What to do in Dubai, UAE, from your cruise ship

At a glance:

• The city of superlatives remains a safe place to visit despite the ongoing tensions in the region, but it’s advisable to stay up to date with events
• Ships dock either in Port Rashid near the city’s old quarter or the newer Dubai Harbour adjacent to Palm Jumeirah
• Burj Khalifa (aka the world’s tallest tower), Burj Al-Arab (the self-proclaimed seven-star hotel) and the souks are must-sees in or near the city centre
• One of Dubai’s biggest draws is its proximity to the desert, so consider booking a safari tour with dune bashing and dinner in the golden desert dunes

Welcome to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’s best-known emirate that’s a byword for state-of-the-art skyscrapers, designer-filled shopping malls, a gentle curve of sands, and extravagant hotels. And you can see them all when you sail into port.

Yet there’s more to this metropolis than meets the eye. Dig underneath all the glitz, glamour and gold, and you’ll discover historical sites such as Al Bastakia and the creek (arguably the heartbeat of Dubai), wooden abras and traditional souks (Arab marketplaces).

Plan the perfect day in Dubai with our expert travel guide…

Dubai cruise port and town

Dubai is famous for its record-breaking attractions – it’s home to the tallest building (the Burj Khalifa), the highest theatre (The Act), the largest indoor ski slope (Ski Dubai), the biggest choreographed fountain (the Dubai Fountain), the largest shopping mall (the Dubai Mall) and the biggest artificial island (Palm Jumeirah).

But perhaps most astonishing of all is the fact that Dubai only came into existence in 1971 after the British withdrew from the region. Back then, Dubai was little more than a sandy outpost with a population of 86,000 (compared with more than three million today).

The city’s fortunes changed with the discovery of oil, and the subsequent petrodollars that poured in sparked a development boom.

In 1985, Emirates airline was established – encouraging passengers to stop over in Dubai en route to Asia, Africa or Europe – while the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai World Cup horse race were launched in the nineties, as were global icons the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Emirates Towers. Dubai had well and truly arrived on the world stage.

In a city where change is the only constant (the needle-like Burj Khalifa knocked the Emirates Towers off its lofty perch when it opened in 2010), there’s plenty to see and do.

Make no mistake: it can be hard to squeeze it all in, so consider tagging on a few extra days either pre- or post-cruise, to soak up some of that year-round sunshine and to explore.

Where do ships dock in Dubai

Dubai has two cruise ports, Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour – both within easy reach of the emirates’ sights and beaches. The oldest, Port Rashid, is set right in front of Dubai Creek – the waterway that divides historic Deira and Bur Dubai. Port Rashid is used by lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and MSC Cruises, whose ship MSC Euribia will homeport in Dubai for the 2025/26 cruise season.

Deira’s souks, including the blingy Gold Souk, the aromatic Spice Souk and the Perfume Souk, are within easy walking distance. Cross the creek on an abra (traditional wooden boat) and you’ll reach Bur Dubai, the oldest part of the city. Further down the coast from Port Rashid, passing through Jumeirah – the popular beachfront neighbourhood that’s backed by the celebrated Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain – you’ll arrive at the city’s second cruise terminal, the gleaming Dubai Harbour.

From here, you’re well placed to explore the hip neighbourhood of Dubai Marina – with its skyscrapers, four-mile Marina Walk and waterside restaurants and bars – and Palm Jumeirah. The latter, an impressive man-made island, is chock full of glamorous hotels, chi chi beach clubs and fine-dining restaurants. Both Dubai Harbour and Port Rashid offer berths, thereby allowing direct and immediate access to the glitzy emirate.

Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour essentials

Need some painkillers, a pashmina shawl to combat the air conditioning on board or some stuffed dates or camel-themed souvenirs to take back home?

While you should be able to purchase most items (well, perhaps not that cuddly camel) on your ship, chances are you won’t want to pay the inflated prices that many cruise lines charge. This section is here to help.

What shops and services are at the port

After you disembark from your ship, expect to be greeted by the usual third-party excursion stalls. Prices are certainly lower than those offered by cruise lines, but some would say, for a reason.

A happy medium between expensive cruise line options and unknown, local entities is to use an independent excursion company such as Shore Excursions Group or Venture Ashore – both of which will pick you up from the port and claim to offer adventures that are up to 40 per cent cheaper than cruise line prices.

What’s more, these third-party tour operators have wised up to passengers’ fears of being a pier runner and now offer a ‘back to ship’ guarantee.

Don’t be afraid to strike out solo either: Metro stations abound in Dubai, while taxis are great value: the meter starts at AED25 (£5), and it costs AED2 (43p) per kilometre thereafter. Uber and its local alternative, Careem, are other affordable options.

Immediately around the berths at both ports, you’ll find coffee bars, deli options, shops and currency exchange spots.

What shops and services are in town

Dubai is one of the greatest retail destinations in the world – shopping is a national pastime – so whatever it is you’re after, you’ll find it in the City of Gold.

In Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Mall is home to more than 1,300 shops, including anchor department stores Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s. Over in Al Barsha, there’s the Mall of the Emirates – where, as well as every shop under the sun, you'll find a ski slope.

How to pay for things in Dubai

By and large, Dubai is a cashless city, and you can get by using only your credit card or debit card. However, having some dirhams (the local currency) can be helpful for things like taxi rides and tips.

There are ATMs all over Dubai, but in the unlikely event you’re struggling to find one, use the Mastercard global ATM locator to discover your nearest cash point.

If you think you’ll need to withdraw money while away, it’s a good idea to apply for a specialist travel credit card that doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees before your cruise.

How safe is Dubai

Dubai (and the rest of the UAE) is separated from Israel by Jordan and Saudi Arabia and hasn’t been affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

Nevertheless, the UK Foreign Office, while not advising against travelling to the emirate, warns that: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”

Don’t worry if you have visited Israel in the past and have a passport stamp from the country; you can still enter the UAE on a holiday.

Once there, you’ll find the desert city to be one of the safest in the world. Case in point? When this writer lived there, my housemates and I would happily leave the door to the rented villa we shared unlocked when we left for work each morning.

What you do need to keep in mind is that Dubai is an Islamic state. As such, public displays of affection are frowned upon, with women required to dress modestly when in public, and cover their shoulders with a scarf or shawl at religious sites.

What to do in Dubai

Typically, cruise ships stay in Dubai for eight to 20 hours, giving you plenty of time to experience the city and, perhaps, beyond.

Our ideal day in Dubai

Disembarking for a day in Dubai? Here are the best things to do:

• Explore Dubai's souks
• Take in the view from the Burj Khalifa
• Check out the seven-star Burj Al-Arab
• Tour Jumeirah Mosque
• Take a dip at Jumeirah Beach
• Go on a desert safari

Want to build your perfect day in Dubai? You’ll find more information about the above attractions and more below:

For everyone

These crowd-pleasers are perfect for everybody – try to tick off as many as you can.

Jumeirah Mosque

• What is it? Built entirely from white stone in medieval Fatimid style, this is the only mosque in Dubai that's open to non-Muslim visitors.
• Distance to port: Around 20 minutes from Port Rashid and 30 minutes from Dubai Harbour by car.
• How to get there: There’s no metro station, so a taxi or Uber is the way to go.
• Price: 75-minute tours cost AED40 per person.
• DIY or with a tour: There’s no need to book a Mosque with a tour company, you can go it alone.
• Worth doing? For an insight into Emirati culture and a reminder that the city is an Islamic state, this is a must-do.

Bur Dubai souks

• What is it? Shop till you drop for everything from curly-toed slippers to pashminas in Bur Dubai’s traditional souks (open-air marketplaces).
• Distance to port: 20 minutes from Port Rashid and 40 minutes from Dubai Harbour by car.
• How to get there: The closest Dubai Metro stations are Al Fahidi Station and Al Ghubaiba Station on the green line. Taxi and Uber drivers also know the area well.
• Price: Free – providing you can resist the temptation to shop.
• DIY or with a tour: The souks can easily be explored independently, but World of Cruising can vouch for Frying Pan Adventures’ tour. The brainchild of sisters Arva and Farida Ahmed, you’ll explore the souks while snacking on Arabian street eats such as knafeh (a stringy sweet cheese pie) and khubz (Arabic bread).
• Worth doing? Bur Dubai is the oldest part of the city and has a totally different feel. To experience authentic Dubai, beyond the skyscrapers, head here.

The Burj Al-Arab

• What is it? The self-proclaimed seven-star hotel that’s shaped like a sail – in a nod to Dubai’s nautical heritage – and features a marmite gold leaf interior plus its own helipad and a fleet of Rolls-Royces.
• Distance to port: Approximately 20 minutes from Dubai Harbour and 30 minutes from Port Rashid by car.
• How to get there: Take the M1 metro to the Al Ras Metro Station, which is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, or hop in a taxi.
• Price: A tour costs AED249.
• DIY or with a tour: It’s easy to visit on your own, but to access the hotel, you’ll need to book a tour, an afternoon tea or dining reservation, or a spa treatment.
• Worth doing? If you want to tick one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks off your list and nosy around what is possibly the most over-the-top hotel in the world, it’s worth the splurge.

The Burj Khalifa

• What is it? Make time to visit the world’s tallest tower. Built to a cost of $1.5 billion, the 830m Burj Khalifa offers breathtaking views of Dubai's skyline, the desert, and the Arabian Gulf.
• Distance to port: You can reach the Burj Khalifa within 20 to 30 minutes by car from both ports.
• How to get there: The easiest and most convenient way to get there from either port is to jump in a taxi. Alternatively, take the Dubai Metro’s Red Line to Burj Khalifa station.
• Price: Tickets start at AED179 for adults and AED145 for children between three and eight.
• DIY or with a tour: Save your money and go solo.
• Worth doing? Yes, unless you suffer from acrophobia. Consider splurging on the At the Top Sky Experience – you’ll get to skip the queues, ascend to level 148 (ordinary tickets take you to 124 and 125) and enjoy complimentary refreshments including Arabic coffee and sweets with the views.

For families

Dubai has made a name for itself as a destination that caters equally well to children and adults.

Aquaventure World

• What is it? An extravagant water park that the young – and young at heart – will love. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss the 449m ‘watercoaster’.
• Distance to port: 20 minutes from Dubai Harbour and 30 minutes from Port Rashid by car.
• How to get there: It’s a bit of a faff to get there by public transport, so flag a taxi instead – you’re on your holiday after all.
• Price: At the time of writing, day passes cost AED345 for adults and AED295 for children.
• DIY or with a tour: Book tickets online here.
• Worth doing? Attractions such as the 34m-tall Trident Tower are a hit with bigger kids. It’s also a great option for families of all ages looking to beat the Dubai heat.

Abra creek crossing

• What is it? For further local flavour, glide across the creek from Bur Dubai to Deira (or vice versa) on an abra (wooden water taxi).
• Distance to port: 20 minutes from Port Rashid and 30 minutes from Dubai Harbour by car.
• How to get there: Alight at Sharaf DG or Al Ghubaiba metro stations on the Green line. Then walk for approximately 10 minutes to the closest abra station.
• Price: A one-way trip across the creek costs AED1 per person, or AED2 if you opt for the air-conditioned option. You can also hire an abra for a private trip along the creek for AED120 per hour.
• DIY or with a tour: Simply buy a ticket from the abra driver.
• Worth doing? Absolutely: the creek crossing is one of the most affordable and authentic experiences in the city, and kids will love being on the water.

Jumeirah beach

• What is it? The city’s favourite beach park is a great place for the whole family to go swimming, as lifeguards are typically on duty from 8am until sunset (after which taking a dip is prohibited). There’s also a playground. Note that Mondays are exclusively for women and children.
• Distance to port: Roughly 20 minutes by car from both ports.
• How to get there: There are no nearby metro stations, so take a taxi.
• Price: AED5 per person.
• DIY or with a tour: It’s extremely easy to do independently.
• Worth doing? Nothing beats a day at the beach, and Dubai has the finest stretches of sand in the UAE.

For active & adventurous travellers

Desert safari

• What is it? The desert is just outside of Dubai, and the easiest way to see it is on an afternoon/evening safari, which involves dune-bashing, a falconry display and dinner in a (recreated) Bedouin camp.
• Distance to port: About 15 minutes on foot to the trailhead (or five minutes in a taxi).
• How to get there: Most excursion companies will pick you up from the cruise terminal.
• Price: Expect to pay around AED130 to AED200 for a desert safari.
• DIY or with a tour: Booking an organised outing is the best option.
• Worth doing? Desert safaris are undeniably touristy and perhaps best avoided if cultural authenticity is your thing, but it would be churlish to deny its obvious pleasures.

Frequently asked questions about Dubai

Where is the nearest medical facility in Dubai?

Dubai has well-equipped public and private hospitals including Rashid Hospital (the closest to Rashid port) which offers complimentary emergency care for tourists.

The nearest hospitals to Dubai Harbour are Mediclinic Creek Harbour and Dubai Creek Harbour. Again, if you experience a medical emergency in the metropolis, treatment to stabilise your condition will be provided for free, but all other treatments are charged – so it’s advisable to have medical insurance as well as travel insurance.

What happens if I miss the ship?

Miss the ship and you'll find yourself not only stranded but forced to cover the cost of catching up with your fellow passengers at the next stop or heading home early.

Is a day enough to see Dubai?

A day is just enough time to scratch the surface of the City of Gold. You’ll be able to see Dubai’s key attractions – the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab, Jumeirah Mosque and traditional souks. However, to really get under the skin of the city, extend your trip with a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay.