Traditional Arabic Dhow Cruises in Dubai, Khasab and Dibba
- Maria DiCicco
- Nov 27, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Cruises to Oman and the Emirates are exciting, adventurous excursions through opulent cities and Arabian landscapes plucked straight from storybooks. Cruise itineraries take passengers through Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and several ports in Oman.
On my last trip, an MSC cruise around the Emirates, I got to enjoy a gorgeous day in Khasab cruise port onboard a dhow boat, and venture to share here what you might expect on your own dhow cruise in the UAE.
A traditional way to enjoy Old Dubai and the breathtaking Oman Fjords is to take a dhow cruise. There are numerous ways (and departure points) to take these tranquil boat rides, which I'll highlight in this article.
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In this article we explore:
What is a dhow boat?
Dhow boats are traditional vessels, now engine-powered, adorned with carpeting and pillows for a comfortable half day or full day lounge cruise. Many of these dhow cruises, like in Dubai, are also primarily siteseeing cruises that include dinner and a show.
In the instance of the Khasab dhow cruise, which is what I experienced, the boat ride journeys through the Oman Fjords at Musandam, and passengers get to spend the day dolphin watching, drinking Omani tea, marveling at natures wondrous Fjord formations, and perhaps swimming or snorkeling too.
No matter your launching point, a dhow cruise is a wonderful way to experience the hospitality of the Middle East in a very traditional way.
The best part is - whether you are in Dubai or nearby, a dhow cruise is only a day trip away.
Where Can You Take Dhow Cruises near Dubai?
Dhow cruise in Khasab cruise port: a popular port for cruise ships, it is the launching point for the Omani Fjords in Musandam, known for dolphin watching and incredible scenery
Dhow cruise Musandam Dibba: an easy day trip from Dubai, included in many all-inclusive Dubai siteseeing passes (more on this below)
Dhow cruise Dubai: a traditional dinner boat ride along Dubai Creek with entertainment
Khasab Musandam Cruise Port and Dhow Cruises
Coming into Khasab by cruise ship is spectacular, given its monacre the "Norway of Arabia" for a reason. Similar to the Norwegian Fjords in many ways, cruise past the Musandam Fjords for tremendous views of mountain peaks and fascinating inlets, perfect for kayaking or taking the ever popular Khasab dhow boats.
Khasab is in many ways a cruise port for big ships, but is also accessible by car. Worth the journey, it may be more remote than these other options, but makes for an ultra-special option for a dhow cruise.
Know that most dhow cruise tours leave around 10am.
You can take a full day tour (six hours) or a half day tour (three hours). Many may wish to take the three hour tour in order to save time for the popular Khasab Fort or some local lunch, like at Wadi Qada restaurant (now called Khasab Castle) in town.
Cruises often visit Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, and some even take passengers for overnight dhow trips. The overnight cruise may include a mountain safari and additional island exploration too!
Definitely my recommended option for an adventurous experience, the Khasab dhow cruise lends for a great day for scenery and getting better acquainted with Omani hospitality.
To arrange a tour, be sure to scroll to the bottom for dhow cruise tours, pricing and tips.
Dhow Cruise Musandam Dibba Tour
Option two for a dhow cruise experience is much closer to Dubai, and even more accessible due to it being part of an all-inclusive Dubai attractions pass called the Go City Dubai pass.
The Musandam Dibba tour ventures from Dubai on a 10 hour day trip, bringing visitors round trip, including lunch and transportation.
You'll get a taste similar to Khasab and the Oman fjords of open water, fresh sea air, stunning scenery and if you are lucky, some dolphins too.
Musandam and Khasab Dolphin Tours
Dolphin tours in Khasab or Musandam are not necessary to take separately, because they are naturally baked into the dhow boat experience. You'll see many dolphins during your boat ride - and they are so lovely!
They are smaller with different fins than the ones I am used to in Florida (where I live), and they were very friendly with the boats, following us along much of the way.
Dhow Cruise Dubai
Last of the three departure points for your dhow cruise is in Dubai. This extremely popular cruise is an excellent addition to your day roaming the old Dubai souks, and makes for a perfect addition to a three day itinerary in Dubai.
Offered as standalone tours, like this best seller on Viator, you can also tack this tour onto your all-inclusive Go City Dubai pass. It's really a tremendous deal that I wish I knew about when I first visited Dubai.
Dine inside or on the open air top deck for views of the city, enjoying an Arabic themed buffet dinner and entertainment on board, like a whirling dervish show.
You'll pass by several landmarks including the Dubai Marina.
Preparing for Your Dhow Cruise
For a great day out, prepare in advance:
Modest but beachy attire for Musandam dhow cruises (consult my Dubai packing list for women to understand about the best outfits for a Middle Eastern adventure)
An early start to get out to the fjords
Make sure your camera is charged and ready (you'll need it!)
Bring a hat and sunglasses
Bring a dry change of clothes if you plan to swim
What to Wear on a Musandam Dhow Cruise
Wear beachy clothes good for breezes and lounging, or wear your bathingsuit if you would like to snorkel. Most dhow boats include snorkel gear and offer one or two stops for swimming opportunities.
It is important to continue respecting the conservative rules of the UAE and the rest of Oman, even though you are out to sea with tourists. Cover up when not in the water, and be mindful of showing too much skin inappropriately.
We visited in February, so I didn't swim but my husband did. He wore his bathingsuit and a t-shirt all day, while I wore a breezy tunic, casual pants and sandals.
I lost my favorite hat that day, too. The wind whipped it away went I looked over the edge at some dolphins. RIP brown hat.
What to Wear on a Dhow Cruise in Dubai
Although the Dubai dhow cruise is not like the Musandam dhow Cruises where you get wet, you'll want to dress warmly for the top deck as desert temperatures drop at night.
Bring a shawl and casual evening wear befitting of such a special event!
Expectations on Board a Dhow Cruise
Food and Amenities Onboard a Dhow Boat
Most dhow cruises include a semi-buffet lunch (for full day tours) or fruits and tea for half day tours. The tea is traditional Omani style tea, and is quite enjoyable with dates, fruits and other typical snacks.
Onboard you will also find a toilet and changing area, along with water and most other items you may need for a day out on the water.
Dhow Cruise Tours, Pricing and Tips
Tours should definitely be arranged in advance for any of these three locations, but if you like to wing it just be prepared to haggle at the dock for a dhow boat and bring OMR (Omani Real) or AED (United Arab Emirates) money.
Our cruise ship offered the Khasab dhow cruise for $100. Since we chose to haggle at the dock, where we paid about $15-25. The cost nowadays is likely closer to $30-40 per person, so see what the going rate is when you get there.
Arranging a dhow cruise in advance guarantees a great day in port.
Khasab Dhow Cruises
If in Khasab, I recommend this half day cruise, which includes fruits and tea, a dolphin tour, and swimming opportunities.
Here's a couple of tours that you may want to consider arranging in advance:
Musandam Dibba Tours from Dubai
If you are traveling from Dubai, consider booking a dhow cruise through Go City, where your day in Musandam is paid for as part of an all-inclusive pass. Here's an example option for the dhow Day Trip from Dubai.
Dhow Cruise Dubai Tours
Getting the Go City Dubai pass is the best bet if you choose to do a Dubai dhow dinner cruise. It is part of your pass, which you can choose by the number of days, or by the number of attractions.
To get the best dhow cruise deal in Dubai, I think the Go City pass is it.
Otherwise, here's the tour link I recommend (also listed above) for the best one-off tour you could book in Dubai.
More Middle East Itineraries
If you plan on taking a Middle Eastern Cruise, be sure to read up on my guides to Dubai and Muscat as well!
To browse cruises to Oman, check out Cruisedirect.com for deals.
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