Abu Dhabi: Yas Island Dhow Cruise & 5-Star Dinner

Sail Past Ferrari World & Etihad Towers Over Dinner on a Traditional Dhow

You board a traditional wooden dhow at Yas Island, enjoy a 5-star international buffet dinner, and sail past Ferrari World, Yas Marina, and the W Abu Dhabi Hotel before gliding into the quieter waters of Al Raha Creek. The cruise includes unlimited refreshments, onboard music, and 360-degree views from the open-air top deck. Optional hotel transfer is available, and the whole experience runs two hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dhow cruise with sightseeing and dinner

• Board traditional wooden dhow
• Enjoy 5-star international buffet
• Relax to onboard music
• View Yas Marina and Ferrari World
• See W Abu Dhabi Hotel and Yas Marina Circuit
• Take photos from open-air top deck
• Glide through Al Raha Creek waters
• Observe modern residential districts
• View Yas Bay Waterfront and Etihad Arena
• Spot Aldar Headquarters from distance

The experience

You're standing on the deck of a wooden dhow, and it hits you: you're actually floating past Ferrari World's red roof while holding a plate of gourmet food. The 2-hour Abu Dhabi dhow cruise from Yas Island isn't what you'd call a typical dinner experience. It's more like someone took the city's best views, put them on water, and added a 5-star buffet so you don't have to choose between looking and eating. The boat leaves Yas Island and glides toward Al Raha Creek, passing Yas Marina, the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, and the Yas Marina Circuit on one side, then transitions into something quieter: modern residential waterfront where the architecture feels almost designed to be seen from the water.

The buffet is the kind of thing that matters when you're on a boat for two hours. International dishes, not the "we threw together whatever was in the kitchen" kind. It's actual gourmet plating, and it comes with soothing onboard music that doesn't try too hard. The open-air top deck is where you'll spend most of your time if the weather's decent, because the 360-degree views are the whole point. You get Etihad Towers in the distance, Yas Bay Waterfront, luxury yachts anchored nearby, and the kind of light that makes every photo look better than it should. Al Raha Creek itself is the surprise. It's serene in a way the rest of Yas Island isn't, with Al Zeina and Al Muneera residential areas creating this odd harmony between sleek modern living and actual water channels that feel almost natural.

The purple carpet welcome is a small touch, but it's the kind of detail that signals this isn't a cattle-car experience. Groups stay manageable, and if you book the transfer option, someone picks you up and drops you back, which matters if you're not renting a car or don't want to navigate Yas Island's parking. The whole thing takes two hours, which is long enough to feel like an outing but short enough that you're not exhausted by the end. Bring a camera if you care about that sort of thing, because the light on the water and the backdrop of the city actually deliver.

What’s included

• 2-hour dhow cruise from Yas Island.
• 5-star international buffet dinner.
• unlimited refreshments onboard.
• onboard music.
• purple carpet welcome.
• access to open-air top deck with 360-degree views.
• optional hotel transfer if selected.

Options for this experience

2 options

Option 1Available from 1 Nov · 20:00

Option 2Available from 1 Nov · 19:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 19:00 and 20:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The cruise is conveniently located on Yas Marina Yacht Club Dock on Yas Marina Circuit Road at Yas Island. While at the dock look for TD Staff or TD2 Total cruise.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dubai Tourism Agency

Is this one for you?Good for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting dinner with a view without arranging their own boat or navigating Yas Island's layout: the fixed 2-hour schedule and included buffet mean you show up and the evening is already planned.

Traveler reviews

4.25★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

Is the transfer from my hotel included?

Transfer is available as an optional add-on. You can select it when booking if you need pickup and drop-off service.

What's included in the 5-star buffet?

The buffet features a variety of international gourmet dishes. Unlimited refreshments are also included onboard.

How long is the cruise?

The dhow cruise lasts 2 hours, departing from Yas Island and sailing to Al Raha Creek.

What landmarks will I see?

You'll pass Yas Marina, Ferrari World, the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Bay Waterfront, and views of Etihad Towers and Aldar Headquarters. The cruise also glides through Al Raha Creek's residential waterfront areas.

Can I take photos during the cruise?

Yes, the open-air top deck offers 360-degree views and photo opportunities throughout the 2-hour journey.