🇦🇪 Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Cruise Port Guide
A futuristic desert metropolis of record-breaking towers, gold souks and man-made islands — where centuries-old trading dhows still dock beneath glass skyscrapers.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Dubai
Best Nov-Mar for cooler, pleasant weather; summer (Jun-Sep) brings extreme heat over 40C/104F.
Getting back to the ship on time
Downtown attractions are a 25+ minute taxi ride through highway traffic, so independent travelers should build in a large buffer, especially around Friday prayer times or rush hour.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Dubai
Burj Khalifa observation deck
Ride to the top of the world's tallest building.
Dubai Mall & Fountain show
Mega-mall with an aquarium and choreographed fountains.
Gold & Spice Souks
Glittering gold souk and fragrant spice markets by the creek.
Desert safari & dune bashing
4x4 dunes, camel rides and a Bedouin-style dinner camp.
Al Fahidi historic district
Wind-tower architecture along old Dubai Creek.
Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis view
See the famous man-made palm-shaped island.
Popular excursions
Burj Khalifa: At the Top
124th-floor observation deck of the world's tallest building.
Old Dubai: Souks & Abra Ride
Gold and spice souks, Al Fahidi lanes and a one-dirham creek crossing.
What to eat
- Shawarma
- Al machboos (spiced rice)
- Hummus & mezze
- Camel milk chocolate
- Karak chai
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Nov–Mar (cooler, dry)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76° | 58° | 0.7" |
| Feb | 78° | 60° | 1" |
| Mar | 83° | 64° | 0.6" |
| Apr | 91° | 70° | 0.3" |
| May | 99° | 77° | 0" |
| Jun | 103° | 81° | 0" |
| Jul | 105° | 86° | 0" |
| Aug | 106° | 86° | 0" |
| Sep | 101° | 81° | 0" |
| Oct | 95° | 74° | 0" |
| Nov | 87° | 67° | 0.1" |
| Dec | 79° | 61° | 0.6" |
Local phrases
A little history
The Burj Khalifa, at 828m, has held the title of world's tallest building since 2010.
Dubai was a modest pearl-diving and trading port before oil-fueled development transformed it from the 1960s onward.
Modest dress is expected in public areas — shoulders and knees covered is a respectful default.
Abras — small wooden boats — still ferry passengers across Dubai Creek for a fraction of a dollar.