Buffet Dinner, Live Tanoura and the Marina Skyline — All From AED 60 Per Person
The city of Dubai is famous around the world for its towering architecture, however the most stunning views of the emirate come from the sea rather than a rooftop. A Marina Cruise Dinner gives you that unique vantage point — a slow two-hour cruise through Dubai's most iconic canal, with a generous buffet dinner plus authentic Arabian entertainment.
The best part is the value on offer. You can board from as little as AED 60 per person, making it one of the most affordable premium experiences available to visitors.
Understanding the Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
Historically, the dhow was a classic wooden sailing craft that has been used across the Arabian Gulf by traders, fishermen and pearl divers. In modern Dubai, those same vessels have been elegantly converted into floating restaurants featuring air-conditioned lower decks and open-air rooftop decks.
In contrast to a Dubai Creek cruise, the Marina sailing guides you past the city's newest district: illuminated high-rises on either side, the famous Dubai Eye, the lively JBR Walk, along with lights dancing across the surface.
Choosing the Right Package
Not every cruise is the same — the best option comes down to what you want from the evening.
Standard Marina Dhow Cruise – only AED 60
This remains the most popular option. The package check here covers a two-hour voyage, a four-star international buffet, hot chicken BBQ, full veg and non-veg menus, unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, onboard music, and an authentic Tanoura dance show. There is seating indoors in the cool lower deck or outside on the upper deck.
Luxury Marina Cruise Dubai – AED 70 per person
Ten dirhams more brings extra comfort and polish. All the standard inclusions remain, alongside upgraded seating on both decks, a fuller entertainment line-up and a spectacular Tanoura dance show.
Marina Glass and Fiber Cruise – AED 80 per person
For guests who want unobstructed sightlines, the glass-sided boat is hard to beat. Boarding is at 8 PM with drop-off at 10:45 PM, with a complete buffet and barbecue, unlimited soft drinks, separate restroom facilities for men and women plus background music and entertainment.
VIP Marina Cruise Dubai – from AED 150, reduced from AED 190
This is the flagship. Guests receive a red carpet welcome at the boarding point, a 5-star international buffet, a beautifully decorated Arabic-style wooden dhow, a live Tanoura performance by a professional artist, an air-conditioned lower deck and open-air upper deck, plus landmark views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the full Marina skyline. Departure is from Dubai Marina Harbour.
Food and Dining Onboard
The dining spread deserves special mention. Guests can help themselves to international favourites alongside regional specialities, hot main courses, a salad and mezze counter, grilled dishes and rice, plus a dessert selection. The chicken BBQ is cooked fresh on the boat, with veg diners are never an afterthought with real variety. Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water are included for the duration of the cruise.
Onboard Entertainment
No Dubai dinner cruise is complete without the Tanoura show. This whirling folk dance has roots in Egyptian and Sufi tradition, and the performance is performed by a professional artist wearing an illuminated, colourful skirt that transforms the deck. In addition, guests enjoy live music and entertainment across the whole evening.
The Route and the Views
While the boat moves along the water, look out for the dense cluster of Marina towers, the striking twisted tower, the lively JBR promenade, the vast Ain Dubai observation wheel, the Marina Walk promenade, as well as distant views towards Palm Jumeirah. For photos, the open upper deck is the best spot, especially at blue hour.
Perfect for Celebrations and Corporate Groups
An evening onboard is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, marriage proposals as well as corporate team outings. Birthday setups are available on request, and companies can access special group rates and customised packages for team outings and bulk reservations.
Practical Information
Check-in starts at 7:45 PM, with the cruise sailing from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily. We recommend arriving early so you can pick your seat. Dress smart casual, and a light jacket is useful as the upper deck can get breezy. The cruise is family friendly, and notably children are charged the same low rate.
Beyond the Cruise: Other Dubai Experiences
Many guests pair the cruise with a Dubai desert safari priced from AED 90, covering thrilling dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, barbecue dinner at camp and Tanoura and belly dance shows. Other popular additions include Dubai City Tours from AED 100, Abu Dhabi City Tours from AED 220, Burj Khalifa's observation deck from AED 180, a Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski tours from AED 200, deep sea fishing from AED 250 plus private yacht charter from AED 500 per hour.
Questions We Get Asked
What's included in the Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner?
Two hours of cruising, an international buffet dinner, fresh chicken barbecue, unlimited soft drinks, a live Tanoura show, live music and stunning Dubai Marina views.
How much does it cost?
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.
Ready to Book?
Demand is high, especially at weekends, particularly between October and April, so it pays to reserve in advance. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and confirm your booking.
Call +971 56 1277925 or message us via WhatsApp at +971 50 9912456 to book your Marina Cruise Dinner today. Browse www.marinacruisedinner.com to see all packages and current deals.
