Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise: 1-Hour Tour with Heritage Views

Summary

Traditional Dhow Boat Ride on Dubai Creek: Landmarks & Local Life

You’ll get a real feel for Dubai’s contrasts on this dhow cruise—old wooden boats gliding past futuristic towers, all while sipping unlimited soft drinks and soaking up local stories. If you want to see Dubai from a different angle (and maybe snap some photos no one else has), this is your hour.

What’s the experience like?

The wooden deck felt cool under my sandals as we stepped onto the dhow at Al Seef just before sunset. There’s this faint scent of oud in the air—someone nearby must’ve dabbed it on their wrists. Our guide, Ahmed, handed out cold cans of Sprite and pointed to the skyline where Burj Khalifa poked above everything else, almost ghostly in the late afternoon haze. It’s wild how you can see old wind towers from the creek and then, right behind them, glass skyscrapers like the Rolex Twin Towers reflecting the sun.

We drifted past clusters of abra boats zigzagging between both banks—some loaded with families, others just a single fisherman humming to himself. The audio commentary played softly over Arabic music, sharing stories about how traders once crowded these waters with spices and pearls. When we passed under Infinity Bridge, Ahmed joked about its name—“No end to Dubai’s ambitions,” he said with a grin. The breeze picked up as we neared Heritage Village; you could hear gulls squabbling over scraps near the docks and catch a whiff of grilled kebabs from a stall somewhere along Shindaga Peninsula.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise

• Board traditional Dhow boat at Al Seef Creek Harbour
• Admire Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa
• Watch Abra and Dhow boats with Arabic music
• Cruise by Infinity Bridge
• Pass Dubai Heritage Village at Shindaga Peninsula

Top questions

Is this cruise suitable for families with young kids?

Absolutely! Kids go free during summer months, and there’s plenty of space for strollers or prams onboard.

Are there restrooms available on the boat?

Yes, there’s a restroom onboard for your convenience during the cruise.

Can I bring someone in a wheelchair?

No problem—the dhow is wheelchair accessible and easy to board from Al Seef.

What time should I arrive at Al Seef?

Arriving 15-20 minutes early gives you time to check in and find your spot on deck before departure.

What’s included

Your ticket covers unlimited soft drinks and bottled water throughout the 1-hour sightseeing cruise. The boat has an onboard restroom, and kids ride free between June 13th and September 30th, 2025. Wheelchair users are welcome too!