Dhow cruises: Down by the creek

As the sun sets, the Creek's nightlife begins.

Lined along the shores of the creek – opposite the British Embassy to be precise – lie a plethora of magnificent dhows waiting to take you down the Creek on a memorable cruise.

But it's not just the sheer pleasure of the sea journey that should entice you.

Besides the picturesque ride, these fun cruises pack in some fabulous on-board entertainment as well as a sumptuous dinner spread to set you in the right mood for the evening.

While there are no truly bargain basement cruises, you can spend moderately or expansively.

Luxury cruises

Bateaux Dubai

Bateaux Dubai offers a fabulous four-course gourmet dinner. The deal also includes a welcome drink.

The menu features a range of international delicacies which are prepared fresh on board. In fact, Bateaux Dubai is the only cruise boat in Dubai which has a proper kitchen.

• Entertainment: Contemporary and classics played by a resident DJ.
• Beverages: The vessel is licensed.
• When: Boarding starts at 7.45pm. The boats sets sail at 8.30pm and returns to shore at about 10.30pm. Cruises are available seven days a week.
• Price: Dh295 per head.

The Rustar Dhow

A teak wood vessel inspired by traditional Arabic design, the Rustar dhow was renovated, refurbished and restored in Dubai over a period of two years.

The buffet menu on-board features a wide range of international dishes along with unlimited soft drinks.

• Entertainment: Live music is provided by a violinist and a singer. Also slotted on the cruise's entertainment schedule is Egyptian tanoura dancing. A resident DJ belts out hot numbers for those in the mood to shake a leg. Henna and face painting is also available.
• Beverages: The vessel is licensed.
• Timing: Boarding starts at 7.45pm. The two-hour cruise sets sails at 9pm and operates seven days a week.
• Price: Dh280 per head.

Affordable cruises

The Majlis Dhow

One of the oldest vessels on the Creek, the Majlis dhow offers an interesting mix of Indian, Arabic and Continental dishes.

• Entertainment: Henna paining and a magic show.
• Beverages: Available on request.
• Timing: Boarding starts at 8pm. The dhow sets sail at 8.30pm and returns to shore at 10.30pm. The vessel operates seven days a week.
• Price: Dh150 per head.

Sun and Sky Dhow

Famous for its traditional decor, the Sun and Sky dhow welcomes guests in traditional Arabic style, treating them to steaming Arabic coffee (kahwah) as soon as they settle down.

The menu consists of a variety of Arabic delicacies.

• Entertainment: Henna designing, enigmatic magic show and live music.
• Beverages: Only soft drinks are offered on board.
• Timing: Boarding starts at 8pm. The two-hour cruise sets sail at 8.30pm. The dhow operates seven days a week.
• Price: Dh150 per head. Children pay Dh100.

Dhow history

For many centuries, boats that sailed on the Indian Ocean were called dhows. While there were many different types of dhows, almost all of them used a triangular sail. This made them markedly different than the ships that evolved on the Mediterranean. Dhow making is considered an art; it is passed down from generation to generation thus preserving the dhow's basic design and use.

In the Middle East, boats are classified according to the shape of their hull. Thus, dhows with square sterns have classifications such as gaghalah, ganja, sanbuuq, jihaazi. The older type of vessels are called boom, zaaruuq and badan.