Port guide: Dubai, UAE

Dubai is one of the world’s most spectacular, ultra-modern, ever-changing cities, and few ports are better for an eye-popping cruise stopover.

In port in Dubai.Credit: Getty Images

Who goes there

Dubai has set out to become a major cruise hub, and several terminals now cater to almost a million cruise passengers a year. Many cruise lines pass through as they relocate seasonally from the Mediterranean and Africa to Asia. An increasing number also offer Middle East itineraries, among them Celestyal, Costa, MSC and Royal Caribbean. Ponant sails Indian Ocean expeditions out of Dubai.

Sail on in

Not much excitement as you sail into Dubai Cruise Terminal’s rather work-a-day port, which sits off Dubai’s more historic, low-rise districts of Al Fahid and Deira. The newer Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal is more exciting as you approach a wall of skyscrapers along a fancy waterfront, with the flamboyant Palm Jumeirah on reclaimed land thrusting into the sea on your port side.

Berth rites

Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid has three terminal buildings, while Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal has two. Each has a few modest services such as currency exchange, tourist information, coffee bars and retail outlets. You cannot walk from port, so you’ll need to get a taxi, hop-on bus, or shuttle if your cruise line offers one. If not, free shuttles take you to various shopping malls.

Before and after

Dubai is increasingly an embarkation and disembarkation point for cruises, so take advantage and stay over for a night or two. The choice of hotels is vast, from eye-popping Atlantis Dubai resort or the sail-like, ultra-luxury Burj Al Arab to mid-range hotels in districts such as Deira and Bur Dubai. Family-friendly Jumeirah Beach Hotel is next to Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Going ashore

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, has a 452-metre-high observation deck that gives you a mighty outlook over Dubai’s sand-blown, ever-rising skyline. Below, dancing fountains put on wonderful shows, and colossal Dubai Mall can have you lost for half a day. You have your choice of other malls, upmarket spas and theme parks: Aquaventure might be the best for its water slides and lagoons.

Don’t miss

You’ll find history in the Bastakiya district, which has restored traditional architecture. Art galleries, the Dubai Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding are among the attractions. The neighbourhood overlooks The Creek, where dhows and small boats meander. Elsewhere, the only mosque open to non-Muslims is Jumeirah Mosque, where you can do informative tours.

Get active

Fierce heat and a sprawling city devoted to the car dissuade you from walking. You can windsurf, sail, scuba-dive, water-ski and take hot-air balloon rides, but the most popular activity is dune-bashing in a 4WD vehicle outside the city. If you feel the need for speed, Dubai Autodrome has driving experiences in Formula-One style cars, either behind the wheel or as a passenger.

Dune bashing in the Dubai desert.

Retail therapy

Malls sell everything from camel-milk chocolate bars to gold-plated Lamborghinis, and have all manner of entertainments. Dubai does still have its more traditional side, however, including souks dedicated to gold, perfume and spices. Head to Beniyas Road for electronics and Middle Eastern souvenirs such as bronze lanterns and coffee pots, wood carvings, and boxes and tables inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Further afield

The most popular shore excursions take you into the desert for dune-bashing, falconry and cultural events. Neighbouring emirate Sharjah, a half-hour drive away, is a more laid-back, cultural counterpoint to Dubai, with several good museums and fine architecture and souks. If your cruise isn’t visiting Abu Dhabi, then day-long excursions take you there for a highlight tour, which includes the splendid marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.