A Dhow Cruise is a traditional Arab ship that is fast becoming one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world. A dhow cruise occurs on an old dhow which has obviously been turned into a restaurant. The original Arabic dhow ships were originally used for transport by dhows (small sailing boats). While the smaller wooden dhow ships, which usually have a single deck as well as an upper deck, resemble more sophisticated fine dining restaurants, they also possess an earthy, old-world charm that marks the history of the Bedouins of old.
There are many things to do and see on a Dhow Cruise. One of the most exciting things for kids is the opportunity to hold a dhow cruise dinner on board. When I was in Dubai a few years ago, I went with my children to see the dhow cruise dinner. We paid a small fee and were allowed to watch as our diners ate their dinner. The service was excellent; the food was fresh and the atmosphere romantic and elegant. For such an expensive cruise ticket you get to eat the very best of what the land has to offer, and when your meal is over, there is so much to enjoy on the return journey home.
During our trip we had the pleasure of witnessing the daily rituals of the Bedouins of Dubai, as our guide took us on a short journey from the ship to the desert wastes where they spend all their time hunting dunes and flushing sand into the sand dunes. On return journeys the Bedouins allow the tourists to go on shore trips and picnic on the pristine banks of the Al Hajar Mountains. For people who are looking for a unique travel experience, this is a unique place to go; a bit of Africa with the Arabian Desert! Imagine going to a far off African safari, staying in comfortable surroundings, and dining on the best of local cuisine while seeing the various wildlife and scenery.
A traditional Bedouin village, Al Hajar is located on the lowest part of the Al Hajar Mountains. Here you will find the traditional Bedouin tents and villages which are still based on the tribal traditions passed down through generations. Many of the local Bedouins are involved in the construction of the traditional houses and villages themselves, making sure that the guest rooms are well decorated and that they have all the modern facilities that guests would expect at a comfortable hotel. If you want a break from the dunes and sand and want to be able to relax and enjoy nature at its best, then Al Hajar is the place to go. Many Bedouins also live in Dubai and come to work and live in the glamorous areas of Dubai as well.
When booking your Al Hajar dhow cruise, it is important to ensure that you book well in advance to get the best deal possible. This can be a traditional tour or a modern tour. Modern tours are often more adventurous and longer, with the dhow cruise being a typical three days. If modern is more your style, then there are many modern hotels in Dubai where you can stay, and they are often located close to the dhow cruise itself. To really experience the local culture and traditions, then you should plan to spend several days in Dubai, so make sure that you choose a destination which is near the area.
There are many different ways in which you can travel to Dubai. You could opt for an Al Hajar dhow cruise and enjoy the traditional villages along the way, or take a modern dhow cruise which allows you to explore the modern areas and business districts of Dubai. Either way, you will definitely have a memorable experience in the Palm Jumeirah. Dhow cruises to the area are popular, but you should book early to avoid disappointment.