Dubai Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Xxx Xxx, Abdul Basith, العمده ”mehmoud.dubai“ محمود · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United Arab Emirates
- Region:
- Dubai, Arabian Gulf & Red Sea
- Coordinates:
- 25.2697° N, 55.3094° E
About Dubai
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Situated on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, the city has a population of 4 million as of 2025, with 92% of residents being expatriates. The wider urban area, which includes Sharjah, has a population of 5 million people as of 2023.
Cruise passengers will find plenty to explore within easy reach of the port. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is just 1.1 km away, offering a glimpse into Dubai's heritage. For modern attractions, the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain are both approximately 8.8–9.0 km from port, whilst the Dubai Frame provides a unique perspective of the city at 3.9 km away.
Top Attractions
Whether you're interested in marine life, entertainment or cultural experiences, Dubai has diverse options. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Dolphinarium, and The Green Planet Dubai cater to animal lovers, whilst the Dubai Garden Glow offers amusement for families. All major attractions have substantial visitor reviews, reflecting their popularity with tourists.
Dubai is part of the Arabian Gulf & Red Sea cruise region, with nearby ports including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, and Aqaba.
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates. The wider urban area includes Sharjah and has a population of 5 million people as of 2023, while the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area has a population of 6 million people.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Dubai on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Boss Time · via Google Maps Landmark
Burj Khalifa
4.7 (172,724) 8.8 km from port
Spired 828-metre skyscraper with a viewing deck, a restaurant, a hotel and offices.
Near: Armani Hotel Dubai (3 m) · DLF (6 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The Burj Khalifa is an incredible landmark and a must-visit attraction in Dubai. The building is even more impressive in…” — farooq khan
- 5 · “Very outstanding skyscraper. Whether from afar, from upclose, and from inside, you will be amazed by it's abnormal dimensions (and…” — Marc Bresson
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Photo: Sanjay Rana · via Google Maps Fountain
The Dubai Fountain
4.8 (138,817) 9.0 km from port
Massive fountain with displays of water jets reaching 140 m, set to a music & light show.
Near: Souk Al Bahar (155 m) · Palace Downtown (172 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
- Toilets
- 5 · “You can witness a truly breathtaking fountain show, and what's more, it's free! I'm incredibly grateful. The way the water…” — Y T
- 5 · “The Dubai Fountain isn’t just something you watch—it’s something you feel. Even before the show begins, there’s an electric energy…” — Ming Goh
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Photo: Nasro · via Google Maps Aquarium
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
4.5 (80,013) 8.6 km from port
Marine animal encounters & feedings, plus an underwater tunnel under a huge tank with sharks & rays.
Near: HSBC Customer Service Centre Dubai Mall (11 m) · SEPHORA DUBAI MALL (55 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “Absolutely outstanding! The view from the outside is great, and the lower floor where you walk through the aquarium is…” — Michael Buster
- 5 · “The Dubai Aquarium is absolutely outstanding and one of the most impressive attractions we have ever visited. Even from the…” — Vivian T.
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Photo: amerykan2000 · via Google Maps Monument
Dubai Frame
4.6 (73,695) 3.9 km from port
Unique, 150-m-tall building resembling a picture frame, with historic displays & panoramic views.
Near: Dubai Frame (183 m) · Zabeel Park (297 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “Dubai Frame and wanted to share my experience, as it is truly a fascinating attraction and a brilliant concept. Standing…” — Multi Vitamins
- 5 · “Nice Experience! What makes this observation deck unique is its incredible, luxury design. The panoramic views of Old Dubai on…” — Mhd Tarek Abdul Wahid
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Aquarium
Dubai Dolphinarium
4.5 (19,019) 4.3 km from port
Sizable indoor destination with dolphin & seal shows, interactive experiences & an Asian restaurant.
Near: Creek Park Bird Show (8 m) · Creek Park (59 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “We recently celebrated our twins’ birthday at Dubai Dolphinarium, and the experience exceeded all our expectations! The staff were exceptional—especially…” — Carmina White
- 5 · “We visited the dolphinarium with our child and absolutely loved the show! 🐬 The dolphins swim very close, the sea…” — Viktoria Kholodiuk
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Amusement Centre
Dubai Garden Glow - Dinosaur Park & Fantasy Park
4.2 (17,321) 3.8 km from port
Elaborate, whimsical flower & animal displays constructed out of handmade colourful lights.
Near: Dinosaur Park is Now Open (1 m) · Zabeel Park- Gate 3 (2 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “A place where both kids and grown-ups can truly get lost in a world of roaring dinosaurs and glowing fantasy…” — Amina Khader
- 4 · “A park of light installations. You don't need to buy tickets in advance, as the park is large and there…” — P S
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Historical landmark
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
4.6 (17,041) 1.1 km from port
Area of traditional-style buildings in typical materials housing arts & cultural exhibits & museums.
Near: XVA Art Hotel (38 m) · Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (50 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “It was nice to visit this place in a low season, when there are less people and not so many…” — Kirill Obriashchenko
- 5 · “Al Fahidi is a beautiful cultural gem that completely captures the heart. It is the perfect place to slow down…” — hesham muhamed
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Zoo
The Green Planet Dubai
4.4 (12,398) 8.6 km from port
Tropical rainforest within a bio-dome sheltering colorful birds, reptiles & sloths, plus a cafe.
Near: גן חיות (32 m) · Automobile Cars Photographer In Dubai (37 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “We had a really nice experience at The Green Planet Dubai. It’s a unique indoor attraction that feels like stepping…” — Saif Al Harazi
- 5 · “Absolutely loved our visit to Green Planet! It's amazing how they've created a rainforest ecosystem inside a building. The staff…” — Shreya Singh
Map of Dubai and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Dubai
Deals update daily — see all Dubai, Arabian Gulf & Red Sea cruises.
