guests enjoy a two-hour voyage, a four-star buffet spread, chicken BBQ grilled onboard, veg and non-veg options, free-flowing 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 Marina Cruise Dubai – AED 70 per person
A small step up buys you extra comfort and polish. You keep every standard inclusion, alongside improved seating throughout, more entertainment across the evening and a an extended Tanoura show.
Marina Glass Cruise Dinner – AED 80 per person
For guests who want wall-to-wall views, the glass cruise is hard to beat. The sailing runs from 8 PM to 10:45 PM, covering the full buffet with BBQ, free-flowing soft drinks, separate toilets for men and women and gentle music and live shows.
The Premium VIP Cruise – AED 150 per person
Our top-tier package. Guests receive a red-carpet reception at boarding, a five-star buffet spread, an authentic Arabic wooden dhow with traditional décor, 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. You board directly at Dubai Marina Harbour.
The Dining Experience
The buffet deserves special mention. The spread covers continental, Arabian and Asian options, hot mains, fresh salads and mezze, rice and grilled items, plus sweet dishes to finish. Barbecue is prepared onboard while you sail, with veg diners are never an afterthought rather than given a token side dish. Soft drinks and mineral water are unlimited for the duration of the cruise.
Entertainment on the Water
The evening would not be the same without the Tanoura. This whirling folk dance comes from Egyptian Sufi tradition, and it features a skilled professional dancer wearing an illuminated, colourful skirt that transforms the deck. Beyond the Tanoura, guests enjoy live music and entertainment for the duration of the cruise.
Landmarks You'll See Along the Way
While the boat moves along the water, you will see website the dense cluster of Marina towers, the spiralling Cayan Tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, Ain Dubai lit up on Bluewaters Island, Marina Walk, plus the outline of Palm Jumeirah beyond. Camera in hand, the upper deck is where you want to be, particularly just after sunset.
Special Occasions Onboard
The Marina cruise is an excellent setting for birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, family get-togethers, romantic surprises as well as corporate team outings. Birthday setups are available on request, and companies can access special group rates and customised packages for team events and large bookings.
Planning Your Evening
Check-in starts at 7:45 PM, with the cruise sailing from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily. We recommend arriving early so you can pick your seat. Comfortable smart-casual clothing works best, and a light layer is worth bringing since the open deck catches the sea air. The cruise is family friendly, and kids are priced at the same AED 60.
Other Tours Worth Adding
Most visitors combine the cruise with an evening desert safari priced from AED 90, featuring 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, barbecue dinner at camp plus live shows. Also worth considering are Dubai City Tours from AED 100, Abu Dhabi City Tours from AED 220, Burj Khalifa's observation deck from AED 180, a Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski and water sports from AED 200, deep sea fishing from AED 250 plus private yacht charter from AED 500 per hour.
FAQs
What does the cruise include?
A full two-hour sail, a four-star international buffet, chicken BBQ, free soft drinks and water, a live Tanoura show, music entertainment plus stunning Dubai Marina views.
What's the rate?
AED 60 per adult and AED 60 per child, including all food, shows and the sailing itself.
What time does the cruise start?
Guests board at 7:45 PM, with cruising from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily.
How to Book
Demand is high, especially at weekends, particularly between October and April, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. We are contactable around the clock to answer questions and confirm your booking.
Ring +971 56 1277925 or message us via WhatsApp on +971 50 9912456 to reserve your seats. Visit www.marinacruisedinner.com for complete package information and live pricing.
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