Buffet Dinner, Live Tanoura and the Marina Skyline — here All From AED 60 Per Person
This desert metropolis is celebrated globally for its glittering skyline, yet some of the finest views of this coastline are not found on dry land. A Marina Cruise Dinner offers you that rare perspective — a slow two-hour sail around Dubai's most iconic canal, with a full buffet dinner together with traditional live entertainment.
The best part is the price. You can board from as little as AED 60 per person, which turns it into one of the smartest-value activities in the whole city.
What Is a Marina Dhow Cruise?
Historically, the dhow was a traditional wooden boat that served for hundreds of years throughout the Arabian Gulf for fishing, pearling and commerce. Today, those same vessels have been thoughtfully upgraded into luxury dining boats featuring fully air-conditioned indoor seating and breezy open-top upper levels.
Compared with a traditional Creek sailing, a Dubai Marina cruise sails you through contemporary Dubai: glass towers on both banks, the famous Ain Dubai, the buzzing JBR Walk, as well as lights dancing across the surface.
Our Marina Cruise Options
Several options are available — the best option comes down to your budget and the occasion.
The Classic Marina Dhow Cruise – from AED 60
This is the crowd favourite. Guests enjoy a two-hour voyage, a four-star buffet spread, freshly grilled chicken barbecue, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, live music, as well as an authentic Tanoura dance show. Seating is available indoors in the cool lower deck or outside on the upper deck.
The Luxury Marina Cruise – AED 70 per person
Ten dirhams more brings a more refined evening. You keep every standard inclusion, alongside better seating arrangements, a fuller entertainment line-up and a spectacular Tanoura dance show.
Marina Glass and Fiber Cruise – AED 80 per person
Perfect for anyone seeking wall-to-wall views, the fibre-and-glass cruise is hard to beat. Guests board at 8 PM and disembark at 10:45 PM, covering the buffet dinner and BBQ, free-flowing soft drinks, dedicated washrooms for ladies and gentlemen plus background music and entertainment.
VIP Marina Cruise Dubai – just AED 150 instead of AED 190
This is the highest-end option. Expect a red carpet welcome at the boarding point, a 5-star international buffet, an authentic Arabic wooden dhow with traditional décor, a professional Tanoura artist, an air-conditioned lower deck and open-air upper deck, and landmark views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the full Marina skyline. Boarding is from Dubai Marina Harbour.
The Dining Experience
The onboard buffet deserves special mention. Expect international favourites alongside regional specialities, hot mains, fresh salads and mezze, grilled dishes and rice, plus a dessert selection. The chicken BBQ is cooked fresh on the boat, while vegetarian options are always available not just a single side option. Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water are included for the duration of the cruise.
Entertainment on the Water
No Dubai dinner cruise is complete without the traditional Tanoura dance. The spinning folk dance traces back to Egyptian and Sufi culture, and the performance is performed by a professional artist in a brightly illuminated costume that transforms the deck. Complementing the show, there is live music and entertainment from boarding to disembarkation.
Landmarks You'll See Along the Way
Over the course of the two hours, look out for the towering residential skyscrapers of Dubai Marina, the striking twisted tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, the vast Ain Dubai observation wheel, Marina Walk, and even the outline of Palm Jumeirah beyond. Camera in hand, the upper deck is where you want to be, especially at blue hour.
Celebrations, Birthdays and Corporate Events
This experience is an excellent setting for birthday celebrations, anniversaries, family reunions, romantic surprises as well as corporate team outings. Birthday setups are available on request, while companies can access special group rates and customised packages for team outings and bulk reservations.
Practical Information
Boarding usually begins at 7:45 PM, and the sailing runs from 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM every day. Try to reach the harbour ahead of time so you can pick your seat. Smart casual dress is ideal, and a light jacket is useful as the upper deck can get breezy. Children are welcome, and in fact child pricing is the same generous rate.
More Than Just a Cruise
Consider adding a Dubai desert safari priced from AED 90, covering 4x4 dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, a camp-side BBQ dinner and Tanoura and belly dance shows. Further options include a Dubai City Tour from AED 100, an Abu Dhabi City Tour from AED 220, the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck from AED 180, a Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski tours from AED 200, deep sea fishing trips from AED 250 as well as yacht rental starting at AED 500 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner?
Two hours of cruising, an international buffet dinner, chicken BBQ, free soft drinks and water, the Tanoura performance, live music plus panoramic Marina views.
What is the price?
Just AED 60 for both adults and children, covering meals, entertainment and the full cruise.
What time does the cruise start?
Boarding is 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 help you choose the right package.
Ring +971 56 1277925 or WhatsApp on +971 50 9912456 to reserve your seats. Browse www.marinacruisedinner.com for complete package information and live pricing.
