Guides · 2026-08-31
Dhow Cruises During Ramadan: Iftar Cruises Explained
Yes, dhow cruises operate during Ramadan in Dubai, but the evening is reshaped around the holy month. The dinner cruise becomes an iftar cruise: boarding moves earlier, the buffet opens at sunset for breaking the fast, and live entertainment pauses in line with UAE regulations. Here is exactly what to expect if you are cruising during Ramadan.
What is an iftar cruise?
An iftar cruise is the same boat, the same route, and the same buffet, retimed so that the meal coincides with iftar, the breaking of the fast at sunset. Instead of boarding at 7:45 PM, guests board in the late afternoon, and the buffet opens the moment the sun sets. For fasting guests, it is a beautiful way to break the fast: on the water, with the skyline turning gold, surrounded by family or friends. For non-fasting guests, it is simply an earlier, serene version of the classic cruise.
Timings during Ramadan
Timings shift with the sunset time, which moves through the month, so we confirm exact boarding times closer to Ramadan each year. As a rule, expect boarding roughly 45 minutes before sunset and the buffet opening at sunset itself, with the sailing continuing into the evening. Because the schedule follows the sun rather than the clock, always check the confirmed timing in your booking message rather than relying on the standard 7:45 PM boarding.
No live entertainment during Ramadan
In line with UAE regulations, the Tanoura dance show and live music do not take place during the holy month. The cruise still sails the full route, the buffet is fully served, and background ambience continues, but the evening is quieter and more reflective by design. Many guests actually prefer this version: the sunset, the meal, and the skyline carry the evening without needing a show.
The iftar buffet
The buffet is adapted for iftar, opening with the traditional fast-breaking items: dates, laban, and juices, followed by the full international spread with the live BBQ station, Arabic, Asian, and Continental dishes, and desserts. It is a generous meal, and the timing, eating as the sun sets over the Marina, makes it memorable. Vegetarian options are available as on every sailing; mention any requirements when you book.
Prices during Ramadan
Ramadan pricing follows the standard structure: the Marina iftar cruise is priced per adult along the same lines as the regular dinner cruise, and children under 3 sail free. Any Ramadan-specific offers are announced on our website and WhatsApp channel before the month begins. As always, the price you are quoted at booking is the price you pay; there are no pier-side additions.
Booking tips for Ramadan
Iftar cruises are popular with both residents and visitors, and the first and last weekends of Ramadan book up fastest. Reserve 3 to 4 days ahead if you can. If you are a visitor, note that daytime dining norms in Dubai are more conservative during Ramadan; the evening cruise is unaffected and runs as a normal night out. Dress code remains smart casual.
Non-fasting guests: what to know
If you are visiting during Ramadan and not fasting, the iftar cruise is still a wonderful evening, with a few things to keep in mind. The buffet opens at sunset for everyone, so you will simply dine a little earlier than on a standard sailing. Out of respect for fasting guests, avoid eating or drinking visibly before the fast is broken; the crew will guide the timing and nobody will leave you guessing. Daytime norms in Dubai are more conservative during Ramadan, with shorter working hours and quieter public spaces, but the evening cruise runs as a normal night out. The dress code stays smart casual. The atmosphere on board is warm and communal: iftar is traditionally a shared meal, and the cruise captures that spirit beautifully, with the sunset over the Marina as the backdrop. If you are unsure about anything, from timings to the menu, message us on WhatsApp and we will walk you through the Ramadan schedule for your exact date.
Related cruises
Dhow Cruise in Dubai — Book on WhatsApp in minutes
Nightly cruises from Dubai Marina · 24/7 booking line · Instant confirmation.