Top Things to See, Do & Eat on Your Cruise Visit to Dubai, UAE

Dubai is the ultimate mix of futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, desert adventure, and Arabian heritage. A major hub for Arabian Gulf cruise itineraries, the city is glitzy yet surprisingly easy to explore from the cruise port.

🇦🇪 Dubai at a Glance

• Language: Arabic (English widely spoken)

• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). £1 ≈ 4.6 AED | $1 ≈ 3.67 AED | €1 ≈ 4 AED

• Time Zone: GST (UTC+4)

• Head of State: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

• Accessibility: Excellent — taxis, metro, tours all available

Safety & Customs: Dubai is very safe, but respect local traditions. Casual Western dress is fine in modern areas, but modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) is expected in souks and traditional neighbourhoods. To enter mosques, women must cover their hair with a scarf and wear long sleeves with trousers or a floor-length skirt; men should avoid shorts. Homosexuality is illegal, and public displays of affection are frowned upon — so it’s best to be discreet and respectful.

QE2 Ocean Liner in Port Rashid with Dubai Skyline behind — *QE2 Ocean Liner in Port Rashid*

🚢 Cruise Port Basics

Dubai has two cruise terminals:

• Port Rashid (Mina Rashid): Still used by most cruise lines. Located near historic Old Dubai, around 13 km from Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.

• Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal: The newer, modern facility at Dubai Marina. Increasingly used by larger ships, especially those under Carnival Corp.

Facilities: Both ports have large, air-conditioned terminals with duty-free shopping, ATMs, currency exchange, tourist info, and WiFi.

Transport:

• Taxis: Plentiful, metered, and reliable. Uber also operates and is a good option for security.

• HOHO buses: Run directly from the port.

• Shuttles: Sometimes offered by cruise lines.

• Metro: Clean, efficient, and cheap. The Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road linking Downtown Dubai, the Marina, and airport. The Green Line serves Deira and Bur Dubai. Watch for “women-only” carriages.

👟 Exploring on Foot

Neither port is walkable to city sights — taxis, shuttles, or organised tours are essential.

🏙️ Top Sights & Experiences

Downtown Dubai

• Burj Khalifa: World’s tallest building. Book “At The Top” tickets (124th–125th floors) from AED 179, or splash out on the 148th floor (555m high!). Adventurous? Try the Sky Views Edge Walk. Tickets sell out — book online.

• Dubai Mall: One of the world’s largest malls, with 1,200+ shops, an aquarium, ice rink, VR park, and more. Worth visiting even if you don’t shop.

• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: 10-million-litre tank with 33,000+ sea creatures. Tickets from AED 149. Extras like penguin encounters cost more.

• Dubai Fountain Show: Free, spectacular water-and-light display in front of the Burj Khalifa.

• Afternoon: 1:00 & 1:30 pm (Fridays 1:30 & 2:00 pm)

• Evening: Every 30 mins, 6:00–11:00 pm

• Best viewed after dark — try the bridge near Souk Al Bahar or a waterside café.

Dubai Fountain Show: spectacular water-and-light display in front of the Burj Khalifa. — ***Dubai Fountain Show:*** *spectacular water-and-light display*

Old Dubai

• Dubai Creek: Cross in a traditional abra boat for AED 4 — an authentic must-do.

• Souks (Gold, Textile & Spice): Atmospheric markets full of colour and fragrance.

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Lanes, wind towers, heritage houses, plus the lovely Coffee Museum.

• QE2 Ocean Liner (Port Rashid): Retired Cunarder, now a hotel. Heritage tours (AED 85 pp) run daily at 11:00 am & 5:00 pm, including elegant lounges and a drink in the Chart Room Bar — a highlight for cruise lovers.

Modern Icons

• Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis: Iconic man-made island, with luxury resorts and Aquaventure Waterpark.

• Burj Al Arab: Sail-shaped hotel — book afternoon tea or cocktails for entry.

Flower sculptures in the Miracle Garden, Dubai wit — *Miracle Garden and Global Village*

• Museum of the Future: Stunning calligraphy-clad landmark focusing on innovation, AI, and space. Tickets sell out days ahead.

• Dubai Miracle Garden: 150m+ flowers shaped into castles, animals, and even an Emirates A380. Seasonal (Nov–Apr).

• Dubai Frame: 150m-high frame with views of Old & New Dubai.

• Global Village: Outdoor cultural park with food, shows, and shopping from around the world — best in the evening.

• The Green Planet: Indoor rainforest with 3,000+ plants, animals, and birds.

• Beaches: Kite Beach is lively and public (sunbeds ~AED 130). Hotel day passes range AED 250–900, often including credit for food/drink.

Jeep in the desert with Dubai Skyline on the horizon — *Dune Bashing in the desert with Dubai Skyline on the horizon*

Al Ain Oasis & Fort: UNESCO World Heritage site. — *Al Ain Oasis & Fort - UNESCO World Heritage site.*

🌍 Further Away

• Desert Safaris: 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, falcon shows, Bedouin dinners.

• Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Yas Island make a great day trip.

Al Ain Oasis & Fort : UNESCO World Heritage site

• Hatta: Mountain scenery, heritage village, wadis.

• Sharjah: Islamic Museum and classic car museum, plus archaeological sites at Mleiha.

🛍️ Shopping

shops in Marina Mall Dubai — *Marina Mall Dubai*

• Dubai Mall: Global brands, designer boutiques, and endless entertainment.

• Marina Mall: Global brands and designer boutiques

• Souks in Deira: Traditional shopping for gold, spices, textiles, and souvenirs.

• Mall of the Emirates: also famous for Ski Dubai, the indoor ski slope.

🍴 Eating & Drinking

• Global Dining: From Michelin-starred fine dining to budget-friendly shawarma stalls.

• Local Specialties: Shawarma, mezze, Arabic coffee, and sticky-sweet halwa.

• Alcohol: Only served in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants.

🌦️ Climate & Packing

• Best time to cruise: November–March (24–30°C, dry and sunny).

• Summer highs: 40°C+ and very humid.

• What to pack: Sun protection, light clothing, modest attire for mosques, comfy shoes.

💡 Cruise Addicted Tips

• Book Burj Khalifa tickets in advance — sunset slots sell out fast.

• Watch the Dubai Fountain from the Souk Al Bahar bridge for magical views.

• Take an abra ride across Dubai Creek for just AED 4.

• Visit the QE2 if docked at Port Rashid — a nostalgic treat for cruise fans.

• Respect local customs: modest dress in traditional areas and mosques, avoid public displays of affection, and remember homosexuality is illegal in the UAE.

If we’ve encouraged you to cruise to Dubai search for your own adventure here and don’t forget to check for other ports on your itinerary of the full list of CRUISE ADDICTED PORT GUIDES

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You’ll spot a few affiliate links in this guide (such as recommended tours, travel gear, or booking sites). If you decide to click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support us, and we’re so grateful!

Dubai, UAE – Cruise Port Profile