Introduction
The City of Dubai is a member of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The city is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Arabia. As recently as the 1950's Dubai was a small fishing and trading town. Today a towering metropolis has risen. All around is bigger, taller, and more spectacular. Steel and glass towers spring out of the sterile desert and dreamlike islands have been built in the Arabian sea, formed as palm trees or unbelievably a map of the globe.
Dubai is today a huge trading zone and has become a key commercial center in the vicinity. It is called the 'City of Merchants', due to the huge amount of business, and also 'City of Gold', thanks to its vast taxfree Gold markets. Dubai's most unique feature is its wonderfully furnished hotels and its gigantic shopping malls, certain to amaze even the most travel weary.
The air is hot making it necessary that all indoor areas are air-conditioned. In winter, Dubai is perfect, warm and dry, perfect beach weather. Later on temperatures can easily hit 40°C and it is tiringly sticky.
You Choose The Cruise
The most popular cruise is a tour of the Arabian Gulf calling at interesting ports such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat and Fujairah. More extended sailings to Far East and India are also available. A further option is a sailing to the Mediterranean sea. Cruises From Dubai shows all cruise ship departures from Dubai.
Cruise Terminals
Port Rashid
2010 marked the unveiling of a brand new cruise ship facility, cruise terminal 2, forming part of an extensive reworking of the ageing Rashid area. The new building spans 3,450 square metres and is intended to handle four cruise ships simultaneously so enabling a rising number of visiting ships. Traditional domes, arches and carvings are the foremost architectural features of the building’s exterior. This appearance is of up-to-date Arabic architecture, and reflects Dubai's long history as a trading center.
4 years later, next to cruise terminal 3, cruise terminal 3 was built.
Both cruise terminals boast a full range of facilities like souvenir shops, currency exchanges, post offices, duty free shops, business centers and ATM machines.
Dubai Harbour
Late in 2021, two new cruise ship terminals at Dubai Harbour (adjacent to Palm Jumeirah) were opened. The terminals also boast the full range of modern amenities.
Sightseeing in Dubai
Dubai Museum
Al Faheidi Fort, which dates back to the nineteenth century, houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of cultural, artistic and military artifacts. The fort, Dubai's oldest standing building, was constructed to protect the town from warlike tribes. These days tourists can see pearl diving tools, traditional musical instruments, alabaster statues, copper jewelry and clay pots. Situated on the southern side of Dubai Creek.
Dubai Creek and Creekside Park
Dubai Creek, which separates the city's Bur Dubai and Deira neighborhoods, is a seawater inlet which is hectic all the time with ships voyaging between Dubai and India, Arabia and East Africa. Catch a abra for a trip up the Creek and back. Next saunter along the creekside path, which extends from seafront and attractive Creekside Park. Where the visitor will find mini-golf, fishing piers, a cafe and gardens.
Gold Souk
Though you may not be considering to buy something, a stroll through the glittering Gold Souk is enjoyable. The shops sell incredible quantities of silver, platinum, diamonds, gold and precious gems. Be sure to negotiate. Both sides of the lanes of the gold souk, each shop front is full with gold necklaces, watches, rings, earrings and bangles. The prices are amongst the lowest anywhere. Situated on the north waterfront of Dubai Creek.
Spice Souk
At the narrow alleyways of the spice market, the visitor can smell the feeling and the aromas of years of history. Large bags of flower petals, medicinal herbs, spices, incense, fragrances and aromatic oils are presented at each stall. Next to the Gold Souk.
Burj Khalifa
At 2625ft and 160 stories Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. You can go to the observation deck on story 124 or the restaurant at story 122. Access is by the lower basement level of the Dubai Mall.
Burj Al Arab hotel
The amazing Burj Al Arab is the star of the Dubai skyline. It’s seven star rating may or may not be outrageous, however everyone agrees upon its amazing design.
One way to get inside the hotel without paying for a room is to book a meal at one of the hotel's classy restaurants.
Bastakia Quarter
The traditional Bastakia Quarter is a memory of the era when the city was a little fishing port. Walk along the maze of streets and witness the attractive homes with their distinctive wind towers that directed any breeze down to the house so providing cooling. The Quarter is situated on the north bank of Dubai creek.
Jumeirah Beach Park
Jumeirah Beach boasts fine soft sand and crystal seas. It is occasionally very busy. You’ll find picnic areas, lifeguards, showers, playground, toilets and food kiosks.
On Mondays the beach park is reserved for children and women.
The park is sited one mile in a southerly direction from the cruise port.
The Desert
Experience the sands around the city in a 4x4 expedition. After the ride stop at a Bedouin encampment and enjoy a feast with a performance from a belly dancer.
Getting To The Cruise Port From The Airport
Dubai Airport is sited about 3 miles to the northeast of the city’s center. The new airport is at Jebel Ali twenty miles south of the city center. The easiest way to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal is by cab.
