Dubai is a city that dazzles visitors with its soaring skyscrapers, massive malls, and futuristic architecture. But amidst all the modern glitz and glamour, there lies a beating heart that hearkens back to older times - a creek dhow cruise with dinner. Winding through the heart of the city, this saltwater creek was the lifeline that allowed Dubai to flourish in its early days.
Today, the best way to connect with the history and heritage of Dubai is by enjoying a romantic creek dhow cruise with dinner along Dubai Creek. Dhows are traditional wooden boats that were once used for pearl diving and trading. Now beautifully restored, they take visitors on a magical floating dinner experience under the stars.
Why Choose a Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise with Dinner
A dhow cruise creek dinner in Dubai offers a magical experience unlike any other. Here are some key reasons to choose this activity for your Dubai itinerary:
- Unique perspective of Dubai - Unlike ground tours, a dhow creek cruise offers stunning views of Dubai's glittering skyline from the water. As you gently sail along, you'll enjoy panoramic sights of attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Deira district from a unique vantage point.
- Romantic ambience - With soft lighting, music, and stellar views, dhow cruises make for wonderfully romantic evenings. Many boats even have cozy lower decks and cushy sofas to cuddle up with your special someone.
- Authentic Arabic hospitality - Right from the warm welcome to the genuine Arabian hospitality onboard, dhow cruises deliver an authentic local experience. Many boats also have traditionally dressed staff who are happy to talk about Emirati culture.
- Delicious buffet dinner spread - What's a cruise without good food? Dhows offer unlimited buffet spreads with Arabic and international flavors to delight your tastebuds. You can find everything from mixed grills, curries, salads, and decadent desserts.
- Great value for money - For the entire creek cruise experience with entertainment, views, dinner, and sometimes transfers, dhow cruise dinner creek offers great value at reasonable prices. It's a wallet-friendly way to create lasting Dubai memories.
Top Attractions Visible During Your Dhow Cruise
A key highlight of the evening dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek is being able to view Dubai's famous landmarks from close quarters. Some of the top attractions you can admire during your Dhow Creek cruise include:
Dubai Skyline
With over 300 skyscrapers, Dubai's glittering skyline is instantly recognizable by structures like the 828-metre Burj Khalifa, the gigantic Cayan Tower, and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. Watching this man-made marvel dazzle at night from the creek is an unforgettable experience.
Burj Khalifa Light Show
At 8.30 pm, the world's tallest building puts up a dazzling light and sound show for onlookers. Synced to music, the Burj Khalifa's LED lights dance in rhythm creating optical illusions and patterns. Don't miss this spectacular sight from the dhow!
Deira Clocktower
Built in 1965, this iconic clocktower overlooking Dubai Creek beautifully blends traditional and modern elements. Its distinguishing feature is the colourful balconies decorated with stained glass and ceramic tiles in floral motifs.
Dubai Frame
This giant 150-metre high picture frame provides stunning panoramas of old and new Dubai from its sky bridge and observation decks. Positioned parallel to the creek, it makes for great photo ops from the passing dhows.
Heritage Village
This reconstructed traditional Emirati village gives a glimpse into Bedouin lifestyles from the past. With its mud huts, handicraft stores, and traditional performances, this cultural stop is a must-see along the dhow route.
Spice & Gold Souks
These traditional markets are filled with the pungent aroma of spices and glitter of gold ornaments. The narrow lanes lined with stalls are abuzz with traders and visitors haggling for the best deals.
What to Expect Onboard Your Dhow Cruise Dinner
From start to finish, your dhow cruise dinner at dubai creek is packed with fun and excitement. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Welcoming drinks - Your creek dhow cruise with dinner experience kicks off with refreshing mocktails and soft drinks as you board the traditionally decorated vessel.
- Live entertainment - Local singers and Tanura dancers perform throughout the evening keeping you enthralled with their talent. Some boats even have DJs spinning popular hits!
- Sightseeing - The two-hour long cruise takes you past Dubai's famous landmarks along the creek for plenty of picture-perfect moments.
- Unlimited buffet dinner - Food is the highlight for many on the dhow cruise! Dig into Arabic favorites like shawarmas, hummus, grilled meats as well as continental and Asian options in the all-you-can-eat spreads.
- Lower deck seating - Many dhows have a cozy lower deck with cushy sofas, low lighting, and even disco balls for a lounge-like vibe. It's perfect for couples seeking a romantic setting.
- Photo stops - Disembark at the Dubai Creek Park pier for 15 minutes to take memorable photos of the Dubai skyline or with the monuments along the creek.
- Hotel transfers - Most dhows offer convenient complimentary pick-up and drops from hotels in Dubai to enhance your experience.
Best Dhows for an Unforgettable Dubai Creek Cruise Dinner
With so many dhow cruise companies in Dubai offering creek sightseeing experiences, choosing the right one can get confusing. Here are some of the best dhow cruises renowned for their service, food quality, and overall ambience for that magical dhow dinner cruise creek dubai:
1. Al Mansour Dhow Cruise
One of Dubai's best dhows offering elegant 2-level seating, live entertainment, Indian/Arabic buffet menus, and synchronized Burj Khalifa views.
Key Features: Premium dhow with VIP area, ceiling artwork, romantic seating
Price: Starts from AED 120 per person
Top Perk: Guaranteed front-row Burj Khalifa view seats
2. Al Dawaar Dhow Cruise
An upscale dhow providing a high-end experience with welcome drinks, gourmet buffet dinner, designer interiors, and select hotel transfers.
Key Features: Luxurious amenities, 4-course menu, smaller intimate dhow
Price: Starts from AED 199 per person
Top Perk: Smaller guest capacity for exclusive experience
3. Asiana Dhow Cruise
A mid-range dhow that delivers great value with live cooking counters serving Indian and Continental cuisines plus Tanura dancing.
Key Features: Open-kitchen buffet concept, exotic Arabic setting
Price: Starts from AED 99 per person
Top Perk: Good family-friendly option
4. Marhaba Gold Souk Dhow Cruise
Offers a cultural experience with views of Dubai's heritage sites, traditional decor, seating on Arabian carpets, Tanura shows & buffet dinner.
Key Features: Authentic Arabic hospitality, souk pick-ups, shop hopping stop
Price: Starts from AED 150 per person
Top Perk: Unique souk shopping experience
5. Jumeirah Creek Dhow Cruise
A budget-friendly evening cruise with upper/lower decks, international buffet spread, hotel pick-ups, onboard shopping, and wheelchair access.
Key Features: Value for money, lively atmosphere, handicap friendly
Price: Starts from AED 110 per person
Top Perk: Very reasonable pricing
What to Expect in a Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner Menu
Food is one of the highlights of a creek dhow cruise dinner in Dubai. Here's a glimpse into the extensive buffet spreads you can expect onboard:
- Salads - Arabic salads like tabbouleh, fattoush, tomato cucumber salads. Also continental options like potato, pasta, Greek, Russsian salads.
- Hot Mezze - Hummus, mutabal, babaganoush, vine leaves, falafel, and more Arabian appetizers.
- Main Course - Mixed grills with chicken tikka, mutton kebabs, grilled prawns. Biriyanis and curries like Hyderabadi chicken, mutton rogan josh, fish tandoori.
- Breads - Assortment of Arabic breads like kuboos, pita bread, cheese rolls. Also Indian naans, buttered rolls.
- Desserts - Extensive spread of Arabic sweets like umm ali, luguaimat, basbousa. Also cakes, mousses, Kadayif, fruit salad.
So set sail on your dream Dubai creek dhow cruise with dinner and make unforgettable memories gliding by the moonlit creek. Just sit back, relax, and lose yourself to the magic of old Arabia recreated onboard!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises
Here are answers to some common questions people have about dhow dinner cruises on Dubai Creek:
What is the duration of the cruise?
Most Dubai creek dhow dinner cruises are about 2 hours long. This gives you ample time to leisurely enjoy views, entertainment, dinner and more.
What are the boarding points for the cruise?
Popular boarding points are Dubai Creek Park, Al Seef Dubai Creek, and Al Manshia near the floating restaurants. Many cruises also offer hotel pick-ups and drops.
What is the dress code for the dhow cruise dinner?
The dress code is smart casual. Avoid beachwear like shorts or slippers. Men can wear trousers and shirt while women can wear dresses, skirts or pants.
What are the seating options on the dhow?
Dhows usually have open upper decks with cushioned seating as well as indoor lower decks with lounge-style sofas and low lighting. You can choose your preferred ambience.
What is included in the dhow creek dinner cruise package?
The package usually includes transfers, unlimited soft drinks, lavish buffet dinner, onboard entertainment, live commentary, taxes, and port fee.
What are the best months for a creek dhow cruise?
October to April are ideal with pleasant weather. Summer months tend to be very hot and humid. Ramadan cruises have amended timings.
Can you bring your own food and drinks?
Outside food and beverages are not allowed. You can only consume the meals provided onboard.
Is there an age limit for dhow creek dinner cruise?
Most boats allow children of all ages. However, some luxury dhows only allow 12+ years and above. Reconfirm age restrictions before booking.
Are Creek dhow cruises wheelchair accessible?
Many dhows have wheelchair ramps and access on the main deck. Do check on accessibility before booking if you need it.
Can you make stopovers during the dhow creek cruise?
Short photo stopovers are included but you cannot disembark independently at other locations during the actual cruise.
Are dhow creek cruises safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, creek dhow cruises are very safe for women travelling alone in Dubai. The boats have security and you are surrounded by other guests.
Why Choose Arabian Desert Safari Tours for Your Dhow Cruise
At Arabian Desert Safari Tours, we pride ourselves in curating the most memorable dhow creek cruises in Dubai. Here's why you should book your dhow dinner cruise with us:
- Over 15 years of experience in Dubai tours and activities
- Handpick and partner with only the best luxury dhow operators
- Special rates and exclusive offers not available directly
- Easy online booking with instant confirmation
- 24/7 customer service and support before and during your cruise
- Customize your dhow cruise with add-ons like transfers, cake, decorations etc.
- Special assistance for proposals, birthdays, anniversaries etc
So for an evening of unforgettable moments on the romantic Dubai creek dhow cruise with dinner, look no further than Arabian Desert Safari Tours! Contact us now or book online to secure your spots.
Beautiful Views Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek, 2 Hours Of Cruising With International Dinner.
Cruising down the quiet Dubai Creek on our traditional Arabian dhow, Dhow cruise dinner creek with a sumptuous buffet dinner spread out onboard, is an activity characterized by incredible courteous services and hospitality.
Dhow cruise Dinner Creek is one of the main attractions, Boarding on the dhow cruise with Arabian Safari Tours is a perfect way to experience the lovely views of Bur Dubai and Deira Creek, The Dubai Dhow cruise that usually starts after sundown covers nearly the entire Dubai Creek, our fabulous Arabian Dhow cruise provides you with a spectacular excursion while allowing you to a enjoy a variety of on-board activities including live music concerts and classical Tanura dance shows. With Variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian continental buffet dinner.
Our Dhow cruise dinner creek is the vessel know as traditional wooden made Arabic Dhow with Air conditioned lower deck and open air upper deck. Arabian Safari Tours make sure that you will go home with cherished memories of dhow cruise dining experience. We can also provide corporate reservations for groups and companies.