Dubai City Guide - Getting There By Water

Jebel Ali Port is located 30km (18.5 miles) from the city centre. It is the world's largest man-made port - over 120 shipping lines use the port and it has over 100 berths. Passenger services are limited however and are not designed to cater for tourists. A massive expansion programme is currently underway but the developments are geared towards freight rather than passengers. A port tax of is levied on departures from the UAE. Dubai Port Authority (tel: (04) 881 5555; website: www.dpa.co.ae) provides further information. The government-owned Dubai Cruise Terminal (website: www.dubaitourism.ae/cruise), which is capable of dealing with two liners at a time, opened at Port Rashid in 2001, with an ever-increasing number of cruise liners now using the modern terminal. Facilities at the cruise terminal include reception check-in, an information centre, VIP lounge, a relaxation zone and cafe, a big-screen entertainment centre, duty-free, exhibits and an Arabian palm garden.

Ferry services: Ferry services operate to ports in Iran from Sharjah, although these are not recommended for tourists and timetables are erratic. Plans have been mooted for a more developed and comprehensive regional ferry service but these are very much on the back burner at present.

Transport to the city: Taxis are the best way of getting into town. Dubai Cruise Terminal has its own taxi stand.