Dubai Dinner Cruises

A chance to a fantastic all-round experience that involves cuisine, culture and Dubai sightseeing under one roof offers a Dubai Dinner Cruise. While you float on placid waters you can listen to the strains of lilting Arabian melodies, view life in Dubai city as it bustles on the shore and enjoy a delicious meal. Visitors love clubbing other packages with their fascinating dhow dinner cruise trips, apart from gaining a unique combination of experiences on a dhow cruise. They often combine packages like the dhow cruise package, the Dubai desert safari and Dubai sightseeing tour, which can be the most riveting and thrilling holiday for an enthusiastic traveler.
Some passengers are interested only in the entertainment aboard a dhow, but others are also reminded of Dubai’s history as a pearl and fishing diving community. You will be able to acknowledge how Dubai grew as a city and swiftly elevated to its current level while on a dhow. Dubai Dinner Cruises recreate the magic of the past with the luxury and comfort of today.


A Dubai Dinner Cruise will leave you with photographs, memories, and moments to cherish.You can expect from this aquatic tour of Dubai the stunning modern skyscrapers, the moon illuminated skyline, the traditional Arabian wooden dhow, Arabian treats to eat, soothing english and arab music, also live entertainment and scrumptious international menu add to the flavors of the evening.
You can also order a romantic moonlight serenade on Dubai Creek and treat yourself and your better half with a five star dinner with one of the best possible views within Dubai, sailing in the beautiful soothing flip-flap of waves in the background and the gentle touch of sea breeze on you. Most dhows offer modern ambiences like fully Air-conditioned lower deck and open air upper deck mixed with the traditional charm of an Arabian Dhow.


You will sail out from the historic Dubai Creek on the aquamarine waters of the Arabian sea, and this is when your leisurely cruise aboard a traditional Arabian Dhow. During the cruise you will see the old Abras, Dhows and luxury yachts; also, spectacular examples of modern Dubai architecture including illuminated souks and palace whilst Sheikh Saeed’s House, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the National Bank of Dubai buildings the heritage village near Shindagha, the original site from where Dubai grew are monuments reminiscent of a bygone era and the birthplace of the father of modern Dubai, Sheikh Rashid.
The cheerful, relaxed atmosphere, genuine Dubai hospitality coupled with attentive service on board our Dhow makes the Dinner Cruise a must when you visit Dubai. Dinner is served with complimentary mineral water and soft drinks, and the delightful international cuisine buffet and the Dubai's majestic waters make the spectacular Dinner Cruise unforgettable romantic experience
If you want to make a normal tourist photography it'ss acceptable, but be aware that it's considered offensive to photograph Arab women. Also ask permission before photographing men. Photographs of government buildings or military installations are not allowed! Most cruises are around 2-3 hours of duration, and are starting around 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. They have qualified crew and Captains and are equipped with fire extinguishers, navigation compass, First Aid Kits, life jackets and all the other requirements needed for a safe cruise. The dress-code is smart casual.

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Dubai Boat Trips

An essentially a small ferry, or “abra” is an easier way of crossing the Dubai Creek. On both sides of the Creek - the Bur Dubai and Deira sides there are Abra stations, and the system of filling the boats is remarkably efficient. The service is available round-the-clock amd the abras set off very regularly. The cross-river trip offers a not-to-be-missed very picturesque view of the city and it costs 1 Dirham (around €0.2 or 20 euro cents) per passenger, payable to the driver after the boat has left the station.
You can also hire an abra for a price negotiable with the driver but usually very cheap for a private tour. At sunset on a clear day, particularly if the driver is able to enliven the tour with stories about the structures on either side of the Creek, this is quite a popular activity. But if you don't want a very expensive cross-river trip or a crowded "private" tour, just make sure that the purpose of one's abra hire is made clear at the outset.


Another option for tousists who want to go by boat but avoid the heat and the abra crowd is the Waterbus. A Nol card or a Red ticket (which could be purchased at the waterbus station) is required for the journey, because the Waterbus is a part of Dubai's public transport system. If you want a round trip “tourist route”, is another option of the waterbus, be aware of that it could get quite expensive 50 Dirhams for an adult (€10) and 25 Dirhams (€5) for a child.
There are also many boats offering more expensive and correspondingly more comfortable tours, often they are designed to resemble dhows. Prices of those more luxorious boats the Creek is home to, tend to be higher, particularly for dinner cruises with on-board entertainment.


It isn't possible to explore the whole city on foot, so if you are on a Dubai sightseeing tour, you can hire a car tour through a trusted Dubai tour operator, but better get one of the boat trips. Know that there is a route that ourists commonly take to get a glimpse of all the attractions in Dubai.
Afloat on an Abra you could explore the creek alone, but for a big group, this activity is better on a dhow. Compared to the abras, they are much bigger and are made for leisure purposes. Go and see the many of Dubai’s marvels by sailing on the Dubai Creek and with the help of the traditional dhow dinner cruise have an unforgettable time.
At night, the city life is bustling, the wild life sanctuary is bordering the banks of the creek, you are having a dinner on a majestic dhow cruise in Dubai, the waters are glazing, the historical as well as modern buildings, that are surrounding you, are beautifully lit up by the night lights and the stars that you are watching.

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Dubai Creek, Khor Dubai

The saltwater creek located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates named Khor Dubai or Dubai Creek ends at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The Ancient Greeks called it River Zara and it extended as far inland as Al Ain, some sources say. The Dubai Creek devides the city into two main sections – Deira and Bur Dubai. Members of the Bani Yas tribe first settled in Khor Dubai in the 19th century, establishing the Al Maktoum dynasty in the city.
The creek was incapable then of supporting large scale transportation, in the early 20th century so it served as a minor port for dhows (a traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails) coming as far away as East Africa or India. The Dubai Creek, being the only port or harbour in the city, remained an important element in establishing the commercial position of Dubai, no matter it impeded the entry of ships due to current flow. Prior to the invention of cultured pearls in the 1930s, Dubai's pearling industry, which formed the main sector of the city's economy, was based primarily on expeditions in the creek.
Also based along the Dubai Creek , whose warm and shallow waters supported a wide variety of marine life, was the fishing industry, important at the time.


On the foreshore of the creek were built dhows used for purposes of fishing. The importance of the creek as a site of commercial activity was to facilitate loading and unloading activities, as well as justification to introduce improvements to allow larger vessels to transit, leading in 1955 to a plan develop the creek involving building of breakwaters, dredging shallow areas and developing its beach to become a quay suitable for loading and unloading of cargo.
To permit 7 feet (2.1 m) draft vessels to cross through the creek at all times, the Dubai Creek was dredged in 1961. Then in the 1960's and the 1970's it was dredged again for shipping of up to 500 tons, which opened the Khor Dubai to much more continuous traffic of merchandise, including the development of re-export, and gave Dubai an advantage over the other dominant trading centre in the region at the time, Sharjah.
The first bridge connecting Bur Dubai and Deira was constructed in 1963 and called Al Maktoum Bridge. After the development of the Jebel Ali Port the importance of the creek as a port has diminished, but Port Saeed and other smaller facilities continue to exist along the creek, providing porting to traders from the region and the subcontinent.


Then as the years go by, there were build another three bridges crossing on Dubai Creek: Al Garhoud Bridge, Floating Bridge, Dubai and Business Bay Crossing and a tunnel - Al Shindagha Tunnel. The Fifth Bridge, The Seventh Crossing and Al Shindagha Bridge are the three additional bridges being planned for Dubai Creek.
Recently an extension part of the Business Bay development has been approved, that brings the Dubai Creek into the Persian Gulf and all the way around Bur Dubai. Initially it added 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the Khor Dubai, which costs Dhs. 484 million (US$132 million) and was increased to 12.2 kilometres (7.6 mi). By 2010.
Additionally, A new project consisting of seven islands known as was proposed to be built on Dubai Creek. The Lagoons, a new project consisting of seven islands, was proposed to be built on Dubai Creek additionally and on the centre island will be a set of towers of which the tallest will top 400 metres (1312 ft) and two exceeding 300 metres (980 ft), called Dubai Towers Dubai. Now On the Creek you can see the Including the most remarkable buildings alongside the Deira side of the it like Sheraton Dubai Creek, the Deira Twin Towers, Dubai Creek Tower, Chamber of Commerce and The National Bank.

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Dubai International Airport

DXB or Dubai International Airport is the largest hub in the Middle East and the home base of Dubai's flag carrier Emirates that accounts for 38% of all aircraft movements and handle 60% of all passenger traffic at the airport, and its low-cost wing FlyDubai. In 2010 Dubai International Airport was the 14th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the 6th busiest airport in the world by cargo traffic. There are more than 6000 flights a week to over 220 destinations across every continent except Antarctica, operated by 130 airlines. Last years it has grown at such a furious pace that during the peak hours around midnight the present terminals are bursting at the seams.
There are three terminals on the The Dubai International Airport and there is another one in the making, because of the huge traffic.
Terminal 1 is the main terminal and serves the long-haul flights and major airlines.
Terminal 2 is used by the low-cost flights like FlyDubai flights.
Terminal 3 is exclusively for Emirates flights.


Terminals 1 and 3 are are models of modern airport design, directly connected with no immigration needed for transfer to each other via the airside. You got to know that despite the recent renovations Terminal 2, with its queue-jumping, every other passenger checking in 70 kg of luggage and long check-in lines, is still reminiscent of developing world airports. Also it is isolated at the other end of the airport, connected with shuttle buses between the three run every 20-30 min (every now and then a 30 min taxi ride may be your only option, because shuttles to Terminal 2 are sporadic at best).


The public transport is comfortable. The Dumai Metro is serving Terminals 1 and 3 and there are also busses just steps from the baggage claim, that are going to the Al Sabkha (number 401) and Al Ghubaiba (number 402) bus terminals respectively which makes them most useful for visitors. Dubai is also developing the massive Al Maktoum airport located nearby Jabel Ali within the Dubai World Central project. It operates only a few freighters, but once completed it's expected to operate commercial flights, making this airport one of the busiest air hub for both cargo and passenger transportaion.
Dubai International Airport is famous for its duty-free shopping. But you need to know that the prices in the airport's duty-free stores are equal or sometimes even higher than the prices in some regular stores in one of the many malls in the city. Although, if you want to buy something, buy alcohol. Here it is very cheap and the allowance is 4 bottles (or four 6-packs of Beer) per person. There is alcohol for sale also at an inbound duty free store situated in the baggage reclaim area. All you need is to get some fresh money to spend, if you don't have, faxless payday loans can be your saver!
When coming out of Terminal 1, there are taxis on the left. Most tourists will choose public taxis readily available just outside arrivals from the airport. But, with the meter starting at Dhs 20, they aren't that cheap as you wish.

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Visit Dubai Gold Souk (Market)

Due to Dubai's free trade policies which encouraged entrepreneurs from India and Iran to set up stores in the souk during the 1940's, the trade grew. Dubai's share of value of trade in gold and diamonds to its total non-oil direct trade increased from 18% in 2003, to 24% in 2004, despite a general slump in the global gold market. And, yes, we aren't talking millions, we are talking about billions.
The Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional souk (market), located in the heart of Dubai's commercial business district in Deira, near to the Dubai Spice Souk. The Dubai Gold Souk is easily recognisable with its enormous wooden gates welcoming you at the entrance to see and buy some of the dazzling endless windows of gold. In this part of the world gold is a very serious business and it is a truly dazzling site when you see the windows full of every possible piece of jewellery you can imagine.


Over 300 retailers including both smaller stores that operate mainly in the Dubai Gold Souk as well as well established stores likePrima Gold, Joy Allukas Jewellery, Damas and ARY Jewellery, trade almost exclusively in jewellery in the Dubai Gold Souk. Some estimates state that at any given time tere is around 10 tons of gold present in the souk.
Be aware of the price fluctuations in the global gold market - gold prices change daily. Week later that bracelet, ring or necklace will be come suddenly more expensive.They don’t usually cheat, but just in case watch the scale when they weigh the gold. Be careful and, while trying new jewellery, don't let your own jewellery mixed-up with the stuff in the shop. Ask for certificates when applicable and know that you will be charged extra for credit card payments.
Irrespective of design, jewelry prices are based on weight not per piece, unlike in the West. Gold is sold at the daily gold price, obtained from The National Bank of Dubai and set by the UAE government. Because of that gold in the Dubai Gold Souk makes a sensible investment or gift - jewelry prices are lower than you would find back home.


The Gold Souk opens around 10 a.m. closes in the early afternoon (around 1 p.m.), like most stores in Dubai and reopens again around 4 p.m, then closes for the night at 10 p.m. In the morning it is less busy and vendors are keen to make their first sale of the day so it is a good time to buy. All souks are closed on Friday mornings, because it is the Muslim holy day.
Haggling is a tradition, so you should never buy without doing it. The best time for real bargains is during the DSF or the Dubai Shopping Festival, when the gold shops are promoted heavily or during its mini version, taking place every summer in July and August called Dubai Summer Surprises.

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Visit Dubai Spice Souk (Spice Market)

With a mix of time-honored traditions and futuristic ultra-modern glass towers Dubai is a truly a city of contrasts. If you are planning your shopping tour to Dubai, go to The Old Souk (or Dubai Spice Souk) which is located in eastern Dubai, in Deira is close to the famous Dubai Gold Souk for the ultimate shopping experience.
They say The Spice Market, located on Sikkat Al Khail Road is a shadow of its former self but it is still one of the many charms to the city. There are some open, but mostly closed-roof stores and they sell a variety of spices and fragrances from the many herbs used in Arabic and South Asian food to shisha and frankincense, also, some incense, rugs and several textitles.

Due to the growth larger stores and supermarkets, the quantity of trade as well as the number of stores trading spices in the Old Souk have been significantly reduced in recent years, but still a majority of the traiding occurs through haggling.
As you traverse bustling streets and crammed shops, this place of flavours and scents will captivate your senses. Follow the aroma of cinnamons, dried fruits, cloves and cardamoms through the filled with various Arabic fragrances narrow lanes of Dubai Spice Souk.


Shopkeepers are more than willing to offer their help and guide tourists on Dubai tours in the Dubai Spice Souk. They are always ready to introduce their rare and unknown types of spices to customers. You can buy spices imported from all over the Middle East – another reason to say that Dubai Spice Souk is one of the best places for shopping in Dubai.
Considered to be some of the best buys in Dubai, those dried fruits and spices of a high quality are kept out in the open in huge sacks, so you could smell the aroma and will allow you to have a foretaste of the special flavor that they will add to your cuisine with gastronomical delights.Or if you don't like the spicy food, you can make a gift for your dear ones.

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