The first traces of civilisation around Dubai Creek date back to around 2500 BC, and for generations, the warm and shallow water of river Zara has been supporting the local pearl and fishing industries. Taking a Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise is a walk down the history lane, with the smell of spices wafting by from the Spice souk, the glitter of gold shimmering from the Gold Souk and the sand brown old almost-skyscrapers of Dubai decking the fringes of the creek. The sights, sounds and smells will take you back to the charm of old Dubai. Sounds tempting right? We have all you need to know about taking a Dubai Dhow Cruise right here in the blog, so read on and gift yourself a surreal experience.
What Is A Dhow?
An integral part of Dubai’s lifeline at one point were Dhow - wooden boats that were built by the fishing communities by stitching together planks of wood with coconut and palm leaves and used for diving and trading purposes. In their modern form, Dhow cruises have become a hit among the tourists visiting Dubai, as it promises an experience soaked in the traditional practices and modern luxury that the land of superlatives has come to be known for.
Why Go For A Cruise In Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek has been central to the region’s development as it was once the primary source of livelihood for the local communities. The bustling old city areas of Deira and Bur Dubai that spread out on either side of the creek are peppered with ancient monuments and market areas like the Heritage Village, Gold and Spice Souks, Sheikh Saeed’s House, the Grand Mosque, and Old Boat Fort.
The various Dhow cruise experiences at Dubai Creek offer a panoramic view of all of these iconic sites, and more. As you sail through the creek, you may also find some of the locals diving into the water, looking for pearls. All in all, a Dhow Cruise in Dubai Creek is a distinct experience and is a must-do activity if you are planning a trip to Dubai.
A Typical Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Experience
Sightseeing
One of the best ways to learn about the history and modern developments in Dubai is to get on a Dhow Cruise. You can opt for one of the various cruise experiences that sail through the Deira and Bur Dubai areas. Some of the iconic sights that you will pass by while on a Dhow Cruise are - Heritage Village, Traditional Gold and Spice Souks, National Bank of Dubai, Sheikh Saeed’s House, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, Grand Mosque, Sheraton Dubai Creek, Emirates N.B.D. Headquarters, Al Diwan (The Ruler's Court), Rolex Twin Towers and the Old Boat Fort.
Dinner
Some of the Dhow Cruise experiences at Dubai Creek are famous for the delicious dinner they offer. At the time of booking a cruise, you can opt for the ones that have multi-course meals listed and enjoy a fulfilling sail under Dubai’s night sky. One of the best things about Dhow Dinner Cruises is that you get to witness the passing scenery from the comfort of your dinner table. The menu on a dinner dhow cruise typically consists of a global 3-course buffet prepared with 5-star standards.
Entertainment
A few hours on the Dhow Cruise can be an entertaining and enlightening experience. As you stay amazed by the infrastructural feat Dubai has achieved, you get to watch some of the traditional art forms unfold in front of you. The onboard entertainment on Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises are marked by tanoura dances, horse and magic shows, and traditional singing performances.
Top Dubai Creek Dhow Cruises
Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment in Dubai Creek and the Open Seas
• Take a 2-hour dinner cruise on a luxurious modern dhow in Dubai Creek.
• Begin your dinner cruise with a traditional welcome of coffee, dates and fresh juices.
• Feast on a 3-course international dinner.
• Enjoy multiple forms of entertainment such as the traditional tanoura dance, a magic show and a puppet show.
• The Dhow Dinner Cruise departs from Deira daily at 8:30 PM and takes you around the Dubai Creek.
• Take in stunning sights of Deira and Bur Dubai lit beautifully at night.
Dubai Creek Sightseeing Dhow Cruise
• The cruise leaves from Dubai Creek every evening at 8:30 pm and sails in the ancient Dubai Creek for two hours.
• After you reach the pier, the cruise staff will welcome you with glasses of fresh juice, Arabian dates and coffee.
• Once onboard, you can enjoy the show put together by tanoura dancers, traditional singers, and puppeteers. The team of performers also put up a magic show and horse show for the audience.
• As the cruise continues, the staff will lay down the buffet that comprises of dishes from all parts of the world.
• You can feast on the delicious dinner atop the wooden Dhow, either on the outer deck or from the comfort of your dinner table placed indoors.
• In the two hours of cruise, you will pass by landmarks like Sheikh Saeed’s House, Heritage Village, and the traditional Spice and Gold Souks, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, Grand Mosque, Sheraton Dubai Creek, Al Diwan (The Ruler's Court), Rolex Twin Towers and the Old Boat Fort.
Rustar Premium Dhow Dinner Cruise with Optional Alcohol
• Take a 2-hour dinner cruise on a luxurious modern dhow in Dubai Creek.
• Begin your dinner cruise with a traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and fresh dates.
• Feast on a 3-course international dinner prepared at a 5-star hotel.
• You have the option to pair your dinner with an alcoholic beverage such as wine, beer, whisky and other premium alcoholic drinks.
• The Dhow Dinner Cruise departs from Deira daily at 8:30 PM, in front of Radisson Blu Hotel.
• Take in stunning sights of Deira and Bur Dubai reflecting on the waters of Dubai Creek.
Bateaux Dinner Cruise with Free Drink
• The Bateaux Dinner Cruise promises a luxurious cruising experience with delicious dinner spread and drinks.
• The Dhow Cruise has an indoors glass-covered deck, an open roof terrace, and an outdoor deck. You can choose a spot of your liking and look at the passing scenery of Old Dubai.
• Some of the landmarks you shouldn’t miss are the Grand Mosque, Old Boat Fort, and the Old Souk.
• Enjoy a four-course à la carte dinner with a selection of house wine and beer or soft drinks.
Top Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Combo Deals
Sunset at Burj Khalifa At The Top + Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise Combo
• Visit the tallest building in the world and head to its observatory on the 124th floor.
• Catch the beautiful sunset over the desert and the Persian Gulf.
• Enjoy the Dubai skyline under the evening sky.
• Head over to Dubai Creek to enjoy a 2-hour dhow dinner cruise.
• Feast on a 3-course international dinner prepared at a 5-star hotel.
• Enjoy multiple forms of entertainment such as the traditional tanoura dance, a magic show and a puppet show.
• The Dhow Dinner Cruise departs from Deira daily at 8:30 PM and takes you around the Dubai Creek.
• Take in stunning sights of Deira and Bur Dubai lit beautifully at night.
2 Day Combo: Desert Safari + Dubai City Tour + Dhow Dinner Cruise
• Take a tour of Dubai with pick up and drop off at your hotel included.
• Visit Al Fahidi fort, Jumeirah Mosque, The Palm Island, Atlantis Hotel, Dubai Museum and Gold Souk.
• Head over to Dubai Creek to enjoy a 2-hour dhow dinner cruise.
• Feast on a 3-course international dinner prepared at a 5-star hotel.
• Enjoy multiple forms of entertainment such as the traditional tanoura dance, a magic show and a puppet show.
• The Dhow Dinner Cruise departs from Deira daily at 8:30 PM and takes you around the Dubai Creek.
• Take in stunning sights of Deira and Bur Dubai lit beautifully at night.
• Enjoy a wonderful desert safari with dune bashing, sand boarding and quad biking and camel riding.
• Feast on a lavish dinner as you watch a belly dancing show and tanoura dance.
Dubai Creek Cruise vs Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
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Dubai Creek
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Dubai Marina
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| About |
A serene 1-hour cruise on a traditional dhow in Dubai Creek.
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A relaxing hour-long cruise down the Dubai Marina in a traditional dhow.
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| Sights Seen |
The Dubai Creek is a fragment of old Dubai, a place where the Arabs settled when they relocated to the city from villages in the desert. You'll see glimpses of the souqs, abras floating by, the famous Bastakiya Quarter and some of the first few skyscrapers that came up in the city. |
A Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise takes you through modern Dubai. It is an artificial canal city with skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, unique cafes, quaint boutiques and fine examples of modern architecture on either sides. You can also experience trams and cars passing over the bridges around you. |
| Atmosphere |
The Dubai Creek has more hustle bustle that is associated with daily routine. The traffic, daily business routine and barges departing to ports make the ambience of the place. |
The aura surrounding the Dubai Marina is mostly leisurely and laid back. You are likely to see people having a leisurely stroll along the promenade or having coffee at one of the quaint cafes fringing the shores. |
| Timings |
Dhow Creek cruise departure times : 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30 pm. |
Dhow Marina cruise departure times : 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. |
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While you can't tell one is better than the other , it all depends on the experience you're looking for and your budget. If you're looking to experience the glitter of Dubai, then the Marina Cruise it is. If you're looking to experience the glimmer of ancient Dubai, then the Creek cruise it is. If you're on a budget, the Creek cruise is an obvious choice. If you're willing to shell out a little extra, then you can go for the Marina Cruise. A great way to save money on Dubai Marina Dhow Cruises is purchasing combo deals that allow you to spend less and experience more. Check out the top selling Dubai Dhow Cruise Combo.
Quick FAQS
What is the best time to go for a Dubai Creek Dhow cruise
What are the different entertainment and dinning options on these dhow cruises?
How do I choose a cruise between Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina?
Is there any dress code I need to be wary of?
Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Reviews
The Dubai Creek is the perfect gateway to experience old Dubai. This experience is further enhanced if you do so in the dhows - a traditional boat used to ferry passengers up and down the creek. Basically you get one a dhow from one jetty and alight in another on the opposite side. Travelling by dhow gives you the opportunity to see traders, shops, businesses and also tourists from the creek's perspective. You get to experience old Dubai and all its charms.The Dubai Creek is also a perfect start to explore the old spice souk and gold souk which is located just nearby. Once you alight from the dhow, you can meander the narrow, winding lanes along the creekside which will take you to a myriad of shops offering an amazing variety of goods. It's is a good place to spend on a lazy warm afternoon.
- Meet p, Tripadvisor December 2018
Dubai creek used to be the central hub of activity for the emirate. You will a lot historic places like heritage villages. Traditional Abra ride,Spice souq,Gold souq,Dhow cruise dinners, street shows and a lot.A great place to spend an evening with family and friends.
- KiwiNewark , Tripadvisor December 2018
Ready For Your Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise?
Here are other Dubai Dhow Cruises that are famous and much sought after. The views are splendid and the experience is out of the world! Check them out.
You can discover more such exciting Dubai dhow cruise deals at Headout and make your Dubai vacation one to remember.
If you couldn't find a dhow cruise you're looking for or would like to check out other dhow cruise options in Dubai than the Dubai creek, head over to our exclusive Dubai dhow cruise guide.
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