The shipping platform

Location: Port Rashid is a major cruise port situated on the seaward side of the city of Dubai. General overview: Port Rashid has previously grown to be the principal port and commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai also has the largest drydock in the world which is situated immediately adjacent, SW of Port Rashid, in the Dubai Drydocks Estate. However, due to urban expansion close to the port area, most notably the construction of Dubai Maritime City, all cargo traffic has now been moved to Jebel Ali Port, 20nm SSW. There are extensive land reclamation works between Port Rashid and Dubai Dry Docks and also to the N and NE of the port. Tugs and vessels serving offshore industries will continue to use the port and passenger facilities will remain. The cruise facilities at Port Rashid are going through a period of great transition, the main terminal, opened in 2001, has now been closed and replaced by a temporary terminal whilst another new facility is being built. However, this new terminal opened in 2010 is also to be a temporary measure and only intended to be used for two to three years when a new permanent cruise terminal will be opened as part of the Dubai Maritime City development, currently under construction. Load line zone: Tropical. Max size: Vessels of up to LOA 230m are allowed entry with longer vessels at the Harbour Master's discretion, draught depend upon depth of water at the berth and tide restrictions during the period of stay in port. The draught restriction is between 11.5 and 12.5m.