Zabeel
Dhow Cruise Dubai
Al Jaddaf Water Canal
The only traditional wooden dhow operating on the Dubai Water Canal. Red carpet boarding at Al Jaddaf, South Indian restaurant dining on board, Burj Khalifa views, Tanoura show, Karaoke and an after-dinner dance party. 3 dining packages from AED 39.
Zabeel Dhow Cruise Dubai — The Only Traditional Dhow on the Water Canal
Zabeel Dhow Cruise is the only traditional wooden dhow operating on the Dubai Water Canal at Al Jaddaf Waterfront. While every other vessel on the canal is a modern catamaran or glass boat, Zabeel delivers the authentic Arabic dhow experience — combined with a unique South Indian restaurant dining option, professional karaoke, Tanoura show, and an after-dinner dance party. Starting from just AED 39 per person, it is one of the best-value and most distinctive cruise experiences in Dubai.
What Makes Zabeel Dhow Cruise Different from Every Other Canal Cruise?
There are many dinner cruises in Dubai — on the Marina, on the Creek, and on the Water Canal. But Zabeel stands apart from all of them in five specific ways that no competitor can match:
1. The Only Traditional Wooden Dhow on the Canal. Every other boat operating on the Dubai Water Canal is a modern vessel — catamarans, glass boats, fiber cruise ships. Zabeel is the sole authentic Arabic wooden dhow on the canal, giving you the most culturally genuine experience while enjoying the most modern Dubai skyline backdrop.
2. South Indian Restaurant Food On Board. Zabeel is the only cruise in Dubai that gives you a choice of restaurant menus — choose the international buffet at AED 39, the Tasty Darbar South Indian menu at AED 49, or the Kozhikode Star Kerala speciality menu at AED 59. The food is prepared by real restaurant partners and served on board — a completely different quality level from standard cruise buffets.
3. South Indian & Malayalam-Speaking Crew. A large portion of the Zabeel crew is from Kerala and South India, meaning guests can communicate comfortably in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi or Telugu throughout the evening. For the large South Asian community in Dubai, this makes Zabeel feel like home.
4. Karaoke, After-Dinner Dance Party & Club Lighting. After the Tanoura show and Horse performance, the lower deck transforms into a dance party — club-style lighting, strong bass sound system, and karaoke with professional microphones. This makes Zabeel uniquely popular for birthday parties, team outings, and group celebrations.
5. Professional Photography & Framed Prints. A photographer boards with you and captures the evening. At the end of the cruise, your photos are printed in a Zabeel-branded frame — a physical memory to take home, unlike any other cruise.
"The only place in Dubai where you can eat Kerala fish curry, watch a Tanoura dancer, sing karaoke, and see the Burj Khalifa all in the same evening — from a traditional wooden dhow."
Is Zabeel Good for South Indian Families and Groups in Dubai?
Absolutely — Zabeel was designed with the South Asian community in Dubai specifically in mind. With a Malayalam and Hindi-speaking crew, South Indian restaurant menus (Tasty Darbar and Kozhikode Star), karaoke in multiple languages, and special event setups for Diwali, Onam, Eid, and National Day, Zabeel is the most culturally inclusive cruise experience in Dubai. It is the most popular choice for Indian and South Asian families, friend groups, and corporate outings in the city.
Zabeel Dhow Cruise vs standard canal cruises: Standard canal cruises use modern boats with international buffet only. Zabeel uses a traditional wooden dhow, offers South Indian restaurant menus, has karaoke and a dance party, and includes professional photography. Same Burj Khalifa route — completely different experience.
How to Book Zabeel Dhow Cruise
The fastest way to book is WhatsApp us directly. Tell us your preferred date, departure time (see timings section below), number of guests, and which menu package. We confirm instantly. No upfront payment — pay on arrival at Al Jaddaf Waterfront in cash or by card.
3 Zabeel Dining Packages — Same Cruise, 3 Menus
Same boat, same route, same Burj Khalifa views. Choose the menu that matches your taste and budget.
- Chicken BBQ
- Mutton Kebab
- Chicken Curry
- Plain Rice & Polao Rice
- Biryani Rice
- Mix Vegetables · Dal Tarka
- Noodles & White Pasta
- Nuggets & Arabic Bread
- Green Salad · Fattoush · Hummus
- Custard · Kheer · Fresh Fruits
- Fresh Orange Juice + Soft Drinks
- Chicken BBQ
- Mutton Kebab
- Chicken Biryani
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Chicken 65
- Roti & Poratta
- Chicken Homely Curry
- Beef Masala (Semi Gravy)
- Vegetable Kuruma
- Green Salad · Fattoush · Hummus
- Ice Cream · Fresh Salad
- Drink of the Day
- Chicken BBQ
- Mutton Kebab
- Chicken Biryani
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Chicken 65
- Roti & Poratta
- Chicken Homely Curry
- Beef Masala (Semi Gravy)
- Vegetable Kuruma
- Green Salad · Fattoush · Hummus
- Ice Cream · Fresh Salad
- Drink of the Day
All packages depart from Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai Water Canal. Pay on arrival. Children under 3 free · Ages 3–11 half price.
Upper & Lower Deck — 140 Guests Total
Lower Deck: 45 seats · Upper Deck: 90+ seats · Full facilities on both decks
7 Landmarks — Every Minute is a New View
From the red carpet at Al Jaddaf to the Burj Khalifa at night — every stop on the Zabeel route is worth seeing.
Entertainment & Experiences on Zabeel
Tap any item to read more. Six unique entertainment features — most of which are exclusive to Zabeel.
Guests are also invited to wear the Tanoura costume and try the spin themselves — a cherished photo opportunity that families and groups love.
The system is also used for announcements, event hosting, and live music segments during special occasions.
- 🪔 Diwali — special lighting and decorations, Diwali songs
- 🌾 Onam — Kerala-themed setup and traditional music
- 🌙 Eid & Ramadan — special event atmosphere and timings
- 🎆 New Year's Eve — fireworks views from the water, special menu
- 🎂 Birthdays — cake, microphone, special song on board
- 🏢 Corporate Events — full boat available for private bookings
Departure Times & How to Reach Al Jaddaf
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything guests ask about Zabeel Dhow Cruise before booking.
• Crew from Kerala — communicate in Malayalam throughout
• Tasty Darbar South Indian menu (Chicken Biryani, Chicken 65, Roti, Poratta, homely curries)
• Kozhikode Star Kerala speciality menu
• Karaoke including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu songs
• Special Onam, Vishu, and Diwali setups on festive dates
• Private group booking available for family functions and reunions
Standard — AED 39: International buffet — Chicken BBQ, Mutton Kebab, Chicken Curry, Biryani Rice, Vegetables, Dal Tarka, Noodles, Salads, Custard, Kheer, Fruits + Soft drinks
Tasty Darbar — AED 49: South Indian restaurant menu — Chicken Biryani, Chicken 65, Roti, Poratta, Chicken Curry, Beef Masala, Vegetable Kuruma, Ice Cream + Salads + Drinks
Kozhikode Star — AED 59: Kerala restaurant speciality — same menu items as Tasty Darbar but prepared by the Kozhikode Star restaurant kitchen
For birthdays, we can arrange a cake on board and a special song announcement through the PA system. For corporate events, the full boat can be booked privately for groups of 40+. Contact us on WhatsApp for private booking rates.
No upfront payment. Pay on arrival at Al Jaddaf Waterfront in cash (AED) or by card. Children under 3 cruise free. Ages 3–11 half price. If plans change, message us at least 3 hours before.
More questions? Chat on WhatsApp — instant reply →
Book Zabeel
Tonight
Dubai's only traditional canal dhow. South Indian restaurant menus. Karaoke, Tanoura, dance party, Burj Khalifa view. WhatsApp to book — pay on arrival.
Pay on arrival · Cash & card · Children under 3 free · Free cancellation