Dubai Water Canal Cruise is a 2-hour evening dinner cruise on the 3.2 km Dubai Water Canal, departing from behind the D1 Tower and navigating the illuminated canal past Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, the Dubai Water Canal Waterfall (a cascading artificial waterfall from the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge that parts for boats), and the Dubai Water Canal promenades. Operated by multiple dhow operators including Al Faris Dhow Cruise, the cruise includes a buffet dinner (international and Arabic cuisine), Tanura dance performances and air-conditioned indoor + open-deck seating.
Quick facts:
Duration 2 hours · Evening dinner · Canal waterfall · Tanura show
Did you know?
The Dubai Water Canal Waterfall is the world's only man-made waterfall that automatically parts when boats approach – the 60-metre-wide cascading water splits in the middle to allow dhows and yachts through, then immediately resumes flow.
Best time to visit:
Evening cruises (typically 8:00–10:00 PM) for the illuminated canal views and the dramatic waterfall pass-through effect.
Where to eat nearby:
Dining is included on-board (buffet); surrounding Business Bay has additional restaurants at Bay Avenue and Al Habtoor City.
Tip:
Book directly through operator websites rather than third-party sellers for the best prices; verify the exact boarding location (varies by operator) – most depart from Al Safa Park area or Business Bay. Prices may vary – check official website.
Dubai Water Canal Cruise
Dubai Water Canal Cruise is consistently praised for its spectacular illuminated canal views, the unique canal waterfall pass-through, the buffet dining and the traditional Tanura dance performances. A classic Dubai evening experience.
How long is the cruise?
Approximately 2 hours including boarding, dinner service, performances and the canal waterfall pass-through.
What's included?
Buffet dinner (international and Arabic cuisine), unlimited water and soft drinks, Tanura traditional dance performance, live musician, and both indoor + open-deck seating.
What's the canal waterfall?
A 60-metre-wide cascading artificial waterfall from the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge that automatically parts in the middle when boats approach – unique to the Dubai Water Canal.
When does the cruise depart?
Evening cruises typically depart between 8:00 and 8:30 PM and return around 10:00 PM.
Where exactly does it depart from?
Multiple operators depart from different points along the Dubai Water Canal – most commonly from the Al Safa Park area or Business Bay; confirm boarding location with your operator.