- Private hire of a traditional wooden dhow for up to 150 guests
- Open-air upper deck and an enclosed, air-conditioned lower deck
- Sound and lighting system, crew, and event tables and chairs included
- Suited to birthdays, family gatherings, corporate events and private parties
- 2-hour cruise past the Dubai Marina skyline, boarding at Dubai Harbour
- Add catering, drinks, decorations or live entertainment to suit your event
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A private dhow cruise in Dubai gives your group a whole traditional dhow, with room for up to 150 guests. Its carved wood and classic Arabian style suit family gatherings, birthdays, corporate events and celebrations with a local touch, with the boat, the music and the timing set around your plans.
The dhow has two decks. The enclosed, air-conditioned lower deck works for dinner, speeches or a cooler space on warm nights, and the open-air upper deck is where guests gather for skyline views, music and photos.
Your 2-hour dhow charter includes the captain and crew, a sound and lighting system, event tables and chairs, and safety equipment. The standard sailing leaves Dubai Harbour at 11 pm and returns at 1 am; other times can be arranged on request. Catering, drinks, decorations and live entertainment can be added, turning a simple dhow boat rental into a full dhow party on the water.
If you are bringing the whole family together, read our ideas for a family reunion cruise. To choose between boats, see how a private dhow compares with a private catamaran, or, for a more modern boat, look at our private catamaran rental for up to 200 guests.
Boarding at Dubai Harbour (10:30 pm)
Meet at Dubai Harbour Marina, Gate 3, opposite Princess Tower, and board 30 minutes before departure. The crew welcomes your guests on board. Times shown are for the standard sailing; other times can be arranged on request.
Set Sail (11:00 pm)
After a short safety briefing, the dhow leaves the harbour and heads along the Dubai Marina waterfront, with the city skyline lit up around you.
Your Event on Board
For the next two hours, the dhow is yours. Use the air-conditioned lower deck for dinner or speeches and the open-air upper deck for music, dancing and photos. Any catering, drinks or entertainment you have added runs to your event plan.
Return to Dubai Harbour (1:00 am)
The dhow returns to Dubai Harbour at around 1 am, where your guests disembark.
Included
- Private use of the whole dhow for 2 hours
- Access to both decks: open-air upper deck and air-conditioned lower deck
- Captain and crew
- Sound and lighting system
- Event tables and chairs
- Safety equipment on board
Not included
- Catering, such as BBQ or dinner buffet (vegetarian and non-vegetarian)
- Soft drinks and drink packages
- Live entertainment
- Decorations and event setups
- Hotel transfers
- Extra hours beyond 2 hours, priced by day and time
Timing
Boarding starts at 10:30 pm, the boat departs at 11:00 pm and returns at 1:00 am. This standard sailing is always available; other times can be arranged on request.
Boarding Location
Dubai Harbour Marina, Gate 3, opposite Princess Tower. Full directions are sent after booking.
Decks
The dhow has two decks: an open-air upper deck and an enclosed, air-conditioned lower deck.
Arranging Extras
Catering, drinks, decorations and live entertainment are added on request. Contact us with your guest count and event plan to arrange them before your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can the private dhow take?
Up to 150 guests across two decks. For larger groups, the Private Catamaran takes up to 200 and White Cruise up to 300.
How much does a private dhow cruise cost in Dubai?
A private dhow cruise starts from 3,500 AED for 2 hours. Extra hours are available, and their price depends on the day and time.
What is included in the price?
The whole dhow for 2 hours, the captain and crew, a sound and lighting system, event tables and chairs, and safety equipment. Catering, drinks, live entertainment, decorations and transfers are extra.
Should I choose a private dhow or a private catamaran?
Choose the dhow for a traditional Arabian look, up to 150 guests and a lower starting price. Choose the catamaran for a modern boat with room for up to 200 guests.
Can we host a party or family event on the dhow?
Yes. The dhow is booked privately for your group and has a sound and lighting system on board, so it works well for birthdays, family gatherings and company events.
- Camera or smartphone to capture stunning views of the Dubai Marina cruise.
- Light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings on the open-air upper deck.
- Comfortable shoes for easy boarding and walking on the dhow.
DUBAI HARBOUR MARINA OPP PRINCESS TOWER , Gate 3
