Timings : 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Depending upon the tour and the operator)
Time Required : 2-3 hours
Entry Fee : AED 80 - AED 240
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Oct 01, 2023: Global Village Dubai is open from 18 October 2023 to 28 April 2024 and Miracle Garden Dubai is open from 29th September 2023 to 30th April 2024.
Dhow Cruise, Dubai Overview
Dhow Cruise is a must-try for those who are curious enough to know the rich heritage of the nation. Cruising past the Creek or the Marina, a Dhow cruise highlights how fishers would use the vessels for fishing and pearl diving. The Dhow cruises in Dubai exposes you to the other side of this magnificent city with a ride through the historical places. It is best experienced through a dinner cruise. With plenty of options at its disposal, you could explore the old Dubai creek or escape on a romantic dinner with your special someone. You can either witness the ultramodern episodes of a Cruise dinner or wonder at the sight of nature!
Dhow Cruise in Dubai operates in mainly two areas: Dubai Marina and Deira Creek, providing a great environment for those who wish to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the views on the cruise. The duration is about 2-3 hours depending on different tour operators. A buffet boasting Indian, Continental and Arabian cuisine is served, with some tour operators even providing live music and entertainment shows. There are usually two decks in the cruise; the lower deck is air conditioned while the upper deck boasts fantastic views and is ideal for the cold weather.
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History of Dhow
The dhow is a generic term used for the traditional sailing vessels with triangular, slanting sails. You can distinguish a dhow from its two distinct features: “The triangular sail” and “The stitched construction”. Traditionally, The dhows were used to carry heavy items, fruits, freshwater, etc. along the coasts of the Arab countries, India, Bangladesh, East Africa and Pakistan. Source
Despite the popular belief that the Arab traders invented dhows, some historians are split in their opinion about its exact origins: while some believe that the Chinese invented it, some opine that these were derived from the Portuguese caravel or the Indians. Depending on the shape of the hull, there are different types of dhow found in the Gulf region:
1. Shu’ai: The smallest of all the known dhows, these are generally used as fishing vessels
2. Shashah: Made from the Palm bark, branches and Coconut fibre, these boats require altogether different skill and experience to build.
3. Boum: These are the largest of all the dhows that are found on the gulf waters. These are not only used as fishing vessels, but they serve a number of commercial purpose as well.
One can see it laden with a wide selection of merchandise from different countries. It is interesting to note that the design of the dhows is greatly influenced by the purpose it is intended to serve! This is exactly why you can witness the traditional longboats inspired by the Greek sailors under Alexander the Great and the ever-popular racing dhow streamlined for speed sailing on the same Gulf water!!
Dhow Cruise Marina
1. Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina
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The traditional Dhow called ‘Alexandra’ a two-hour long tour serves its guests with serene views of the Dubai Marina. What's on the cruise The buffet dinner has a sumptuous feast for all the guests. The 120-feet traditional Dhow has a large seating capacity accommodating a large number of tourists. Inclusions: 1. Live entertainment options like dance and singing performances are organised on the cruise. 2. All the guests have unlimited access to non-alcoholic drinks along with lip-smacking food. 3. Unlimited supply of cold drinks, water, juices and appetisers. 4. Buffet dinner has five salads, seven main-course dishes and four dessert options.
Costs: (per person) AED 150 (INR 2840)
Timings: Departure: 8:30 PM Arrivals: 10:45 PM
Essentials to keep in mind 1. Vegetarian food options are available for the guests; however, upon prior information. 2. The live performances may be subject to variation depending on national holidays. 3. The boat will take the tour of Dubai Marina and won’t cover the Palm Island.
2. Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina 4-Star Dinner Buffet
Source The Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina 4-Star Dinner Buffet is a two-hour long cruise covers the areas of Dubai Marina. What's onboard The double-deck sail is fully air-conditioned as well as has an open-air deck for its guests. All guests get the royal treatment with delicious International and local delicacies. Inclusions: 1. The guests are open to unlimited access to non-alcoholic drinks, sweets and appetisers. 2. The guests are audience to traditional Arabic, and Egyptian dance performances performed live by professionals. 3. After the tour ends, all guests are provided with a drop-off facility to their respective hotels by the cruise. 4. Guests get access to fully air-conditioned lower deck, and open-air deck 5. The cruise offers all its guests with a drop-off facility back to their hotels.
Costs: (per person) AED 320 (INR 6045)
Timings: Departure: 7:00 PM Arrival: 9:00 PM
Essentials to keep in mind 1. The cruise can accommodate around 100 to 150 travellers at a time. 2. Consumption of Alcoholic drinks is allowed but after being purchased from the bar. Hence, no outside beverages or eatables are permitted.
Dhow Cruise Creek
1. Dhow Dinner Cruise
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Dhow Dinner Cruise is a three-hour cruise taking you along the Dubai Creek in a Traditional Wooden dhow. This wooden dhow is built keeping in mind, all modern comforts of the guests. What's onboard The cruise offers delicious Arabic and International buffet dinner to its guests. It provides for an excellent way for all the guests to relax while listening to surreal music and watching beautiful Arabic Dance. The splendid views of well-illuminated Dubai Creek make all the guests spell-bound with its beauty.
Inclusions: 1. Live Arabic dance performances performed by professionals. 2. Travel to and from the Creek along with the inclusive transfer. 3. Live music performances by trained singers and a live band on board. 4. Luxe interiors of the cruise keeping in mind the modern element of the traditional dhow. 5. The cruise provides for a pick and drop-off facility to all its guests to and from their respective hotels inclusive of the ticket charges.
Costs: (per person) AED 305 (INR 5760)
Timings: Departure: 7:00 PM Arrival: 10:00 PM
Essentials to keep in mind: 1. Photographing locals or ladies are not allowed 2. Any kinds of pets are prohibited on the cruise 3. Smoking in any area of dhow is prohibited 4. The ticket charges include food and pick-up and drop-off facility 5. Consumption of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks is chargeable 6. The timings of the tour are subjected to change during the holy month of Ramadan and national holidays.
Source The Deira Creek 5-Star Buffet Dinner Dhow Cruise is one of the world’s largest dhow taking its guests for a 2-hour long tour through the sites of Deira Creek. This traditional Dhow has three levels of seating for its guests, designed very intricately and beautifully to give a first-class treatment to its guests. What's on the cruise The cruise provides a 5-star buffet dinner of international and local cuisines for an exquisite dine-in experience. Baring guest comfort in mind, the sail has a pick and drop facility for all its guests.
Inclusions: 1. The cruise has authentic folk dance performances like Youwla and Tanoura. 2. Complimentary Wi-fi connectivity for all its guests on board. 3. Souvenirs are available on sale for all its guests along with beautiful traditional henna painting, and regular live Arabic performances. 4. The cruise also offers to pick up and drop facilities for its guests.
Costs: (per person) AED 100 (INR 1700)
Timings: Departure: 7:00 PM Arrival: 9:00 PM
Essentials to keep in mind: 1. Personal cameras are allowed to be brought by the guests to capture the moments on Dhow. 3. Non- alcoholic drinks, food, transportation facilities are all included in the ticket charge. However, non-alcoholic beverages are chargeable and not included in the ticket cost. 3. The cruise provides shared transportation to all its guests.
3. 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner
Source The two-hour Evening Dhow Cruise is a traditional dhow giving an evening view to its guests along the Dubai Creek. What's onboard Along with mouth-watering Arabic food, the guests are exposed to serene views of well-illuminated palaces, banks, souks and canals. The beautifully illuminated skyline of Dubai is enough to capture your senses.
Inclusions: 1. The cruise provides pick-up and drop-off facility to all its guests to and from their respective hotels. 2. The buffet has traditional as well as International food specialities at its disposal for all its guests. 3. For the entertainment of its guests, the cruise provides for live dance performances.
Costs: (per person) AED 225 (INR 4267)
Timings: Departure: 8:00 PM Arrival: 10:00 PM
Essentials to keep in mind 1. The cruise will not serve alcohol on national holidays like the month of Ramadan, Arafat Day (Haj Day), Al Hijri (Islamic New Year), Milad Un Nabi (birthday of Prophet) 2. The alcoholic drinks served on the boat are chargeable and not included in the ticket fare. 3. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the cruise.
4. Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise
Source The Bateaux Dinner Dubai Cruise goes through the city’s historic creek. The beautifully constructed cruise provides a 5-star experience to all its guests while taking them through the serene views of the city. What's on the cruise The interiors of the cruise are all made with sleek glass, adding to the grandeur of the sail.
Inclusions: 1. Well-trained staff of the Bateaux Dubai Floating Restaurant at the service of the guests. 2. A four-course meal cooked by trained professionals, on board with an exquisite selection of drinks for the guests. 3. Live entertainment options like dance and singing performances give a king-like experience to all the guests. 4. The glass-enclosed interiors are fully-air conditioned for providing royal treatment to all its guests. 5. Vegetarian options also available on board for all its guests.
Costs: (per person) AED 317.60 (INR 6000)
Timings: Departure: 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM Arrival:10:30 PM
Essentials to keep in mind 1. Children below the age of 4 are not allowed on the cruise. For children of 5 years and above, full ticket charge is applicable. 2. Foods and drinks from outside are not allowed on the cruise. 3. Alcoholic drinks can be bought from the bar on-cruise. The price is extra and chargeable. 4. The cruise is not wheel-chair accessible. It has steep steps; hence, it is not recommended for PWD people.
5. Romantic Dinner Cruise along the Dubai Creek
Source The Romantic Dinner Cruise along the Dubai Creek is a traditional cruise providing guests with splendid night views of the Dubai skyline. What's onboard The Dhow takes its guests along the visual delights of the Dubai Creek. The 2-hour cruise will cross the skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa on its way, which make up for a luxurious romantic dinner for couples.
Inclusions: 1. 5-star catering to buffet serving international food, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. 2. For the entertainment of its guests, the cruise has music and dance performances on-board. 3. The journey also gives a visual treat to its guests by a live horse show, Tandora show and live puppet show. 4. Double deck cruise, with both decks being fully air-conditioned.
Costs: (per person) AED 250 (INR 4722)
Timings: Departure: 8:00 PM Arrival: 10:00 PM
Essentials to keep in mind 1. The cruise provides a pick-up and drop facility to and from almost all the hotels in Dubai. 2. Infants within three years of age are offered a standard baby seat on request. 3. Alcoholic drinks are all exclusive to the ticket price.
6. New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Cruise along the Dubai Creek
Source The New Year’s celebration in Dubai are an extravagant affair. So, if in Dubai on New Year’s Eve, don’t miss to aboard the luxurious New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Cruise sliding along the Dubai Creek. What's on the cruise Along with a lavish buffet meal and royal welcome, the hospitality of the staff is sure to win your hearts.
Inclusions: 1. Special packages for alcoholic drinks allowing the facility to add unlimited beer, wine and selected beverages. 2. 5-star International buffet dinner of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food 3. All kinds of party accessories, decor and New Year’s cake is included. 4. The cruise hosts an array of music performances, and Live Tanoura Show are organised on the journey. 5. Along with mouth-watering food, Live Pasta Stations made by Professional Italian Chefs add on to the dine-in experience. 6. Witness beautiful dance and music performances, along with mesmerising fireworks in the skies of Dubai.
Costs: (per person) AED 507.42 (INR 9586) The prices are subjected to variations depending upon the demand.
Timings: Departure: 10:00 PM Arrival: 1:00 AM
Essentials to keep in mind 1. The cruise does not provide hotel pick-up and drop-off facility. 2. Children are allowed on the cruise, given that adults accompany them. 3. The cruise has a maximum capacity of 70 people. 4. It is necessary to dress formally baring the occasion in mind.
Tips and Rules to Follow on Dinner Cruises
It is mandatory to carry a valid ID proof and booking confirmation details at the time of boarding the boat.
The dress code is smart casual. Hence, no casual clothing like shorts, slippers or swimwear is allowed. However, the national dress is permitted across all cruises.
The booking cancellation is refundable if done 24 hours before the date of the tour. If the cancellation is made any later than that, then no amount is refunded.
All infants must sit on laps and not occupy the chairs. If needed, some cruises provide infant chairs on demand. Children are allowed on journey if adults accompany them.
The cruise tour is dependent on weather conditions. So, if the weather conditions are not favourable, then the tour stands cancelled, and the entire amount is refunded.
It is recommended to reach 20-30 minutes before the boarding time at the boarding point to avoid any further delays.
All the cruises, usually board on time and arrive back at the same spot of boarding after completing the tour.
