Top 5 Things to Do in Dubai Marina on a Dhow Cruise

Watch the Dubai Marina Skyline Light Up

The first thing to do is simply look up. As the dhow leaves the pier, hundreds of towers glow on both sides of the canal and their lights reflect on the water. The standout is Cayan Tower, a 307-metre, 75-storey tower that twists a full 90 degrees from base to top. At night its spiral is easy to pick out against the straighter towers around it.

The Marina is also lined with yachts and the cafés of Marina Walk, so the view keeps changing as the boat moves.

Tip: sit by a window or the rail for the first 20 minutes. This is when the boat moves slowly through the busiest part of the canal.

Feast on a 4-Star or 5-Star Buffet

Dinner is a big part of the evening. Every Marina package includes an international buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and the premium boats serve 4-star or 5-star spreads, some catered by the Copthorne Hotel. Expect Arabic mezze, salads, grills, curries, rice, pasta and desserts, with unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Tip: wait ten minutes after the buffet opens. The first queue is the longest. Full menu: what to eat on a Dubai Marina dhow cruise.

Watch the Tanoura Dance Show

Midway through dinner, the music builds and the Tanoura dancer takes the floor. The performer spins continuously for minutes at a time, wearing a layered, colourful skirt that often lights up as it turns. The dance has roots in Egyptian Sufi tradition and has become a highlight of dhow cruises across Dubai.

It's a show the whole table can enjoy, children included, and it makes for some of the best video of the night.

Tip: record in slow motion. The spinning skirt looks spectacular when slowed down.

See Ain Dubai, JBR and Atlantis from the Upper Deck

After dinner, head to the open-air upper deck. As the boat moves toward the open water, you'll see JBR and its beachfront, Ain Dubai, the 250-metre observation wheel on Bluewaters Island, and Atlantis The Palm glowing at the tip of Palm Jumeirah. This is the best time for photos, with the whole skyline behind you.

If you want the widest, most open view, consider a catamaran. The Catamaran Cruise Marina UD and Premium Catamaran RL have wide decks built for sightseeing.

Tip: from December to February the breeze on the upper deck can feel cool. Bring a light layer.

Celebrate a Special Occasion on the Water

The Marina is Dubai's favourite backdrop for celebrations. Couples book cruises for anniversaries and proposals, families for birthdays, and companies for team dinners. Tell the team when you book so the crew knows what you're celebrating, or ask about a private dhow or catamaran for your group.

For the ultimate celebration, book a New Year's Eve cruise: Marina cruises face the Atlantis, JBR and Burj Al Arab fireworks at midnight. See our New Year fireworks guide.

Tip: couples should read our romantic dhow cruise guide for proposal and anniversary ideas.