New Year Dhow Cruise on Deira Creek

About the New Year Dhow Cruise on Deira Creek

A traditional dhow cruise on Dubai Creek is one of the city’s most classic experiences, and on New Year’s Eve it becomes a floating party. Happy Smiles Dhow Cruise is running a New Year Dhow Cruise on Deira Creek on Thursday 31 December 2026, with boarding at 9pm and cruising from 10pm to 1:30am to welcome 2027.

This is one of the more affordable ways to spend New Year’s Eve on the water in Dubai, with tickets starting from AED 399. The cruise sails along the historic Creek, with a choice of seating from the air-conditioned glass lower deck to VIP sofa tables, so you can pick the level of comfort that suits your group.

What to expect

After boarding at 9pm, the dhow sets off along Deira Creek for a cruise of up to four hours. Dinner is an international and live barbecue buffet, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and soft drinks, juices and mineral water are included. There are live performances and a dance floor, so the mood should be lively as midnight approaches.

When the clock strikes twelve, guests are offered a non-alcoholic sparkling champagne toast. The operator notes that the schedule may shift slightly due to weather and Coast Guard rules.

According to the operator, the cruise includes:

• Cruise on Deira Creek, with an air-conditioned lower deck and open-air upper deck
• International and live barbecue buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options
• Soft drinks, juices and mineral water
• Live performances and a dance floor
• Non-alcoholic sparkling champagne toast at midnight

Celebrating on the Creek also gives the night a different character from the glitz of the Marina or the Palm. Deira is where much of Dubai’s story began, and drifting past its waterfront on a wooden dhow as the year turns is a charming reminder of the city’s heritage, with a party atmosphere on board.

Who it is for

This cruise is ideal for families, friends and visitors who want a festive, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve with a traditional Dubai flavour. Children under eight are priced the same as a standard adult ticket, and infants under two go free, so it is an easy option for families on a budget.

Couples who want a little more comfort can upgrade to the Gold VIP or Diamond VIP seating, which offer sofa seating and, at the top level, table service.

How to book

Tickets are booked online through the New Year Dhow Cruise page on dhowcruise.ae, the Happy Smiles Dhow Cruise website.

• AED 399: Normal, lower deck, air-conditioned glass deck with shared tables
• AED 750: Silver, open-air upper deck with skyline views
• AED 1,000: Gold VIP, sofa chairs and private couple tables
• AED 1,500: Diamond VIP, VIP sofa table with table service
• AED 399: Child under 8, standard seating
• Free: infants under 2

Good to know

• Date: Thursday 31 December 2026
• Boarding: 9pm; cruising 10pm to 1:30am
• Departure: Parking 3, opposite Radisson Blu Hotel, Deira Creek
• Drinks: soft drinks only, with a non-alcoholic toast at midnight

Tip: The operator’s page describes the cruise as up to four hours in one place and three hours in another, so confirm the exact return time when you book, especially if you are arranging a taxi home.

Tip: If you want to see the city lights and any fireworks clearly, the open-air Silver upper deck is the better choice. The lower deck is enclosed and air-conditioned.

Tip: Deira gets busy on New Year’s Eve, so leave plenty of time to reach the boarding point and find parking.

With a barbecue buffet, live entertainment and a midnight toast on the historic Creek, this dhow cruise is a warm, family-friendly and good-value way to welcome 2027 in old Dubai.