Which One to Select: Dhow Cruise Creek or Dhow Cruise Marina?

Anyone planning a visit to Dubai would have looked for the must-try attractions in the golden city. If you did, you would know that the dhow cruise is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai. Unique to the UAE, the dhow cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the essence and vibe of the city while spending some quality time with your loved ones over dinner. But Dubai offers two types of dhow cruises, one at Dubai Creek and the other at Dubai Marina. For a person visiting Dubai for the first time, this can be confusing. To make it easier for you to select one, we give you all the details about dhow cruise on both Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina.

What is a Dhow Cruise?

A dhow is a traditional wooden boat that the Emiratis used for transportation during the yesteryears. As Dubai expanded its tourism sector, several unique things were done to attract more tourists. One of them was to transform the dhow into a fine dining restaurant. This sailing restaurant has preserved the authenticity of the wooden boat while adding modern touches to make it more luxurious and comfortable. The dhow is made of two decks, and you will find the lower deck to be completely air-conditioned while the upper deck remains open for visitors to enjoy the gentle evening breeze while having dinner. The dhow cruise happens in two places in Dubai: Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina. Here we will help you to choose the right one for you.

Dhow Cruise Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is one of the most important spots in the city. It is a natural waterbody that divides the city into two: Deira and Bur Dubai. It is here where the royal family of Dubai settled in the city when they first moved from their desert dwelling. The proximity of the creek inspired the Emiratis towards fishing and pearl diving, the two major occupations of the Emiratis before the discovery of oil. Dubai Creek is where the city began to grow and develop. You can still see the first structures built here. Although the surrounding areas have developed into the modern metropolis that Dubai is, a part of Dubai Creek’s neighborhood has preserved its heritage and authenticity. You can observe this vibe of the place during the dhow cruise Creek tour.

Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina

While Dubai Creek stands for the city's past, Dubai Marina represents the opulence, luxury, and contemporary style the city is known for. The Dubai Marina is a manmade Venetian-style canal that is flanked by ultra-luxurious buildings and structures. Dubai Marina has a walkaway on both its sides, making it possible for individuals, couples, and families to enjoy a leisure walk in the evening, after sunset. Dubai Marina houses premium residential units, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, enormous shopping malls, fun lounges, and popular nightclubs. Not surprisingly, the place comes alive with people seeking leisure and fun activities in the evening. The dhow Marina cruise gives you the opportunity to soak in all the sophistication and magnificence that the place embodies.

How to Select Between Dhow Cruise Creek and Dhow Cruise Marina?

The overall experience on the dhow cruise is similar, be it at the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. Dhow cruises usually last for 2-3 hours, during which you get to enjoy a buffet dinner, some entertaining performances, and the beautiful sights of the city. Here are some parameters that will help you to opt for the right dhow cruise in Dubai.

Food: Dhow cruises usually offer a three-course meal, be it at the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. The menu may be slightly different in every dhow, although you will find vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in both these places.

Dubai Creek: The buffet menu on the dhow cruise dinner Creek would mostly be a traditional Arabic fare. Right from the starters to the desserts, you will get to enjoy the flavors and textures of traditional Arabic or Emirati cuisine. Get ready to savor some delectable grilled kebabs, crispy falafels, creamy hummus, aromatic pilafs, tender lamb dishes, and assorted mezze platters. The dessert section also remains authentic to the Arabic theme, and you will get to enjoy sweets like kunafa and baklava to complete your meal.

Dubai Marina: The menu for a buffet on a dinner cruise Dubai Marina is usually more cosmopolitan. While you do get to eat Arabic or Emirati dishes, you will also have the chance to try some other popular cuisines like Italian, Indian, Chinese, and such other international cuisines. Asian dishes like noodles, Italian pasta, Middle Eastern mezze, seafood, etc., are examples of some of the dishes you will get to try on a dhow cruise in Dubai Marina.

View: The main difference between the dhow cruises on Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina is the view.

Dubai Creek: Cruising on the Dubai Creek will give you a peak into the historical neighborhood of the city. Although the Creek is not flanked by the super tall towers and skyscrapers, you will find several traditional structures and some of the city’s first luxury hotels, corporate offices, and such other important buildings here. During your cruise on the Dubai Creek, you will be able to spot the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, Dubai Gold and Spice Souks, Rolex Twin Towers, Hotel Sheraton Dubai Creek, Bastakiya Quarter, National Bank of Dubai, Grand Mosque, Old Boat Fort, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, and more.

Dubai Marina: The Dubai Marina cruise will bring you face to face with the modern and chic side of Dubai. Elegant buildings adorned with millions of glittering lights are what await you at the Dubai Marina. There is also an air of revelry and joy in the air for Dubai Marina is a must-sought after place for both residents and tourists alike. As the dhow cruises along the Dubai Marina, you will come across numerous modern architectural marvels that the city is proud of. You will get to see Blue Waters Island, Ain Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Hotel Atlantis the Palm, Burj Khalifa, and Burj Al Arab during the dhow cruise Marina tour.

Entertainment: Entertaining activities are a part of dhow cruises. There may not be much of a difference in this department. Most dhow cruises have Tanoura dancing as a part of their entertainment program. A traditional dance performed by a male dancer, Tanoura is nothing less than a mesmerizing performance. A small difference you may find is live traditional music at the Dubai Creek cruise and upbeat DJ music at the Dubai Marina cruise. Some cruises also offer puppet shows, henna paintings, etc.

Cost: The price of the dhow cruises on Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina is one of the main things that differentiate both. Dhow cruises on Dubai Marina are usually more expensive than cruises on Dubai Creek. People who have tried both cruises often say that the difference in cost can be reflected in the service. The service on Dubai Marina is a tad bit more personalized in Dubai Marina.

Making the Decision

Choosing the right cruise for you and your family would depend on your budget and preferences. If you are on a tight budget, you can go for a dhow cruise on Dubai Creek. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the modern side of the city, a dhow cruise on Dubai Marina would be your best bet. Whichever cruise you choose, there is no doubt that you will get to enjoy a memorable evening with your loved ones.