Zabeel Dhow Cruise Dubai (Al Jaddaf Water Canal)

Only Traditional Dhow Cruise in Dubai Water Canal | From 39 AED

  • 2 Hour Cruise
  • Buffet Dinner
  • Live Shows
  • Burj Khalifa View

200+ Customer

CAPACITY

140 Persons

VESSEL TYPE

Traditional

LOCATION

Al Jaddaf Waterfront

DURATION

2 Hours

Welcome to Zabeel Dhow Cruise — the only traditional wooden dhow currently operating on the
Dubai Water Canal at Al Jaddaf Waterfront. While the Marina and Creek have many cruises, Zabeel
stands alone on the canal, offering an unmatched combination of panoramic downtown views, authentic
Tanoura entertainment, South Indian hospitality and restaurant-quality food — all starting from just AED
39 per person

WHY ZABEEL STANDS OUT

The Only Traditional Canal Dhow — Here Is What Makes It Different

Only Traditional Canal Dhow

Every other vessel on the Dubai Water Canal is a modern catamaran or glass boat. Zabeel is the sole
traditional wooden dhow — an authentic Arabian experience.

Heart-of-Dubai Route

Your 2-hour journey passes Palazzo Versace, D1 Tower, Dubai Festival City laser show, Mohammed bin
Rashid Library, Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, Business Bay and the Burj Khalifa.

South Indian Cuisine from Renowned Restaurants

Unique on any Dubai cruise — choose from Kozhikode Star or Tasty Darbar restaurant food, served on
board alongside the international buffet.

Full Entertainment & Karaoke

Tanoura dance, Horse Show, Karaoke with mics, professional sound system on both decks. The lower deck
transforms into a dance party after dinner.

South Indian Staff — Feel At Home

Our crew is largely from Kerala and South India, so guests can communicate comfortably in their own
language throughout the evening.

ON BOARD: UPPER & LOWER DECKS

Capacity: 140 Persons · 45 Lower Deck · 95 Upper Deck

Lower Deck — 45 Seats
Full Air-ConditioningStay cool in any weather
Panoramic WindowsOutside views visible from inside
Club-Style LightingColourful LEDs + strong bass system
Karaoke & MicrophonesFor events & announcements
Dance Party SettingAfter dinner & entertainment shows
Separate Buffet StationDedicated serving area inside
2 WashroomsSeparate for men and women
Upper Deck — 90 Seats
Fully Open AirUnobstructed 360° panoramic views
Comfortable ChairsSpaced for comfort & movement
Special Event LightingDiwali, NYE, Eid, Ramadan setups
Separate Buffet AreaDedicated serving station on deck
Couple Seats at SidesDedicated romantic seating for two
Easy Staircase Access2-staircase connection to lower deck
Downtown Skyline ViewsBurj Khalifa, Business Bay, Canal

Your Journey: The Full Route

Starting at Al Jaddaf Waterfront — 2 Hours of Non-Stop Landmarks

From the moment the ropes are cast off at Al Jaddaf Waterfront, every minute of your Zabeel Dhow Cruise delivers a different view of Dubai's extraordinary landscape. Here is every landmark you will encounter on your journey:
1

Al Jaddaf Waterfront (Boarding)

Red carpet welcome. Views of the iconic Palazzo Versace 5-star hotel and D1 Tower, the tallest building in the area.

5

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

One of Dubai's best-kept secrets. This Ramsar-designated wetland is home to flamingos, reef herons and ospreys — visible at dusk during winter months.

2

Al Jaddaf Marine Station

Landmark of the area. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library — one of the most architecturally striking buildings in Dubai — comes into view.

6

Business Bay

Dubai's beating business heart. Glass tower after glass tower reflects off the calm canal water. The skyline here is purely cinematic.

3

Dubai Festival City

Short stop to witness the world-famous IMAGINE laser & fire show — the world's largest permanent waterscreen projection. Spectacular fireworks on event nights.

7
7

Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa

The moment everyone waits for. The world's tallest building rises 828m ahead of you. At night, its light show reflects across the canal in a column of pure gold.

YOUR JOURNEY: THE FULL ROUTE

Starting at Al Jaddaf Waterfront — 2 Hours of Non-Stop Landmarks

From the moment the ropes are cast off at Al Jaddaf Waterfront, every minute of your Zabeel Dhow Cruise delivers a different view of Dubai's extraordinary landscape. Here is every landmark you will encounter:
1

Al Jaddaf Waterfront (Boarding)

Red carpet welcome. Views of the iconic Palazzo Versace 5-star hotel and D1 Tower.

2

Al Jaddaf Marine Station

The Mohammed bin Rashid Library — one of the most architecturally striking buildings in Dubai.

3

Dubai Festival City

Witness the world-famous IMAGINE laser & fire show and spectacular fireworks on event nights.

4

Dubai Creek Harbour

Home to the future Dubai Creek Tower. The harbour's modern marina and waterfront glow beautifully at night.

5

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

A Ramsar-designated wetland home to flamingos, reef herons, and ospreys — visible at dusk.

6

Business Bay

Dubai's beating business heart. Glass towers reflect off the calm canal water in a cinematic skyline.

7

Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building rises ahead. At night, its light show reflects across the canal in pure gold.

SUNSET VIEWS (October – April):

Book the 5 PM weekend slot for golden-hour light across the canal and the Burj Khalifa transition from amber to night-blue illumination.

DINING ON BOARD: THREE MENU OPTIONS

International Buffet · Tasty Darbar · Kozhikode Star

STANDARD BUFFET

AED 39

per person

TASTY DARBAR 

AED 49

per person

KOZHIKODE STAR

AED 59

per person

ENTERTAINMENT & ON-BOARD EXPERIENCES

Tanoura · Horse Show · Karaoke · Photography · Dance Party

■ Tanoura Dance Show

The ancient Sufi spinning art performed live on board. The dancer’s multi-layered lit costume spins in hypnotic circles — a spectacle that stops every conversation on the deck. A true highlight for all ages.

■ Horse Dance Show

A unique and crowd-pleasing performance — equally
beloved by children and adults. The Horse Show is one
of the most entertaining traditional acts on any Dubai
cruise and an exclusive feature of Zabeel.

■ Wear the Tanoura Dress

Guests are invited to wear a real Tanoura costume and
try the spin themselves — a photo opportunity that
becomes a cherished memory. Great for families and
groups.

■ Professional Photography

From the moment you board, a professional
photographer captures your evening. At the end of the
cruise, your photos are printed in a beautiful
Zabeel-branded frame. Take home a real memory of
your night.

■ Karaoke & Full Sound System

A professional-grade sound system with microphones
in both decks. Karaoke sessions are a highlight for
groups — perfect for birthday parties, corporate teams
and South Indian guests who know the best songs.

■ After-Dinner Dance Party

Once dinner and the entertainment shows wrap up, the
lower deck transforms. The lights go low, the bass goes
up and the dance floor opens. Colourful club lighting,
strong music and a fully energised crowd.

DAILY TIMINGS

Weekday & Weekend Schedules · Multiple Daily Departures

WEEKDAYS (Mon – Thu)

1st Tour — Board: 5:30 PM | Sail: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2nd Tour — Board: 8:00 PM | Sail: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM

WEEKENDS (Fri, Sat & Sun)

1st Tour — Board: 4:30 PM | Sail: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
2nd Tour — Board: 6:30 PM | Sail: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
3rd Tour — Board: 8:30 PM | Sail: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM

PERFECT FOR EVERY OCCASION

Celebrations · Corporate · Romance · Festivals

Birthdays

Private section or full vessel. Karaoke, cake, custom setup.

Proposals & Anniversaries

Couple seats, rose setup, photographer on board.

Corporate Events

Branded setup, AV system, private dining, team building.

New Year's Eve

Burj Khalifa + DFC fireworks from the water. Book weeks ahead.

Valentine's Day

Couple seats, rose decor, live music, romantic canal views.

Diwali Celebrations

Special festival lighting on upper deck. A community favourite.

Ramadan Evenings

Iftar packages and special Ramadan atmosphere.

Graduations & Reunions

Groups of any size — South Indian community events welcome.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Getting There · What to Bring · Booking · FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?

Absolutely. The Tanoura and Horse Show are especially loved by children. The water is completely calm. Children under 3 are usually free; ages 3–12 receive a discount.

Is alcohol served on board?

Zabeel Dhow Cruise is alcohol-free. We serve unlimited soft drinks, juices, water, Arabic coffee and tea throughout the evening.

How do I get there?

Al Jaddaf Metro Station (Green Line) is a short walk from the boarding point. By car, park free at the Al Jaddaf Waterfront area near the Jameel Arts Centre.

What is the cancellation policy?

Most bookings include free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Same-day bookings are non-refundable.

Can I book for a large group or private event?

Yes. Zabeel can accommodate groups up to 140 guests and offers full private charters. Contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote within 30 minutes.

What should I wear?

Smart casual. For the upper deck in October–March evenings, a light layer is recommended. Comfortable flat shoes are better than heels on any boat deck.

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