Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise: A Detailed Guide to Dining, Sailing and Live Entertainment
Wiki Article
Two Hours of Cruising, Buffet Dining and Tanoura Entertainment in the Heart of Dubai Marina
The city of Dubai is famous around the world for its futuristic skyline, yet some of the finest views of the emirate are enjoyed from the water instead. An evening Marina Cruise Dinner delivers exactly that perspective — an unhurried 120-minute journey around the most photographed waterfront in the region, complete with a lavish buffet dinner together with live shows and music.
What surprises most visitors is the price. Rates start at AED 60 per person, which turns it into one of the most affordable premium experiences available to visitors.
The Dhow Cruise Experience Explained
A dhow is a classic wooden sailing craft that served for hundreds of years around the Gulf region for trading and pearl diving. Now, these boats have been thoughtfully upgraded into floating dining click here venues complete with cool, air-conditioned interiors along with open upper decks.
Compared with a traditional Creek sailing, the Marina route guides you past contemporary Dubai: towers lining both sides of the water, the famous the Ain Dubai observation wheel, the buzzing Jumeirah Beach Residence, plus reflections shimmering across the canal.
Our Marina Cruise Options
There are four main packages — your choice depends on your budget and the occasion.
The Classic Marina Dhow Cruise – from AED 60
This is the most popular option. It includes two hours of cruising, a four-star buffet spread, hot chicken BBQ, full veg and non-veg menus, unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, onboard music, as well as the famous Tanoura show. There is seating either on the AC lower deck or the open-air upper deck.
Luxury Marina Cruise Dubai – AED 70 per person
Ten dirhams more buys you a slightly more polished experience. All the standard inclusions remain, but with improved seating throughout, a fuller entertainment line-up and a spectacular Tanoura dance show.
Marina Glass and Fiber Cruise – AED 80 per person
If you prefer panoramic, uninterrupted views, the glass cruise is hard to beat. Guests board at 8 PM and disembark at 10:45 PM, and it includes a complete buffet and barbecue, complimentary soft drinks, separate restroom facilities for men and women and soft music with entertainment shows.
Premium VIP Marina Cruise – just AED 150 instead of AED 190
Our top-tier package. It comes with a red carpet welcome at the boarding point, a five-star international buffet dinner, an authentic Arabic wooden dhow with traditional décor, a live Tanoura performance by a professional artist, both an AC lower deck and open upper deck, as well as close-up views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the Marina skyline. Boarding is from Dubai Marina Harbour.
The Dining Experience
The dining spread is genuinely generous. Guests can help themselves to a mix of continental, Arabic and Asian dishes, hot main courses, salads and mezze, barbecue and rice dishes, plus a dessert selection. Barbecue is prepared onboard while you sail, while vegetarian guests are properly catered for rather than given a token side dish. Soft drinks and mineral water are unlimited for the full two hours.
The Live Shows
No Dubai dinner cruise is complete without the live Tanoura performance. This whirling folk dance comes from Egyptian Sufi tradition, and is delivered by a trained performer in a glowing, colour-changing costume as the boat glides past the towers. Alongside this, you will hear soft music and a full entertainment programme for the duration of the cruise.
Sights Along the Marina Route
Over the course of the two hours, the route takes in the dense cluster of Marina towers, the famous twisting Cayan Tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, Ain Dubai lit up on Bluewaters Island, the Marina Walk promenade, and the outline of Palm Jumeirah beyond. Photographers should head to the best spot, particularly during the golden hour before dark.
Special Occasions Onboard
A dinner cruise works beautifully for birthday celebrations, anniversary dinners, family reunions, romantic surprises and corporate group bookings. Birthday setups are available on request, and corporate clients benefit from exclusive discounts and tailored packages for team outings and bulk reservations.
Planning Your Evening
Boarding usually begins at 7:45 PM, with the cruise sailing from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily. We recommend arriving early to secure the best seats. Smart casual dress is ideal, and a light layer is worth bringing since the open deck catches the sea air. Families with children are very welcome, and kids are priced at the same AED 60.
Other Tours Worth Adding
The cruise works well alongside a Dubai desert safari from AED 90, which includes 4x4 dune bashing, a short camel ride, sand boarding, a BBQ buffet dinner along with Tanoura and belly dance shows. Also worth considering are a Dubai City Tour from AED 100, an Abu Dhabi City Tour 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 from AED 250 as well as private yacht charter from AED 500 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I get for AED 60?
120 minutes on the water, a four-star international buffet, chicken BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, a live Tanoura show, music entertainment plus stunning Dubai Marina views.
How much does it cost?
AED 60 per adult and AED 60 per child, including all food, shows and the sailing itself.
When does boarding begin?
Guests board at 7:45 PM, with cruising from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily.
Reserve Your Seats
Places book out fast, particularly during peak season, so it pays to reserve in advance. Our team is available 24/7 to help you choose the right package.
Call +971 56 1277925 or WhatsApp at +971 50 9912456 to secure your booking. Browse www.marinacruisedinner.com for full details and the latest offers.
Report this wiki page