Buffet Dinner, Live Tanoura and the Marina Skyline — All From AED 60 Per Person

Dubai is celebrated globally for its glittering skyline, although the very best views of the city come from the sea rather than a rooftop. An evening Marina Cruise Dinner delivers exactly that perspective — a slow two-hour sail around Dubai's most iconic canal, complete with a generous buffet dinner plus authentic Arabian entertainment.

The best part is how affordable it is. You can board from as little as AED 60 per person, which makes this one of the best-value experiences available to visitors.

The Dhow Cruise Experience Explained

The dhow is a wooden sailing vessel used for generations along this coastline by traders, fishermen and pearl divers. Today, those same vessels have been thoughtfully upgraded into floating dining venues complete with climate-controlled lower decks and breezy open-air upper decks.

Unlike the older Creek cruises, the Marina sailing carries you along contemporary Dubai: towers lining both sides of the water, the landmark Dubai Eye, the lively JBR Walk, plus reflections shimmering across the canal.

Which Marina Cruise Package Suits You?

There are four main packages — the right one depends on how special the night needs to be.

Standard Marina Dhow Cruise – AED 60 per person

This is easily the crowd favourite. The package covers two hours of cruising, a four-star international buffet, chicken BBQ grilled onboard, choices for vegetarians and meat eaters, unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, onboard music, and a a live Tanoura performance. You can sit either on the AC lower deck or the open-air upper deck.

Luxury Dubai Marina Cruise – AED 70 per person

A modest upgrade adds a slightly more polished experience. You keep every standard inclusion, but with improved seating throughout, extended live entertainment plus an extended Tanoura show.

Marina Glass Cruise Dinner – AED 80 per person

Perfect for anyone seeking panoramic, uninterrupted views, the fibre-and-glass cruise makes the most sense. Guests board at 8 PM and disembark at 10:45 PM, and includes the buffet dinner and BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, dedicated washrooms for ladies and gentlemen and soft music with entertainment shows.

The Premium VIP Cruise – from AED 150, reduced from AED 190

Our top-tier package. You are welcomed with a red carpet welcome at the boarding point, a five-star international buffet dinner, a traditional Arabic wooden dhow decorated in classic style, a live Tanoura performance by a professional artist, both an AC lower deck and open upper deck, plus close-up views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the Marina skyline. Departure is from Dubai Marina Harbour.

What's on the Menu

Dinner is genuinely generous. The spread covers a mix of continental, Arabic and Asian dishes, hot mains, salads and mezze, grilled dishes and rice, and sweet dishes to finish. Barbecue is prepared onboard while you sail, while vegetarian options are always available with real variety. Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water are included for the duration of the cruise.

The Live Shows

The signature moment of the night is the live Tanoura performance. The spinning folk dance has roots in Egyptian and Sufi tradition, and the performance features a skilled professional dancer in a brightly illuminated costume that transforms the deck. Complementing the show, you will hear music and entertainment throughout for the duration of the cruise.

What You'll See From the Deck

Over the course of the two hours, you will see the dense cluster of Marina towers, the spiralling Cayan Tower, the buzzing JBR waterfront, the vast Ain Dubai observation wheel, the busy Marina Walk, as well as distant views towards Palm Jumeirah. Photographers should head to unbeatable, especially at blue hour.

Perfect for Celebrations and Corporate Groups

This experience works beautifully for birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries, family get-togethers, romantic surprises plus corporate group bookings. Birthday setups are available on request, while business groups receive click here dedicated pricing and bespoke arrangements for team outings and bulk reservations.

Timings and Practical Details

Boarding usually begins at 7:45 PM, and the sailing runs from 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM every day. Arrive a little early to get a good spot on the upper deck. Comfortable smart-casual clothing works best, and a light jacket is useful as the upper deck can get breezy. Children are welcome, and kids are priced at the same AED 60.

More Than Just a Cruise

Many guests pair the cruise with a desert safari priced from AED 90, covering 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, sand boarding, a camp-side BBQ dinner and live shows. Also worth considering are Dubai City Tours from AED 100, Abu Dhabi City Tours from AED 220, Burj Khalifa's observation deck from AED 180, Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski tours from AED 200, deep sea fishing from AED 250 and yacht rental starting at AED 500 per hour.

Common Questions

What does the cruise include?

120 minutes on the water, a four-star international buffet, fresh chicken barbecue, unlimited soft drinks, the Tanoura performance, music entertainment plus panoramic Marina views.

What's the rate?

AED 60 per adult and AED 60 per child, covering meals, entertainment and the full cruise.

When does boarding begin?

Boarding is at 7:45 PM, with cruising from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily.

How to Book

Seats fill quickly, especially in the cooler months, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. We are contactable around the clock to help you pick the best option.

Phone +971 56 1277925 or WhatsApp at +971 50 9912456 to secure your booking. Browse www.marinacruisedinner.com for full details and the latest offers.