Dhows are traditional Arab wooden sailing vessels, varying in size, which have plied the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and other nearby bodies of water for centuries. Dhows vary in size, but many of those you'll see here hold dozens of passengers and are adapted to giving pleasure cruises through the canal and along the coast. When you arrive at the dock in Dubai Marina (usually at 8 or 8:30 pm), you're welcomed with dates, tea, drinks and refreshment, then after some sightseeing from the upper deck, you follow that up with a wonderful international-style buffet dinner and live entertainment on the lower deck. Most dhow cruise operators also include shuttles between your hotel and the the dock.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Fred Miller´s post Enjoying Dubai Marina and its Dhow Cruises.