Two Hours of Cruising, Buffet Dining and Tanoura Entertainment in the Heart of Dubai Marina
The city of Dubai has earned its reputation for its towering architecture, however the most stunning views of the emirate are never seen from a viewing deck. An evening Marina Cruise Dinner gives you exactly that perspective — a gentle two-hour cruise along Dubai's most iconic canal, accompanied by a lavish buffet dinner plus traditional live entertainment.
What makes it even better is the value on offer. Prices start from AED 60 per person, and that makes it one of the best-value experiences in the entire emirate.
Understanding the Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
A dhow is a traditional wooden boat used for generations across the Arabian Gulf for trading and pearl diving. Today, those same vessels have been beautifully restored and refitted into floating dining venues complete with climate-controlled lower decks and open-air upper decks.
Compared with a traditional Creek sailing, the Marina sailing guides you past contemporary Dubai: illuminated high-rises on either side, the sweep of Dubai Eye, the lively promenade of JBR Walk, as well as reflections shimmering across the canal.
Our Marina Cruise Options
There is no single cruise — the best option comes down to budget, group size and occasion.
The Classic Marina Dhow Cruise – only AED 60
Without question, this is our best-selling package. The package covers 120 minutes on the water, an international four-star buffet, hot chicken BBQ, choices for vegetarians and meat eaters, soft drinks and bottled water, onboard music, as well as the famous Tanoura show. Guests may choose either on the AC lower deck or the open-air upper deck.
The Luxury Marina Cruise – from AED 70
For a little more delivers a more premium feel. All the standard inclusions remain, alongside better seating arrangements, more entertainment across the evening and a an extended Tanoura show.
Marina Glass and Fiber Cruise – AED 80 per person
If you prefer wall-to-wall views, the fibre-and-glass cruise is the obvious choice. Guests board at 8 PM and disembark at 10:45 PM, and it includes a complete buffet and barbecue, complimentary soft drinks, dedicated washrooms for ladies and gentlemen along with soft music with entertainment shows.
Premium VIP Marina Cruise – just AED 150 instead of AED 190
This is the flagship. Guests receive a red-carpet reception at boarding, a five-star international buffet dinner, a traditional Arabic wooden dhow decorated in classic style, Tanoura danced by a professional performer, an air-conditioned lower deck and open-air upper deck, as well as landmark views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the full Marina skyline. Boarding is from Dubai Marina Harbour.
The Dining Experience
The buffet is one of the highlights. The spread covers continental, Arabian and Asian options, freshly prepared mains, a salad and mezze counter, grilled dishes and rice, followed by a range of desserts. Chicken barbecue is grilled fresh onboard, and veg diners are never an afterthought with real variety. Soft drinks and mineral water are unlimited for the duration of the cruise.
Entertainment on the Water
A highlight of every sailing is the Tanoura. This whirling folk dance has roots in Egyptian and Sufi tradition, and is delivered by a trained performer in a glowing, colour-changing costume that lights up the deck. Complementing the show, there is live music and entertainment for the duration of the cruise.
Sights Along the Marina Route
Over the course of the two hours, look out for the illuminated towers lining the canal, the spiralling Cayan Tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, Ain Dubai lit up on Bluewaters Island, the Marina Walk promenade, and glimpses of Palm Jumeirah in the distance. Photographers should head to the place to be, especially at blue hour.
Special Occasions Onboard
The Marina cruise is ideal for birthday celebrations, anniversaries, family get-togethers, marriage proposals as well as corporate group bookings. Birthday arrangements can be organised onboard, while corporate clients benefit from dedicated pricing and bespoke arrangements for team events and large bookings.
When to Go and What to Know
Check-in starts at 7:45 PM, and the sailing runs from 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM every day. We recommend arriving early to secure the best seats. Dress smart casual, and a light layer is worth bringing as the upper deck can get breezy. Children are welcome, and notably children are charged the same low rate.
Other Tours Worth Adding
Most visitors combine the cruise with a desert safari priced from AED 90, featuring 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, sand boarding, barbecue dinner at camp plus traditional entertainment. Also worth considering are Dubai City Tours from AED 100, an Abu Dhabi City Tour 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 as well as private yacht charter from AED 500 per hour.
Questions We Get Asked
What's included in the Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner?
A full two-hour sail, an international buffet dinner, fresh chicken barbecue, free soft drinks and water, the Tanoura performance, live music plus panoramic Marina views.
What's the rate?
AED 60 per adult and AED 60 per child, covering meals, entertainment and the full cruise.
What are the timings?
Guests board at 7:45 PM, and the cruise runs 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM every day.
How to Book
Demand is high, especially at weekends, particularly during peak season, so it pays to reserve in advance. We are contactable around the clock to answer questions website and confirm your booking.
Call +971 56 1277925 or reach us on WhatsApp at +971 50 9912456 to secure your booking. Head to www.marinacruisedinner.com for full details and the latest offers.
