In the 90’s, some entrepreneurs began converting the larger dhows that were traditionally used for trading into refurbished floating restaurants that would operate dinner cruises in the Dubai Creek.

That segment has grown and over many years has evolved into a rather important and iconic type of tourist attraction in Dubai.

Starting with only handful of Dhows in early 90’s the segment has grown into over 30 dhows in the Creek and 8 in Dubai Marina.

One the elements of the Dhow Cruise ‘culture’ has been to have live entertainment onboard in a variety of forms.

Originally, belly dancing was most common, but with time, Dubai Government has been eliminating this form of entertainment and has now been almost entirely replaced by ‘Tanura’ – a traditionally Turksih dance that is usually performed by a male dancer that is spinning in a flowing and elaborately decorated dress, creating a very interesting sight.

The dinner cruise in Dubai Marina as a concept began in 2010 with some operators bringing the dhow boats to Dubai Marina and operating floating restaurants. The Dhow Cruise Marina attraction began gaining momentum and popularity and currently is a household product among inbound tour operators in Dubai.

Today, the dinner cruise in Dubai Marina is considered to be a much more upscale option that any other area in Dubai.

DINNER ONBOARD A DHOW CRUISE IN DUBAI MARINA

As always, with the opening of Dubai Marina as a new area and tourist destination, there was room for starting new business ventures.

Alexandra was one of the first boats that began its operations as far back as 2009.

Now there are around 7 boats that operate in Dubai Marina.