Marina Cruise Dinner Dubai: Your Complete Guide to Dining, Sailing and Live Entertainment
Buffet Dinner, Live Tanoura and the Marina Skyline — All From AED 60 Per Person
Dubai, UAE is best known for its record-breaking skyline, yet the very best views of the city come from the sea rather than a rooftop. An evening Marina Cruise Dinner gives you precisely this viewpoint — a gentle 120-minute journey around the glittering Dubai Marina canal, complete with a full buffet dinner together with authentic Arabian entertainment.
What makes it even better is the cost. Rates start at AED 60 per person, making it one of the smartest-value activities available to visitors.
Understanding the Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
A dhow is a traditional wooden boat that served for hundreds of years across the Arabian Gulf for fishing, pearling and commerce. Today, these boats have been elegantly converted into floating dining venues with fully air-conditioned indoor seating along with open-air rooftop decks.
Unlike the older Creek cruises, the Marina sailing carries you along the city's newest district: towers lining both sides of the water, the sweep of Dubai Eye, the lively promenade of Jumeirah Beach Residence, and lights dancing across the surface.
Marina Cruise Packages Compared
Several options are available — the best option comes down to budget, group size and occasion.
Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner – only AED 60
Without question, this is our best-selling package. You get 120 minutes on the water, an international four-star buffet, chicken BBQ grilled onboard, full veg and non-veg menus, soft drinks and bottled water, onboard music, plus a live Tanoura performance. Seating is available either on the AC lower deck or the open-air upper deck.
The Luxury Marina Cruise – just AED 70
A modest upgrade delivers a more premium feel. All the standard inclusions remain, but with upgraded seating on both decks, a longer entertainment programme plus an extended Tanoura show.
Marina Glass Cruise Dinner – AED 80 per person
For guests who want panoramic, uninterrupted views, the fibre-and-glass cruise is the obvious choice. The sailing runs from 8 PM to 10:45 PM, covering the buffet dinner and BBQ, unlimited soft drinks, separate restroom facilities for men and women plus background music and entertainment.
The Premium VIP Cruise – just AED 150 instead of AED 190
Our top-tier package. Expect a red carpet welcome at the boarding point, a 5-star international buffet, 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, and close-up views of Ain Dubai, JBR and the Marina skyline. Departure is from Dubai Marina Harbour.
The Dining Experience
The buffet is one of the highlights. Expect a mix of continental, Arabic and Asian dishes, freshly prepared mains, fresh salads and mezze, rice and grilled items, with a range of desserts. The chicken BBQ is cooked fresh on the boat, with vegetarian guests are properly catered for rather than given a token side dish. Soft drinks and water flow freely throughout throughout the sailing.
Live Entertainment and the Tanoura Show
The signature moment of the night is the live Tanoura performance. The mesmerising spinning performance has roots in Egyptian and Sufi tradition, dinner cruise dubai marina and it is performed by a professional artist in a brightly illuminated costume as the boat glides past the towers. In addition, you will hear soft music and a full entertainment programme for the duration of the cruise.
What You'll See From the Deck
Over the course of the two hours, the route takes in the illuminated towers lining the canal, the striking twisted tower, the beachfront energy of JBR and The Beach, the glowing Ain Dubai wheel, Marina Walk, and even distant views towards Palm Jumeirah. The upper deck is the place to be, particularly during the golden hour before dark.
Perfect for Celebrations and Corporate Groups
This experience is an excellent setting for birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries, family gatherings, romantic surprises as well as corporate group bookings. We can arrange birthday celebrations on the boat, and companies can access special group rates and customised packages for team events and large bookings.
Timings and Practical Details
Guests typically board at 7:45 PM, and cruising takes place between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM. We recommend arriving early to secure the best seats. Dress smart casual, and a light jacket is useful because the wind picks up on the water. Children are welcome, and child pricing is the same generous rate.
Beyond the Cruise: Other Dubai Experiences
Most visitors combine the cruise with a Dubai desert safari priced from AED 90, featuring thrilling dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, barbecue dinner at camp plus 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, a Hatta Mountains Tour from AED 180, jet ski tours from AED 200, deep sea fishing trips from AED 250 as well as private yacht charter from AED 500 per hour.
Common Questions
What's included in the Marina Dhow Cruise Dinner?
120 minutes on the water, a four-star international buffet, fresh chicken barbecue, unlimited soft drinks, a live Tanoura show, live music plus stunning Dubai Marina views.
What's the rate?
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, with cruising from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily.
Book Your Marina Cruise Today
Places book out fast, particularly between October and April, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. Support is available 24 hours a day to answer questions and confirm your booking.
Call +971 56 1277925 or reach us on WhatsApp at +971 50 9912456 to reserve your seats. Head to www.marinacruisedinner.com for complete package information and live pricing.
