Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai: The Ultimate Guide to A Perfect Night in Dubai Marina
Sail Through Dubai Marina With Dinner, Live Shows and Skyline Views From AED 60
Dubai is celebrated globally for its towering architecture, however the very best views of the emirate are never seen from a viewing deck. A Marina Cruise Dinner gives you exactly that perspective — a gentle two-hour cruise along the glittering Dubai Marina canal, complete with a lavish buffet dinner along with authentic Arabian entertainment.
The best part is how affordable it is. Prices start from AED 60 per person, and that makes it arguably the best-value evening in the entire emirate.
Understanding the Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
Traditionally, a dhow is a traditional wooden boat that has been used across the Arabian Gulf for pearling and trade. These days, the traditional craft has been beautifully restored and refitted into floating restaurants featuring cool, air-conditioned interiors and breezy open-top upper levels.
In contrast to a Dubai Creek cruise, a Marina cruise sails you through the ultra-modern side of Dubai: skyscrapers rising on both banks, the curve of Ain Dubai, the buzzing website JBR, as well as the marina skyline reflecting on the water.
Our Marina Cruise Options
Several options are available — the best option comes down to what you want from the evening.
Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner – from AED 60
Without question, this is the crowd favourite. You get a full two-hour sail, a 4-star international buffet dinner, chicken BBQ grilled onboard, full veg and non-veg menus, complimentary soft drinks and water, onboard music, and an authentic Tanoura dance show. You can sit either on the AC lower deck or the open-air upper deck.
Luxury Marina Cruise Dubai – just AED 70
A small step up adds a slightly more polished experience. Everything from the standard package is included, with improved seating throughout, more entertainment across the evening plus a headline Tanoura performance.
Marina Glass Cruise Dinner – AED 80 per person
Perfect for anyone seeking unobstructed sightlines, the glass-sided boat is the obvious choice. The sailing runs from 8 PM to 10:45 PM, covering the buffet dinner and BBQ, free-flowing soft drinks, separate toilets for men and women and soft music with entertainment shows.
Premium VIP Marina Cruise – just AED 150 instead of AED 190
The premium tier. It comes with a red carpet arrival, a five-star buffet spread, a beautifully decorated Arabic-style wooden dhow, Tanoura danced by a professional performer, both an AC lower deck and open upper deck, and landmark views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the full Marina skyline. Boarding is from Dubai Marina Harbour.
The Dining Experience
Dinner is one of the highlights. You will find a broad international selection with Arabic classics, freshly prepared mains, salads and mezze, rice and grilled items, plus a range of desserts. The chicken BBQ is cooked fresh on the boat, with there is a full vegetarian selection with real variety. Soft drinks and mineral water are unlimited throughout the sailing.
Entertainment on the Water
No Dubai dinner cruise is complete without the live Tanoura performance. The spinning folk dance comes from Egyptian Sufi tradition, and it features a skilled professional dancer in a glowing, colour-changing costume that lights up the deck. Alongside this, there is music and entertainment throughout for the duration of the cruise.
The Route and the Views
While the boat moves along the water, you'll pass the dense cluster of Marina towers, the famous twisting Cayan Tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, the glowing Ain Dubai wheel, the Marina Walk promenade, and glimpses of Palm Jumeirah in the distance. For photos, the open upper deck is unbeatable, particularly during the golden hour before dark.
Special Occasions Onboard
A dinner cruise is ideal for birthday celebrations, anniversaries, family gatherings, proposals as well as company events and team outings. Birthday arrangements can be organised onboard, while corporate clients benefit from dedicated pricing and bespoke arrangements when booking for teams.
Planning Your Evening
Check-in starts at 7:45 PM, with the cruise sailing from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily. Try to reach the harbour ahead of time to get a good spot on the upper deck. Comfortable smart-casual clothing works best, and bring something light for the breeze because the wind picks up on the water. Families with children are very welcome, and in fact children are charged the same low rate.
Beyond the Cruise: Other Dubai Experiences
Consider adding a Dubai desert safari priced from AED 90, which includes 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, a camp-side BBQ dinner and Tanoura and belly dance shows. Also worth considering are a Dubai City Tour from AED 100, an Abu Dhabi City Tour from AED 220, the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck from AED 180, Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski and water sports from AED 200, deep sea fishing from AED 250 and 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, free soft drinks and water, the Tanoura performance, music entertainment and 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?
Boarding is at 7:45 PM, with cruising from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily.
Reserve Your Seats
Demand is high, especially at weekends, especially in the cooler months, 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 book your Marina Cruise Dinner today. Visit www.marinacruisedinner.com for full details and the latest offers.