Marina Cruise Dinner Dubai: The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Evening on the Water
Buffet Dinner, Live Tanoura and the Marina Skyline — All From AED 60 Per Person
This desert metropolis has earned its reputation for its futuristic skyline, yet the very best views of this coastline are never seen from a viewing deck. An evening Marina Cruise Dinner gives you that unique vantage point — a gentle 120-minute journey around Dubai's most iconic canal, paired with a full buffet dinner and traditional live entertainment.
What makes it even better is the cost. Prices start from AED 60 per person, and that makes it one of the best-value experiences in the whole city.
What Exactly Is a Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina?
Traditionally, a dhow is a traditional wooden boat that served for hundreds of years around the Gulf region for fishing, pearling and commerce. These days, these boats have been thoughtfully upgraded into luxury dining boats with cool, air-conditioned interiors plus open-air upper decks.
In contrast to a Dubai Creek cruise, the Marina sailing sails you through the city's newest district: towers lining both sides of the water, the curve of the Ain Dubai observation wheel, the lively promenade of JBR Walk, as well as the marina skyline reflecting on the water.
Choosing the Right Package
There are four main packages — what you pick depends on your budget and the occasion.
Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner – only AED 60
This is easily the most booked package. The package covers 120 minutes on the water, a 4-star international buffet dinner, hot chicken BBQ, full veg and non-veg menus, free-flowing soft drinks and mineral water, music entertainment, and a a live Tanoura performance. Guests may choose on the air-conditioned lower deck or the open upper deck.
The Luxury Marina Cruise – from AED 70
For a little more buys you a more premium feel. Everything from the standard package is included, alongside improved seating throughout, a fuller entertainment line-up and a an extended Tanoura show.
Marina Glass Cruise Dinner – from AED 80
For guests who want unobstructed sightlines, the glass-sided boat is hard to beat. Guests board at 8 PM and disembark at 10:45 PM, with the buffet dinner and BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, separate restroom facilities for men and women along with gentle music and live shows.
The Premium VIP Cruise – from AED 150, reduced from AED 190
This is the highest-end option. Expect a red carpet arrival, a 5-star international buffet, a beautifully decorated Arabic-style wooden dhow, Tanoura danced by a professional performer, an air-conditioned lower deck and open-air upper deck, and landmark views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the full Marina skyline. You board directly at Dubai Marina Harbour.
What's on the Menu
Dinner is genuinely generous. The spread covers continental, Arabian and Asian options, hot mains, fresh salads and mezze, rice and grilled items, followed by a dessert selection. Barbecue is prepared onboard while you sail, while veg diners are never an afterthought not just a single side option. Soft drinks and mineral water are unlimited for the full two hours.
Entertainment on the Water
The signature moment of the night is the live Tanoura performance. The mesmerising spinning performance traces back to Egyptian and Sufi culture, and features a skilled professional dancer wearing an illuminated, colourful skirt as the boat glides past the towers. In addition, guests enjoy music and entertainment throughout across the whole evening.
What You'll See From the Deck
As you sail, the route takes in the illuminated towers lining the canal, the spiralling Cayan Tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, the vast Ain Dubai observation wheel, the busy Marina Walk, and even glimpses of Palm Jumeirah in the distance. For photos, the open upper deck is unbeatable, particularly just after sunset.
Special Occasions Onboard
An evening onboard works beautifully for birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, family gatherings, romantic surprises as well as company events and team outings. We can arrange birthday celebrations on the boat, and companies can access dedicated pricing and bespoke arrangements when booking for teams.
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. Try to reach the harbour ahead of time so you can pick your seat. Smart casual dress is ideal, and bring something light for the breeze as the upper deck check here can get breezy. Children are welcome, and in fact kids are priced at the same AED 60.
More Than Just a Cruise
The cruise works well alongside a desert safari from AED 90, which includes thrilling dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, a camp-side BBQ dinner plus traditional entertainment. Further options include Dubai City Tours from AED 100, Abu Dhabi City Tours from AED 220, the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck from AED 180, Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski tours from AED 200, deep sea fishing trips from AED 250 plus yacht rental starting at AED 500 per hour.
Common Questions
What's included in the Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner?
A full two-hour sail, an international buffet dinner, chicken BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, the Tanoura performance, live music plus stunning Dubai Marina views.
How much does it cost?
Just AED 60 for both adults and children, including all food, shows and the sailing itself.
What time does the cruise start?
Guests board at 7:45 PM, with cruising from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily.
Book Your Marina Cruise Today
Demand is high, especially at weekends, particularly between October and April, so it pays to reserve in advance. We are contactable around the clock to answer questions and confirm your booking.
Phone +971 56 1277925 or message us via WhatsApp at +971 50 9912456 to book your Marina Cruise Dinner today. Head to www.marinacruisedinner.com for complete package information and live pricing.
