Port Rashid
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Your port day at a glance
- Walk to town?
- Ask us
- Distance to town
- Port Rashid is several miles from the main tourist hubs like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, so clients should plan on using taxis, ride-hailing, or organized excursions rather than walking from the pier.
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates Dirham / AED
On this page
Getting to town
Distance to town: Port Rashid is several miles from the main tourist hubs like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, so clients should plan on using taxis, ride-hailing, or organized excursions rather than walking from the pier..
Your day in port
For an 8–10 hour call, many visitors combine Old Dubai (Al Fahidi, Creek, souks) in the morning with Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall) in the afternoon and early evening, using taxis or ride-hailing to minimize transfer time. In hotter months, emphasize indoor attractions and schedule outdoor walks for early or late in the day.
Best time to visit
November to March is ideal for cruising into Dubai’s Port Rashid, with warm, pleasant days and cooler evenings perfect for sightseeing. Summer (June–September) brings extreme heat and humidity that can limit comfortable outdoor time.
- June–September can be extremely hot (often over 40°C / 104°F) and humid, making midday outdoor activities challenging.
- There is no true hurricane or monsoon season, but occasional dusty winds and sandstorms can reduce visibility.
- Sun intensity is high year-round, so sun protection and hydration are essential even in winter.
Shore experiences
- Dubai Mall attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, KidZania, and the ice rink.
- An abra boat ride on Dubai Creek combined with a visit to the Dubai Museum area in Old Dubai (museum may be under renovation, but the area is still atmospheric).
- Beach time at Jumeirah public beach areas with playgrounds and gentle waves.
- Indoor entertainment complexes and themed malls (e.g., shopping centers with play zones and cinemas) to escape the heat.
Food, drink and shopping
Local food and drink
- Traditional Emirati dishes such as machboos/majboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood), harees, and luqaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup).
- Arabic mezze, fresh grilled seafood, and shawarma available in both upscale restaurants and casual eateries.
- High-end dining with skyline views at venues near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah (advance reservations recommended for popular spots).
- Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates served at cultural centers and many hotels as a gesture of hospitality.
- International cuisines are widely available, from South Asian to European and East Asian, reflecting Dubai’s diverse population.
Shopping
- Gold and jewelry from the Gold Souk and reputable mall-based jewelers, where designs and quality are a key draw (always compare prices and understand purity/carat).
- Spices, perfume oils, oud, and frankincense from traditional souks and specialty shops around Dubai Creek.
- Modern shopping for fashion, electronics, and luxury brands in mega-malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, where prices can be competitive but not always cheaper than at home.
- Check customs allowances for your home country before buying large amounts of gold, tobacco, or alcohol.
- Bargaining is common in souks and small shops, but fixed prices are the norm in malls and brand-name outlets.
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing with good sun protection is advisable year-round, along with comfortable walking shoes. In mosques and traditional areas, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; carry a light scarf or shawl for added coverage when needed.
Advisor notes
Advise clients to pre-plan their top two or three priorities—Dubai is spread out and trying to see everything in one day leads to rushed, tiring visits. Stress the importance of arranging reliable transport from Port Rashid in advance and pre-booking timed tickets for headline attractions like Burj Khalifa to avoid queues and sold-out slots.
Sources (9)
- en.wikipedia.org (opens in a new tab)
- bayut.com (opens in a new tab)
- royalcaribbean.com (opens in a new tab)
- cruisemapper.com (opens in a new tab)
- dpworld.com (opens in a new tab)
- noonsite.com (opens in a new tab)
- moet.gov.ae (opens in a new tab)
- crystalcruises.com (opens in a new tab)
- youtube.com (opens in a new tab)
Practical information
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates Dirham / AED
Useful apps
- Google Maps
- RTA Dubai (for public transport information and payment)
- Uber
- Dubai Metro/Bus tracker apps from RTA
- Google Translate
Planning a sailing that calls at Dubai?
Tell us which cruise you are looking at. We will help you plan the port day, from getting ashore to what is worth your time.