Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise from Yas Marina: Dinner, Lunch and Sightseeing
An Abu Dhabi dhow cruise is a one to two hour sail on a traditional wooden boat departing Yas Marina Yacht Club on Yas Island, passing the Yas Island skyline and the W Abu Dhabi hotel. Arabiers runs three options daily: a sightseeing cruise from AED 129, a lunch cruise from AED 159 and an evening dinner cruise from AED 229 per adult. The guide below covers 2026 prices, the route, dinner menu, timings, departure point and the questions guests ask most.
- Three cruise formats: sightseeing, lunch and dinner
- Departs daily from Yas Marina Yacht Club
- Five-star buffet by Radisson Blu on dinner and lunch cruises
- Private, birthday, anniversary and corporate sailings available
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Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Options and Prices
Three formats, all departing Yas Marina. Pick the one that fits your day.
Why Is a Dhow Cruise So Popular in Abu Dhabi?
A dhow cruise is popular in Abu Dhabi because it pairs a traditional wooden boat with modern dining and Yas Island skyline views, at a much lower price than a private yacht. These boats were once used for fishing and pearling along the Gulf coast, and have been restored as comfortable sightseeing cruisers and floating restaurants. With several departure times across the day and capacity for around 110 guests, there is a format to suit most visitors and residents, from a quick daytime sail to an evening dhow dinner cruise with a five-star buffet.
Why Book Your Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise with Arabiers?
On-the-ground team
Abu Dhabi destination staff, not a call centre
Verified 2026 prices
Checked against live operations, not copied from other sites
450+ TripAdvisor reviews
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2026
Private and group options
Birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events since 2016
Arabiers is a UAE-licensed tour operator (DET Licence 1176592) with an Abu Dhabi office at 833 Al Falah Street, Al Danah. The prices, timings and departure details on this page are verified against live 2026 operations.
Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Route and Itinerary
The cruise departs Yas Marina Yacht Club and sails the Yas Island creek, passing Yas Bay, the W Abu Dhabi, Al Muneera and Al Zeina before returning to the same dock. The route stays within the sheltered Yas Island waters, which keeps the sailing smooth.
Yas Marina Yacht Club
Departure and return point. Free parking at the marina.
W Abu Dhabi hotel canopy
The distinctive arched canopy spanning the circuit hotel, lit at night.
Yas Bay waterfront
The newer dining and entertainment district on the island's southern edge.
Al Muneera and Al Zeina
Modern waterfront communities with the Kashkan beach pavilion.
Ferrari World roofline
Visible across Yas Bay, giving a sense of the island's scale.
Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Dinner Menu
The dinner and lunch cruises serve a five-star international open buffet catered by hotel kitchens, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The buffet covers fattoush and hummus, soups, hot mains, side dishes and desserts, with water, soft drinks, tea and coffee included.
In summer months, when guest numbers are lower, the buffet may switch to a set menu pack. For alcohol availability and halal meat confirmation, check with the Arabiers team before booking, as policies vary by cruise date and catering setup.
Full Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Price List 2026
Prices start at AED 129 per adult. Children pay a reduced rate and infants under two travel free.
| Cruise | Adult (11+) | Child (3 to 11) | Infant (0 to 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhow Dinner Cruise, Yas Island | AED 229 | AED 189 | Free |
| Dhow Lunch Cruise, Yas Marina | AED 159 | AED 129 | Free |
| Sightseeing Cruise, Yas Marina | AED 129 | AED 89 | Free |
| Breakfast Cruise, Al Mena (currently unavailable) | AED 89 | AED 49 | Free |
| Birthday Dinner Cruise | AED 350 | AED 200 | Free |
| Anniversary Dinner Cruise | AED 350 | AED 200 | Free |
| Private Dhow Cruise with Dinner | On request | On request | On request |
| Corporate Event Cruise | On request | On request | On request |
| New Year's Eve Dhow Party 2026 | From AED 960 | From AED 895 | Free |
Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Timings and Slots
Arrive 30 minutes before departure. The dinner cruise boards from 7:30 pm.
| Cruise | Duration | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Dhow Dinner Cruise | 2 hours | 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Lunch Cruise | 1 hour | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm |
| Sightseeing Cruise | 1 hour | 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm |
| Birthday / Anniversary Dinner | 2 hours | 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Private / Corporate Cruise | Custom | Preferred timing |
| New Year's Eve Dhow Party 2026 | 3 hours | 9:30 pm to 12:30 am |
How to Reach the Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise
The cruise departs from Yas Marina Yacht Club on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Drive and park free at Yas Marina, take a taxi directly to the Yacht Club, or add the shared hotel transfer option when booking. From the car park it is a short walk to the dock where the dhow is moored beside a red carpet entrance.
Exact Departure Location
The dhow is moored at the Yas Marina Yacht Club dock, facing the curved canopy of the W Abu Dhabi hotel. This is the permanent departure point since the service moved from the Abu Dhabi Corniche marina in 2021.
What Is the Best Time for an Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise?
October to April is the best period. Abu Dhabi evenings are mild and the open upper deck is comfortable. The cruise runs year-round but summer is hotter and the buffet may switch to a set menu.
Abu Dhabi or Dubai Dhow Cruise: Which Should You Book?
Choose Abu Dhabi for a quieter cruise with Yas Island skyline views, and Dubai for more frequent departures and romantic two-person options along Dubai Creek and Marina.
Abu Dhabi dhow cruise
Calmer and less crowded. Sails the Yas Island creek past the W Abu Dhabi. Strong for families, groups and corporate sailings. No private two-person romantic cruise at present.
Dubai dhow cruise
More departures and venues across the Dubai Creek dinner cruise and Dubai Marina dinner cruise. Better for romantic setups and a livelier skyline.
Many guests pair a daytime Abu Dhabi sightseeing cruise with a Dubai dinner cruise when visiting both cities. See all options on our Dubai dhow cruises page.
Special Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Experiences
Sunset Sightseeing Cruise
The 4:30 pm sightseeing slot captures the late afternoon light over Yas Island. There is no dedicated sunset dhow cruise, but this is the closest option.
Private Dhow Cruise
Book the full dhow for a corporate event, birthday or anniversary. Holds up to 110 guests. Arabiers has run private and diplomatic dhow events in Abu Dhabi since 2016.
Romantic Dinner for Two
Add a decorated table for two on the standard dinner cruise, with a rose arrangement or celebration cake. A fully private two-person cruise is not currently available.
Birthday Dinner Cruise
Two hours with dedicated table setup, cake cutting and a Yas Marina view. Popular for milestone birthday celebrations.
Anniversary Dinner Cruise
Evening sail with private table setup, floral arrangement and the dinner buffet. Contact Arabiers to add a personalised menu card.
New Year's Eve Dhow Party
Three hours on the water to ring in the new year. Includes dinner and views of the fireworks over Yas Island.
What Should I Wear for an Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise?
Smart casual or comfortable evening wear is ideal. There is no strict dress code. For the dinner cruise many guests dress up a little, from a smart shirt to an abaya or evening dress. The lower deck is fully air conditioned, so you stay comfortable even in warm weather, while a light layer is useful on the open upper deck in cooler months.
How Safe Is the Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise?
The cruise is safe and runs under Abu Dhabi coast guard supervision. The dhow carries life jackets for all passengers, emergency exits and a rescue craft. The captain is experienced and trained. The coast guard and weather forecast determine whether sailing goes ahead each day.
Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Cancellation Policy
Dinner and lunch cruises can be cancelled for a full refund up to 48 hours before departure. Sightseeing cruises can be cancelled up to 10 hours before the slot. In peak season seats are limited and refund terms may vary. The cancellation terms in your booking confirmation are the ones that apply. If Arabiers cancels due to weather or coast guard advice, you receive a full refund.
Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise FAQs
The questions guests ask most before booking.
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An Abu Dhabi dhow cruise with Arabiers starts at AED 129 per adult for the sightseeing cruise, AED 159 for the lunch cruise and AED 229 for the dinner cruise. Children pay a reduced rate and infants under two travel free.
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The dinner cruise includes a two hour sail on Yas Marina, a five-star international open buffet catered by Radisson Blu, water, soft drinks, tea and coffee, life jackets and a safety briefing, and VAT. Transfers are optional at extra cost. Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be arranged with prior permission.
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All Arabiers Abu Dhabi dhow cruises depart from Yas Marina Yacht Club dock on Yas Island, facing the W Abu Dhabi hotel. Dhow cruises no longer run from the Abu Dhabi Corniche marina, which stopped operating around 2020. Free parking is available at Yas Marina.
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The dinner cruise runs 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with boarding from 7:30 pm. The lunch cruise runs 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Sightseeing cruises run in hourly slots at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
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October to April is the best period, when Abu Dhabi evenings are mild and the open upper deck is comfortable. The cruise runs year-round, but summer departures from May to September are hotter and the buffet may switch to a set menu in quieter months.
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Abu Dhabi is better for a quieter, less crowded experience with Yas Island skyline views. Dubai is better for more frequent departures and romantic two-person setups along Dubai Creek and Marina. Many guests pair a daytime Abu Dhabi sightseeing cruise with a Dubai dinner cruise when visiting both cities.
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There is no dedicated Abu Dhabi sunset dhow cruise. The closest option is the sightseeing cruise at the 4:30 pm slot, which captures the late afternoon light over Yas Island. The evening dinner cruise at 8:00 pm departs after sunset.
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Yes. Arabiers arranges private dhow cruises in Abu Dhabi for corporate events, birthdays and anniversaries. The dhow holds up to around 110 guests. Pricing is on request. Contact the Arabiers Abu Dhabi team to discuss dates and setup.
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The dhow cruise at Yas Marina is wheelchair accessible, so elderly guests and people with reduced mobility can join comfortably. Guests with limited mobility should confirm boarding arrangements with Arabiers before the day.
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If the coast guard or weather conditions make sailing unsafe, Arabiers contacts you before departure to offer a full refund or to move your booking to another day. The cruise operates under Abu Dhabi coast guard supervision daily.
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You can add a decorated table for two on the dinner cruise, with extras such as a rose arrangement or a celebration cake. A fully private two-person romantic cruise is not currently available in Abu Dhabi, but the dinner cruise accommodates couples with a reserved table setup.
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Yes. The dhow has an air-conditioned lower deck suitable for young children, a vegetarian buffet option on dinner and lunch cruises, and baby seats available on request. Infants travel free. Life jackets are provided for all guests, including children.
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The dhow departs from Yas Marina Yacht Club on Yas Island. You can drive and park free at Yas Marina, take a taxi to the Yacht Club, or book the optional shared hotel transfer when reserving your cruise. Follow signs for Yas Marina once on the island.
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Smart casual or comfortable evening wear is ideal for the dinner cruise. There is no strict dress code. The lower deck is fully air conditioned, so a light layer is useful if you plan to spend time on the open upper deck in cooler months.