Abu Dhabi weather & best time to visit UAE visa on arrival — check your eligibility Hotel directory: 18 landmark stays profiled New pages added weekly — see what's new
DO · ON THE WATER

Dhow dinner cruise

An evening cruise aboard a traditional wooden dhow is a relaxed way to see the Abu Dhabi skyline from the water.

What to expect

Typical length
2–3 hours
Departs
Around sunset
Includes
Buffet dinner, often live entertainment

What it's like

A dhow — a traditional wooden Gulf sailing vessel, now motorised for tourism — typically departs at sunset for a two-to-three-hour cruise along the Corniche and breakwater, serving a buffet dinner with the illuminated skyline, Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers as the backdrop.

Choosing a cruise

Options range from larger group cruises with buffet dining and live entertainment to smaller, more intimate boats aimed at couples. If skyline photography matters to you, ask about outdoor deck space — some boats have more open-air seating than others.