Dubai Water Canal Dhow Cruise

Overview

Spend an evening on the water in the very heart of Dubai.

The cruise follows the Dubai Water Canal — the man-made waterway that links the old Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf.

You sail aboard a contemporary dhow with a glass-enclosed hall and an open deck: the mood of the evening is yours to choose.

As the vessel glides past the illuminated promenades, an international buffet is served on board.

The towers of Business Bay, the mirrored waterfall of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge and the silhouette of the Burj Khalifa pass by in turn.

An unhurried pace, accomplished cooking and the finest evening panorama of the city.

What to Expect

• A contemporary dhow: a traditional-form vessel with a glass-enclosed hall and an open deck.
• International buffet: mezze and salads, a live pasta station, meat and seafood grills, desserts and beverages.
• The Dubai Water Canal: a route along illuminated promenades, footbridges and the Marasi Bay marina.
• Sheikh Zayed Bridge waterfall: Dubai's first sensor-operated waterfall bridge — a striking shot straight from the deck.
• Business Bay panorama: evening views of the city's business district and the Burj Khalifa from the water.

Perfect For

• A romantic evening: the lit-up city beyond the panoramic window.
• A first visit to Dubai: the city's landmark views and dinner in a single programme.
• Family time: a gentle route, a buffet for every taste and generous deck space.
• Special occasions: an anniversary, a birthday or a proposal on the water.
• An evening with La Perle: the cruise can be combined with a ticket to Dubai's signature show.

Itinerary

1. 00:00 — Boarding — From 6:15 pm.
2. 00:00 — Departure — At 7:00 pm the vessel sets out onto the canal.
3. 00:00 — Dinner — The international buffet opens: cold starters, hot dishes, a live pasta station and the grill.
4. 00:00 — Cruising the canal — The towers of Business Bay, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge waterfall, the promenades and the canal footbridges.
5. 00:00 — Return to the pier — At 9:30 pm. Total duration — 2 hours 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code?

The dress code is smart casual. The open deck can be cool and breezy in the evening, so a light wrap is recommended.

How long is the cruise?

Boarding begins at 6:15 pm and the cruise runs from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Total time on board is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

The cruise is suitable for guests of all ages, including families with children. Children under 4 years old travel free of charge. Child rates apply to children aged 4–11 years. Guests aged 12 and above are charged the adult rate.

Where is the pier?

Boarding takes place at the pier on the Dubai Festival City Waterfront Promenade.

Do I need to print my confirmation?

Both printed and electronic booking confirmations are accepted.

What happens if I arrive late?

The vessel leaves the pier strictly at 7:00 pm. Guests arriving late cannot be boarded and no refund is issued.

Which beverages are included?

Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included in the price. Wine, beer, spirits and champagne are ordered from the bar menu and charged separately.

Are there vegetarian dishes?

Yes. The buffet includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items.

Can I choose where I sit?

Tables are allocated at the time of booking, either in the air-conditioned glass-enclosed hall or on the open deck. Preferences are accommodated subject to availability.

Can the vessel be booked exclusively?

Yes. Private events, corporate dinners and celebrations are arranged on request.

What happens in bad weather?

In adverse weather conditions the cruise may be rescheduled to another date. Where rescheduling is not possible, the cost is refunded.

Can the route change?

The route and schedule may be adjusted for technical or safety reasons; no refund is provided in such cases.

Terms & Conditions

What's Included

• A 2-hour-30-minute cruise along the Dubai Water Canal
• Dinner — international buffet (starters, salads, hot dishes, desserts)
• Live pasta station and grill station
• Soft beverages: water, soft drinks, tea and coffee
• A seat at a table in the glass-enclosed hall or on the open deck (subject to availability)

Optional Extras (at additional cost)

• Beverages from the bar menu (wine, beer, spirits, champagne)
• A ticket to the La Perle show — the "Cruise + La Perle" package
• Table decoration for a special occasion
• Private transfer arrangements
• Full charter of the vessel for a private event

Conditions

• Advance reservation is required — seating is limited.
• Please arrive at the pier by the start of boarding at 6:15 pm: the vessel departs strictly on schedule.
• Bar menu items are charged separately.
• Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests aged 21 and over.

Useful Information

• Cruises operate daily: boarding from 6:15 pm, departure at 7:00 pm, return at 9:30 pm.
• Advance table reservation is required.
• The vessel departs strictly on schedule; no refund is issued in case of late arrival.
• The dress code is smart casual. A light wrap is recommended for the open deck in the evening.
• Soft beverages are included in the price. Alcohol is ordered from the bar menu and charged separately.
• The buffet includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
• The vessel has an air-conditioned glass-enclosed hall and an open deck; seating is subject to availability.
• The route and schedule may be changed for technical or safety reasons.
• In adverse weather conditions the cruise is rescheduled to another date or the cost is refunded.

Rules & Regulations

• Outside food or drinks of any kind not allowed.
• Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
• Alcoholic beverages sold only to 21+.