Plan a CruiseDubai Cruise Port Guide
Cruise ships dock at either Port Rashid or the newer Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, which opened in 2021. Both facilities offer modern terminals capable of handling large ships and passenger volumes. Dubai, often called the "City of Merchants," is the second largest of the seven Emirates, boasting a fascinating blend of contemporary city life and timeless Arabian heritage. Its prosperity is rooted in trade, rather than oil, with a history as a significant pearl diving and trading hub. The entire terminal area is fenced, making walking from the port impossible, and there are no attractions within walking distance. However, excellent transport options are readily available to connect you to the city's many sights.
Getting Around from the Port
Taxis are plentiful at the cruise terminals. It's crucial to always ask the driver to switch on the meter, even if you plan a longer tour. A taxi ride to the popular Dubai Mall takes approximately 10 minutes and costs about 10 Euro, with the return fare usually slightly less. Travel to Dubai Airport is around 15 minutes by taxi, costing about $15. Hop-on/off buses are available directly at each cruise terminal. These buses will transport you to a central point, such as Wafi Mall, where the main red and blue lines meet. It's recommended to purchase a 48-hour ticket if you wish to explore most of the city's attractions. These buses also provide return service to the port and some offer free WiFi. For shopping enthusiasts, several malls, including Mercato Mall, Al Ghurair City, Dubai Outlet Mall, and BurJuman (which is closest to a Metro station), offer complimentary shuttle services from dedicated desks within the terminal. Walking is not a viable option due to the port's layout and the significant distances between attractions.
Attractions and Activities
- Burj Khalifa "At The Top" & Dubai Fountain: Ascend to the observation deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. For the best experience, especially at sunset, book your time-controlled tickets online well in advance and take a taxi from the port to avoid rushed cruise line excursions. Afterward, visit the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest dancing fountain, located at Burj Dubai Lake (accessible via Dubai Mall). Shows run daily at 1 pm and 1:30 pm (on Fridays, 1:30 pm and 2 pm), and every half hour from 6 pm to 11 pm.
- Old Dubai & Dubai Museum: Immerse yourself in Dubai's heritage by exploring the Creek area. The Dubai Museum, housed in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, offers an excellent collection of air-conditioned exhibits detailing the city's pre-oil days as a pearl diving and trading center, with labels in both Arabic and English. Note that the museum is closed on Friday mornings. Near bus stop 10 on the hop-on/off red route, you can witness traditional dhows being hand-loaded, a striking contrast to the city's modern glamour and a great photo opportunity.
- Shopping Mall Extravaganza: Dubai is a shopper's paradise. The colossal Dubai Mall boasts over 1200 stores, an indoor aquarium, impressive waterfalls, and an ice-skating rink, not to mention the world's most beautiful cars often parked outside its entrances. For a truly unique experience, visit the Mall of the Emirates, home to the world’s largest indoor ski slope. Malls typically open from 10 am until late at night.
- Tip: If your visit falls on a Friday, it's advisable to take the Blue Line of the hop-on/off bus first, followed by the Red Line, as many downtown areas may be closed in the morning.
Dining & Shopping
Dubai is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, with an endless array of restaurants offering a wide choice of cuisines, particularly within its numerous shopping malls and bustling districts. As a free port with low import duties and no taxation, Dubai is a shopper's paradise. Modern, air-conditioned shopping malls are abundant throughout the city, offering everything from designer creations and electronics to cameras. For a more traditional experience, the souqs (markets) provide opportunities for bargaining and a vibrant atmosphere, with interesting buys like gold jewelry and oriental rugs. Mall shops are generally open from 10 am until late at night. Traditional shops sometimes operate on split hours (9 am-1 pm and 4 pm-9 pm). Be aware that shops may close for prayers on Fridays between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.
Safety
Dubai is known for its clean and safe streets, making it a comfortable city for visitors. When using taxis, always ensure the driver switches on the meter to avoid any confusion regarding fares.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), commonly abbreviated as dhs. The Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar, so significant exchange rate fluctuations against the USD are unlikely. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in malls and larger establishments. Free WiFi is available within the cruise terminal, though connection speeds can be slow when many crew members are using it; speeds typically improve closer to guest boarding times. Some hop-on/off buses also offer free WiFi.