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Cruises to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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The lure of Dubai is irresistible, from its glittering mega-skyscrapers to its traditional Islamic roots. This enigmatic destination is recognized worldwide as a city pointed full throttle toward the future. Dubai is a must-experience city while on an India cruise . Dubai’s most iconic sights include the 160-story Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a luxury resort which happens to be shaped like a boat’s sail.

Dubai is unlike any other place in the world, filled with luxe shopping and high-end boutiques, unique souqs (markets) scattered all over the city, and cultural institutions like the Dubai Museum. While you’re stopped on a Dubai cruise, you’re meant to live it up on unforgettable excursions like a helicopter tour of the city or a camel ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Not even differences in climate can stop Dubai from bringing you every experience you crave. There’s even an indoor skiing experience and the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to dubai, dubai museum.

Take an afternoon to explore history at the Dubai Museum, located within the Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest building in Dubai. Each gallery and exhibit showcases a recreation of life and society in Dubai from hundreds of years ago. It’s a must-do for history buffs, or for those who want to learn more about Dubai’s history as a global power.

Jumeirah Mosque

If you’re looking to visit a traditional Islamic mosque, head to Jumeirah Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims as well as Muslims. This landmark mosque stands out with clean white stone. Take a 75-minute guided tour of the mosque to learn about life and traditions of the mosque.

Palm Islands

When you cruise Dubai, take a day to explore the three man-made Palm Islands, called Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island, and Palm Jebel Ali, where families and solo travelers alike can enjoy the beach resorts, swim, snorkel, and dive. Waterparks and slides make it easy to cool off on a hot day, and you can even swim with dolphins on the islands.

Dubai Fountain

Don’t miss this classic local landmark, the ornate Dubai Fountain. Catch a choreographed performance of lights and music in the center of downtown. It’s also the largest fountain system in the world.

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Top things to do in dubai, shop at the dubai mall.

Over 1,000 shops call Dubai Mall home, so you could easily spend days here and still not see it all. From jewelry to luxe clothing items and a large food court for when you get hungry, the Dubai Mall lives up to its status as the 2nd largest mall in the world. Plus, you’ll find the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink located within the mall, which makes this a perfect afternoon excursion for families and those who want to stay indoors on a sweltering Dubai day.

Head to the Top of the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa clocks in as the tallest skyscraper in the world, and in person it’s an immense sight. Purchase tickets for the incredible observation decks on the 124th or 148th floors, where you can take in a panoramic skyline of Dubai.

Adventure on a Desert Safari

Thrill seekers must head out on a desert safari while in Dubai. Ride through the red dunes on a car or bike or go camel riding in the desert. Or try sandboarding on the vast sands. Spend the night at a Bedouin camp and enjoy the desert and the traditional Bedouin setting in style on a shore excursion.

Scuba and Swim at Jumeirah Beach

Wreck diving is popular in Dubai, where remnants of shipwrecks litter the ocean floor. Divers will love Dubai’s adventurous seascape even though it doesn’t have active coral reefs. Cool off on a hot day with a dive or a swim on the Persian Gulf at Jumeirah Beach.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Dubai Cruise Port

Afternoon tea is a huge part of the culture in Dubai. Stop in for high tea at the Skyview Bar at the top of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, where you can sip tea and enjoy fresh pastries while you watch the sun set over the skyline. Other dishes readily available on menus here include shawarma and falafel-based dishes. Locals regularly eat fresh seafood catches as well as lamb and mutton. Hummus is also a staple in the area. When you cruise Dubai, try another Emirati delicacy, al harees, which is a mix of wheat and meat with a porridge-like texture.

Culture & History of the Dubai Cruise Port

On cruises to Dubai, you’ll quickly discover that the history of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rich, varied, and experiencing its very own renaissance. Humans have been living in the area that is now Dubai for thousands of years, but Dubai didn’t gain its cultural and economic prominence until the 18th and 19th centuries, when the city became the first port opening the area to trade. In the 1950s, oil was discovered and forever changed Dubai’s economy and its role in the global sphere. Since then, Dubai has steadily grown, becoming one of the most glamorous cities in history. Culturally, Dubai is greatly influenced by Islam, and during Ramadan, many restaurants and shops close to adhere to the holiday. Be sure to check to see if your Dubai cruise coincides with Ramadan during your time there.

Dubai Port Facilities & Location

Your Dubai cruise ship’s port of call is the Port of Rashid, which is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities like free wifi, currency exchange, a tourism information area, and plenty of souvenirs for you to bring back home when you return to the ship. You’ll see the Dubai skyline when you arrive at the Port of Rashid, and can depart the cruise port from a taxi or through a complimentary shuttle when you’re heading out on a shore excursion.

Transportation in Dubai

As the UAE’s most populated city, Dubai has no shortage of people buzzing around, trying to get from point A to point B. Dubai has an extensive metro and bus system that you can access by getting a Nol Card. You can simply buy a day pass while you’re stopped on cruises to Dubai. The taxi network in Dubai is enormous, too. Taxis have a different colored roof than other cars to signal what is a taxi and what isn’t. They’re also metered to make sure you get a decent fare. You can hail a taxi from the cruise port, but be sure to talk with your driver if you’re interested in booking a multi-stop ride or tour with them.

Shopping Near the Dubai Cruise Port

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, ranging from the high end to bargain markets for every type of shopper. The Dubai Mall is the second largest mall in the world, so it’s easy to lose track of time perusing over 1,200 shops featuring clothing, antiques, and fine jewelry. Of course, Dubai’s revitalized downtown contains a variety of souks and marketplaces where you can purchase gold, spices, jewelry, handmade goods, and more.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates and the official currency there is called the Dirham (Dhs). You can haggle and bargain in souqs, or outdoor markets, but prices in department stores and boutiques tend to be fixed. Tipping is 10-15% of your surcharge at restaurants and bars, and you can round up to the nearest Dirham note when you’re tipping your taxi driver.

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Dubai's futuristic skyscrapers from above

Cruise to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in dubai.

Woman in traditional muslim black dress in old arabic city district with mosque minaret in Al Fahidi Historical District of Dubai

Old Ways Still Alive

Woman in traditional muslim black dress in old arabic city district with mosque minaret in Al Fahidi Historical District of Dubai

Stroll around the nicely restored Al Fahidi Historical District, where you can get an impression of life in this emirate before oil was discovered in the 1960s. Explore the narrow walking lanes with their sand-colored houses, cafes and galleries. Then visit Dubai Museum, built in 1787 and the oldest existing building in Dubai.

Aerial views of the city of Dubai from the top of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper

On Top of the World

Aerial views of the city of Dubai from the top of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper

Stand on the Burj Khalifa for breathtaking views of this extraordinary city. At 828 meters, this narrow tower is the world's tallest so far. It has an observation deck on the 124th and the 148th floor, and a restaurant-bar on the 122nd. Book tickets well in advance.

Classic historical buildings in Dubai before the oil boom in the 1960s

Maze of Modern Life

Head to Madinat Jumeirah, one of Dubai's most attractive developments. With your Dubai cruise, stroll along the desert-colored villas and hotels, alongside waterways with palms, banana trees and bougainvillea. Sit down in one of the trendy local cafes for a refreshing fruit juice. At the heart of this modern village lies Souq Madinat Jumeirah, a maze-like bazaar with shops lining wood-framed walkways.

Cooking grilled meat shawarma to make hot kebabs, a typical street food in Dubai

Local Cuisine

You'll be able to find food from anywhere around the globe here — but focus on the local fare for the most authentic experience with Dubai cruises. While you're out on the town, pick up a shawarma , shaved strips of spicy spit-roasted meat served in pita bread. Try manousheh , a flatbread topped with local Akkawi cheese and za'atar herbs. Slate your sweet tooth with luqaimat , fried dough balls spiced with saffron and cardamom.

Carpets found in the markets of Dubai

Pick one of the large number of malls in this shopping Mecca. There's Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping center, as well as the Mall of Emirates. For a more traditional experience, browse the colorful souqs in Bur Dubai and Deira for Persian carpets, Arabic coffee pots and other trinkets.

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Several international cruise liners have added the UAE as a stop on their itineraries. You can cruise out of the UAE through one of the following seaports:

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How to get to Dubai

There are no shortage of ways to take you to this city - by plane, train, automobile, bus or even boat.

As with most destinations, how you get to Dubai depends on where you are coming from. We have listed the various ways you can get to the UAEs most popular city.

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Dubai has two international airports – Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Centre (DWC). The former is on the northern side of the city and is one of the busiest in the world where most of the global carriers fly in and out regularly, while the latter is in Jebel Ali, almost 25 miles southwest of Dubai and not as heavily utilised as DXB.

Emirates is Dubai’s national carrier, which means that plenty of Emirates and Emirates code-share airlines frequent DXB, but, given its global standing, the site welcomes almost all international carriers. There are plenty of low-cost carriers too, including FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and Air India Express, to name a few.

Dubai is a stopover hub for carriers right around the world: Qantas, British Airways, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, you name it – they all come and go from here. Whether settling in for a long-haul flight or preparing for just a couple of hours in the air, you can do it from DXB.

If you are making your way to Dubai from another emirate, for example, your international flight lands in Abu Dhabi and from there you’re planning to head to neighboring Dubai, there are bus services to get you there relatively easily.

From the capital, buses frequently make their way to Dubai from Al Wahda Bus Station every 15 minutes, with the journey to Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in the Fahidi District (northern end) taking about two hours at a cost of about AED 25 each way. Passengers need to purchase a prepaid, rechargeable ‘Nol’ card, which can be purchased at the bus station, and should be swiped in order to ride.

While not functioning yet, when EtihadRail begins operating, tourists to the UAE will have the option to travel to Dubai from the capital in less than an hour. It is a much anticipated development for the UAE and one that has been a long-time coming.

By car or by cab

Whether you’re brave enough to tackle the UAE traffic behind the wheel or more comfortable having someone else in control, it is possible to drive to Dubai from within the Emirates, from places like Abu Dhabi in the south and Sharjah in the north.

It is also possible to access Dubai by road from the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia if you’ve got the time, energy and wherewithal to do so.

Both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have international airports servicing them and it’s really only about an hour’s car drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai if you take the E10 or E11 highways, and not much more than a 25-minute journey from Sharjah.

When it comes to tolls, there are four gates between the capital and Dubai. Depending on which ones you pass through, you should expect to take a hit of AED 4 for each.

Unlike many other countries, cabs in the UAE are reasonably well-priced, especially when considering some of the distances traveled. For example, a taxi ride from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will cost you between AED 190-240. For a hire car, expect a day rate of about AED 50 per day, with insurance and fuel on top of that.

If you want a road-trip style adventure from Oman or Saudi, you’ll be looking at driving times of about 4.5 and 11 hours respectively and will need to consider licensing and border-entry requirements.

Unsurprisingly, Dubai is home to one of the most luxurious cruise ship terminals in the world. Plenty of international cruise liners dock in Dubai, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O, and Cunard. Located at Port Rashid, the cruise terminal is about 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport, welcoming as many as 5,000 cruisers each year. The most popular cruises to dock in Dubai venture here from Bahrain, Muscat (Oman), and of course Europe.

The cruising season generally extends from October to May: this is when European liners like MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises head to warmer climes. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises call this part of the world home for much of the winter, and it’s not hard to see why – sunshine and warm weather is pretty much guaranteed right the way through the season, which is ideal for European travelers seeking an escape from their usually icy winter.

What are the visa/passport policies?

Depending on your country of origin, most tourists who arrive in Dubai are provided a visa on entry which is valid for 30 days. A standard passport is acceptable, although it must have validity beyond six months and there must be at least one spare page to hold the visa.

If you’re in doubt whether any travel requirements may apply for your entry or stay in Dubai, you can always check our Travel Restrictions page for the latest recommendations.

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  • Duration: 2 hour(s)
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  • Category: MSC PROTECTOURS
  • Duration: 6.5 hour(s)
  • Code: DXB88

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  • Duration: 5 hour(s)
  • Code: DXBBK1

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  • Code: DXB01

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  • Code: DXB06

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  • Category: SEA & SUN
  • Code: DXB14

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  • Code: DXB18

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  • Duration: 7 hour(s)
  • Code: DXB33

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  • Code: DXB37

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  • Code: DXB49

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  • Code: DXB54

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  • Code: DXB73PV

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  • Duration: 43 hour(s)
  • Code: DXB00PM

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  • Code: DXB26

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Dubai cruise: voyage of a lifetime, what is a cruise.

The best possible way to define a cruise is a floating holiday retreat that takes you from one place to the other. The cruise houses passengers and takes them from one holiday destination to the other. There are various types of cruises like ocean cruises, river cruises, solo cruises, family cruises, couple cruises, luxury cruises, adventure cruises, etc.

Why Go On a Cruise Holiday?

A study shows that there has been a significant rise in tourists availing a cruise holiday over the regular holidays. While you are enjoying cruise holidays, you do not need to worry about any of your day-to-day requirements as everything is made available to you in surplus quantities. The ultimate getaway from your mundane routine work is a cruise holiday where you are asked to do just one thing - relax. Dubai cruise packages are international tour packages that will help you hit the refresh button amidst azure waters.

Types Of Dubai Cruises

When you speak of luxury and grandeur, Dubai is a name that will always pop up. Cruise in Dubai and cherish the memories forever with Dubai cruise packages.

  • Ocean Cruises- The ocean cruise ships sail around the coastlines of various countries, making multiple stops at tourist destinations. The Viking Star is one such ship of the Viking Ocean Cruises. The ship is included in most Dubai cruise packages . The Norwegian Jade offers a 2400 plus guest capacity along with other amenities like an open bar, kids space and flexible cancellation policies.

Check out: Viking Star & Norwegian Jade

  • River Cruises- The river cruises under Dubai cruise packages are different from ocean cruises. Dubai cruise packages will not have luxurious amenities and fun activities like casinos, pools, etc. However, they are more affordable and offer a great experience of touring the waters. The Luxury Yacht 55 Feet is one such Dubai cruise that tours around the Dubai Marina, covering places like Burj Al Arab, Sheik Island, Lagoon, etc.

River cruise yachts are primarily booked for birthday parties, weddings, proposals, corporate events or kids events.

Check out: Luxury Yacht 55 Feet & Luxury Yacht 96 Feet

  • Family Cruises- Europe, Middle East and world cruises offer several family cruises that come with fun-filled activities, entertainment, good food and ensure kids safety protocols. MSC Opera is one such ship included in many Dubai cruise packages, which falls under the category of a family cruise. The ship departs from Dubai and travels the entire Middle East, making multiple stops.

Check Out- MSC Opera &Queen Mary 2

  • Luxury Cruises- The Azamara Quest is one of the most renowned luxury cruises in Dubai. It is an R-class cruise ship, which means it was built for the Renaissance Cruises and continues to maintain its royal and majestic aura since 1999. The ship can accommodate 600 plus tourists.

Check Out: Azamara Quest & Queen Victoria

  • Adventure Cruises- Adventure cruises are incomplete without jaw-dropping activities, like hiking, kayaking, and snorkelling. Adventure cruises make for one of the best holiday packages for adrenaline junkies. Several mini yachts available with Dubai tour packages offer a trip around the Marina, along with a dip in the sea!

Check out: Luxury Yacht 55 & Luxury Yacht 96

  • Mainstream Cruises- The Norwegian Cruise Line offers some mainstream cruises for tourists on their Dubai cruise packages. Ideally, a ship with all the required features of a resort qualifies as a mainstream cruise. The Norwegian Cruise Line has various ships, namely Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape. These big-budget ships are the perfect getaway if you want a wholesome cruising experience.

Check out: Norwegian Jade & Norwegian Encore

Popular sailing destinations.

  • Burj Al Arab- The world’s first 7-star hotel is a must-include in your tour itinerary of Dubai cruise packages . This place has the unique feature of being the world’s most photographed man-made structure. This luxury hotel includes an underwater aquarium, which will give you the feel of being in a submarine.
  • Palm Jumeirah Islands- This man-made archipelago in Dubai can be visited in any of the rental yacht boats. Home to the world-renowned five-star hotel, Atlantis de Palm, the Palm Jumeirah Islands gives the best possible view of the Arabian coastline’s scenic beauty.
  • Greek Islands- Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the Greek Islands are easily accessible from Dubai via Norwegian Cruise Line. The luxury cruise ships of the Norwegian Cruise Line, namely Norwegian Jade, take you to this island filled with wonders. While you are here, you can go for a dip in one of the secluded swimming spots, explore the whitewashed villages nearby, and witness one of the world’s best sunsets over the water.
  • French Polynesia- The Carnival Splendor lets you cruise in Dubai as well as the South Pacific. French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific, has 118 islands, and the largest of them is known as Tahiti. The sublime view of blue waters and black sand beaches is ethereal.
  • Bay of Islands- The Bay of Islands is located in New Zealand and is undoubtedly one of the best sailing spots in the world. If you are on your Dubai cruise package, the Norwegian Cruise Line will bring you here via Norwegian Jade or Norwegian Encore or Norwegian Escape. There are more than 150 islands present here, each one of them being rich in Maori culture. While you sail on these turquoise waters, you’ll see dolphins sailing alongside. Once you reach one of the islands nearby, you can dip your feet in the cold blue water and enjoy the continuous ebb and flow of the sea.

International Cruises to Check Out in Dubai

  • Jalesh Mumbai To Dubai Cruise- The Jalesh Cruise ranks best among India to Dubai cruise packages . It takes 4 days and 3 nights to reach Dubai port once the cruise departs from Mumbai port. You can experience the luxury of the food, facilities, and casino whilst remaining carefree the entire time. These India to Dubai cruise packages include big-screen movie auditoriums, gymnasiums, casinos, swimming pools as well as DJ nights. All in all, it is a wholesome experience.
  • Arabian Gulf and Emirates Voyage Cruise- The Azamara Quest on the Arabian Gulf takes you around the Mediterranean Sea, Southern Australia and New Zealand. The cruise ship named Azamara Quest is a thing of beauty built splendidly. There are 205 verandas, 44 suites and 71 ocean-view rooms.
  • Spice Route Cruise- The Spice Route Cruise departs from Dubai and docks itself in Singapore. In Dubai cruise packages, the ship travels for 19 nights and stops at various tourist destinations. The Azamara Journey or Azamara Pursuit takes you through this voyage, serving mouth-watering delicacies and expensive wine.
  • Jewels of Arabia and India Cruise 7874- This cruise offers various ships like Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Quest and travels from Dubai to Singapore. Previously, the cruise used to be of 21 nights, presently the duration has been reduced to 18 nights with exotic balconies and veranda rooms available for tourists. This is one of the most coveted Dubai cruise packages due to its duration and luxurious facilities.
  • Silversea Cruises- The Silver Moon takes you on a voyage around all the major Middle Eastern cities with your India to Dubai cruise packages. The ship makes stops at Oman, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain and finally docks at Dubai. One of the most expensive Dubai cruise packages in India, renowned celebrities all across the country avail this cruise. With spacious and grand rooms to stay in, this is one of the most popular cruises in Dubai cruise packages.

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travel to dubai by ship

UAE-India travel: 200kg baggage limit, Dh440 ticket fare; passenger ship expected to launch in 2023

The idea is to get the service up and running before school break in december so that expats can travel without paying exorbitant amounts of money.

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Published: Mon 18 Sep 2023, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 18 Sep 2023, 11:16 PM

A passenger ship service between the UAE and the southern Indian state of Kerala could be a reality soon, offering Indian expats a convenient and cost-effective mode of travel. With tickets likely to cost around Dh442, the service could help Indian expats reach Kerala in roughly three days, according to YA Rahim, the President of the Indian Association Sharjah.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Rahim said, “The idea is to get the service up and running before school break in December. We want to make sure that Indian expats in the UAE can travel to their hometown without paying exorbitant airline charges.”

According to him, delegates of the Kerala government will meet India’s central government ministers next week about the project. “All we need now is the approval from the Central government,” said Rahim. “The delegation will meet on September 24. I don’t see why there should be any objection to the project. If we get the approval, we can get the service trial run started by November.”

This is not the first time that Keralites have been calling for a passenger ship service. However, previous efforts were not fruitful due to various reasons. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming project

What will the ticket prices be?

The ticket prices on the passenger ship service will range between Dh442 (Rs10,000) and Dh663 (Rs15,000), depending on the travel time. During peak travel time, the prices will be on the higher end of the range.

What are the key features?

The passenger ship will take three days to complete the trip between UAE and India. It can carry up to 1,250 passengers at one time. Passengers can take up to 200kg of luggage during this trip. According to the planners, there will be a wide variety of food items as well as entertainment on board for the travellers.

Where will it sail to?

The ship is currently scheduled to sail to two destinations- Kochi and Beypore. One of the most popular cities in Kerala, Kochi, is one of the largest ports in India. Beypore is a port located in Kozhikode on the southwestern coast of India. According to Rahim, there is a third location in the pipeline. “We are planning to start a route to Vizhinjam as well,” he revealed. The first mega transhipment container terminal in India, the Vizhinjam port, will be the largest container port of Kerala once completed in December 2024.

Who is spearheading this project?

This ambitious project is being spearheaded by Sharjah Indian association in partnership with a private company, Ananthapuri Shipping and Logistics Private Limited, with the support of the government of Kerala and the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA)- a department of the Kerala government to address the issues of non-resident Keralites.

How likely is the project to materialise?

In May this year, Kerala’s port minister, Ahammad Devarkovil, accused airline companies of taking advantage of non-resident Keralites who want to travel during the vacation season. “Many Malayalis have to set aside a huge amount of their hard-earned money to travel,” he had said when inaugurating a high-level meeting jointly convened by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) and Malabar Development Council (MDC) in Kerala’s capital of Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the passenger ship service project.

With such major players lending their support to the project, it is only a matter of time before the passenger ship becomes a reality, says Rahim.

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Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai

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Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai Includes

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Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai Overview

- Taking you to a journey of lifetime, the Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai will provide you with a chance to traverse the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea. Experience utmost fun and frolic on this leisure trip on Jalesh Cruise while getting the knowledge of what proper luxury feels like. - The  Mumbai to Dubai Jalesh Cruise will begin with you departing from the Mumbai port and kick starting this adventurous voyage. Experience the amazement and make forever memories while traversing the sea and enjoying various on board activities. From casinos to dj nights, here you will enjoy an array of once in a lifetime experiences. - This day will end with sleeping in your comfy and luxurious room loaded with all basic amenities. Your whole days will be spent traversing the high seas and engaging in some on board activities and events. From live entertainment shows to a day playing in the pool, you can keep yourself busy by indulging in a plethora of activities and games. - On your way to Dubai, you will get to stay connected with your daily schedule and can use the gymnasium and the fitness center. As you marvel at the panoramic sceneries of the far lying lands in the sea, you will get a chance to indulge in some fun filled and luxurious activities that will surely spoil you. - On Jalesh cruise Dubai to Mumbai, you will get to spend amazing days and nights traversing the decks and relishing some authentic cuisines. You can also opt for various spa services or can sip some drinks while marvelling at the majestic scenery of the sea. The tour will end on the fourth day when you will finally reach Dubai. Take away the memories of a lifetime as you disembark on the port of Dubai.

Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai Itinerary

Day 1 - boarding from mumbai.

The first day of this scenic cruise will begin with boarding Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai. Once you are on board, a safety briefing will be provided with an on site drill before starting the cruise.

Once the cruise starts, you will be traversing the gushing waves of the sea while having loads of fun on board.

All basic meals of the day will be provided.

The day will end with going back to your cabins and resting overnight.

Day 2 - On The Cruise

The second day will be spent indulging in various fun and adventurous activities on the cruise.

The cruise has its own gymnasium which can be availed by anyone.

You can also take up the spa therapies on an extra charge and experience the luxury and comfort at their best.

Day 3 - On The Cruise

The third day of Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai will also be dedicated to the on board activities like splashing in the pool, enjoying the movie screening, marvelling at the sea while enjoying meals at waterfront dining, visiting a casino and many more.

Day 4 - Arrival in Dubai

On the fourth day, you will reach the Dubai Port from where you can commence your journey on your own.

This will mark an end to this adventurous cruise trip.

  • Inside Cabin
  • Balcony Cabin.
  • All Meals Included
  • Showcasing Movies
  • Gym and Fitness
  • Usage of Swimming Pool
  • Free Entry at Casino

Things To Carry

  • Valid ID proofs
  • Thrillophilia voucher
  • Sunscreen and Lotion
  • Comfortable clothing and footwears
  • Personal Medications (if any).
  • The four restaurants - The Cafe, Frozen, Chef’s Table and Chopsticks are not included in the fare.
  • Entry in the Casino is free, however the charges of games are needed to be paid.
  • Deck 9 is not a public area, thus visiting there is not advised.
  • In case of any medical emergency, you can seek help from any crew member which will guide you towards the emergency medical kit and doctor on call facility.
  • Taking care of your personal belongings like cameras, mobile phones in public areas is up to you, the management is not responsible in case of emergency.
  • The cruise conducts a safety drill before the start of the trip and you are needed to pay proper attention to it.
  • This is a private tour

Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai: Cancellation Policy

  • If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
  • Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai: Refund Policy

  • The applicable refund amount will be processed within 15 business days
  • All applicable refunds will be done in traveller's thrillophilia wallet as Thrillcash

Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai: Booking Confirmation Policy

  • The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking
  • In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.
  • Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

Write Your Story

People Also Ask About Jalesh Cruise Mumbai To Dubai

What can i expect on jalesh cruise mumbai to dubai package.

Get ready to experience the voyage of a lifetime as you cruise the arabian sea. The Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai will offer you a plethora of adventures, events, shopping opportunities, dining locations and what not. Some of the most talked experiences you can enjoy here include: 1. The Rooms: Providing you with the utmost comfort, the rooms on the cruise are elegantly designed to offer a home like experience. From soft mattresses to fresh linens, everything will be offered here. 2. Dining: Either looking for street food or want to have Jain Food, here you can avail an array of dining options to choose from. The multi cuisine food offered here will surely make you want for more. 3. Entertainment Options: The cruise comes with multiple entertainment options including the following: - DJ nights - Movie Showcasing - Usage of Swimming Pool - Entry in the casino - Gym and fitness facilities - Waterfront dining experience. 4. Other paid entertainment options which you can avail include: - On board shopping - Spa services - Alcoholic beverages and cocktails - Paid entertainment shows - Meetings and events - Romantic dinners. Overall, you will experience utmost hospitality and a luxurious feeling as you sail the majestic arabian sea.

What is the price of Jalesh cruise from Mumbai to Dubai?

The Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai might cost around INR 25,000 to INR 35,000 from different vendors which will include your stay, basic meals and various on board activities. However, if you book the package from Thrillophilia, you will surely end up getting various benefits like coupons or cash back options.

What are the highlights of Jalesh cruise Mumbai to Dubai?

Some highlights of the Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai include: - This cruising experience will provide you with various once in a lifetime experiences like floating in a swimming pool which itself is floating in a big sea and trying your luck in the casino. - From ultimate chill zones to medical facilities, the cruise is loaded with an array of facilities. - For the adventure lovers, the cruise offers various gaming options on the board. - An array of restaurants and diners await you so that you can choose the meal which pleases you. The cruise also houses a Jain Food Restaurant where you can relish on various Jain dishes. - Be it the rejuvenating spa services or fitness centre, the cruise will make sure that you mind and body both remain healthy as you traverse the gorgeous waters of the Arabian Sea. - From Ocean View rooms to the Interior Rooms and Balcony Rooms, you will be offered an array of stay options to choose from. - Either looking for a location for your grand wedding or a corporate event hosting spot, the cruise is loaded with an ample amount of space to organize such events.

What kind of accommodation is provided in the Jalesh cruise from Mumbai to Dubai?

There are four kinds of Accommodations available at the Jalesh Cruise from Mumbai to Dubai: 1. Ocean View Rooms: As the name suggests, these accommodations will offer you an eye catching view of the ocean straight from your rooms. 2. Interior Rooms: These rooms come with a beautiful interior without any view and are loaded with all basic amenities and facilities. 3. Balcony Rooms: Staying true to its name, this accommodation option comes with a private balcony from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the wide sea. 4. Mini Suites: Perfect for the ones travelling with families or a group of friends, the suites offer attached rooms with huge space for seating and have a private balcony too.

What is included in the Jalesh cruise from Mumbai to Dubai Package?

The package of this cruise include the following facilities: - Your Room (Cabin Price). Dining in the Restaurants mentioned below: - Waterfront Dining - The essence of India - The Far Eastern Kadhai - Kettle & Bun - Jain Haven - Vegetarian Bang - Sugar and Spice - The International Grill - Hot Clay Tandoor - Street Food @ Karnika. Entertainment Options: - Marquee Theatre - DJ Night - Showcasing Movies - Gym and Fitness centre - Usage of Swimming Pool - Entry into the Casino.

What is not included in the Jalesh cruise from Mumbai to Dubai?

Some facilities which are not included in the Jalesh Cruise Package include: 1. On Board Shopping. 2. Games played in the Casino. 3. Any Shore excursions. 4. Spa and wellness services. 5. Extra bedding. 6. Food from the below four restaurants: The Cafe, Frozen, Chef’s Table,  Chopsticks. 7. Beverages from Bars and other Bar packages. 8. Any paid entertainment shows or activities. 8. Any private performance by the crew of the ship. 9. Any venue rentals or usage of public areas for private events. 10. All kinds of team building activities. 11. Any personal event to be hosted on board. 12. Gratuity of USD 12 (INR 800 to 900) with 18% GST which needs to be paid on board.

What sort of meals are provided in the Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai?

Dining in the below mentioned Restaurants will be included in the package: - Waterfront Dining - The essence of India - The Far Eastern Kadhai - Kettle & Bun - Jain Haven - Vegetarian Bang - Sugar and Spice - The International Grill - Hot Clay Tandoor - Street Food @ Karnika.

Is spa available in the package?

No, you will not be offered any kind of spa services in the package, however you can avail the gym and fitness centre facilities. In case of Spa, you can avail any package on the cruise itself by paying extra.

Is there any gym inside the cruise?

Yes, you can avail a gym and fitness facility on the cuisine and hit off with multiple activities. The gym here is well equipped with all machines and other required equipment.

What amenities are offered in the package?

The amenities which can be availed in this package include: - Warm and cozy rooms with fresh linens - Attached Bathrooms - Gym and Fitness facilities - Swimming Pool - Waterfront dining options - Entry in the Casino - Spa Services (at an additional cost) - Movie Theatre - DJ nights.

Are drinks included in the Jalesh Cruise Mumbai to Dubai package?

No, you will not be able to avail any kind of alcoholic beverages or drinks in this package. However, you can enjoy them at an additional cost from the on board bar.

What are the tips to remember before travelling on cruise?

Some tips which are required for the ones travelling on the cruise include: - It is advised to book the cruise in advance as the tickets run out very easily. - If planning the cruise trip with family, it is advised to book the suite having multiple connected rooms. This way you can stay together and enjoy the luxurious cruising experience. - This cruise trip is all about relaxation, thus make sure that you opt for a paid spa session and experience a day filled with mind and body healing. - Make sure that you do not waste any kind of food and take the amount which is needed. All the wastage gets dumped in the sea and we can reduce that by wasting less.

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Dubai Itinerary

Travel News

Best Cruises from Dubai to Mumbai – Complete Itinerary & Tickets Guide

Last Updated: December 7, 2020

11311 Views

14 Night Spice Route Cruise

Dubai to Mumbai cruises

Best cruises from dubai to mumbai, 1. the silver spirit indian ocean cruise.

Silver Spirit Indian Ocean Cruise

Here’s a voyage by the sea that’s been created to inspire your mind to greater heights of enjoyment. You’ll be setting sail from the incredible beauty of Dubai and proceed to the scintillating world of Bollywood – Mumbai. The Silver Spirit cruise ship from Silversea cruises crosses the Arabian Sea to reach Mumbai after 9 full days of play and luxury on one of the trendiest and coolest ships on the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Bookings can be done on the official website of the cruise. If you book early, you are likely to receive an early booking discount. If you want to enjoy traveling from Dubai to Mumbai on a cruise, best book this cruise on the Silversea cruises.

Silver Spirit Indian Ocean Cruise Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

  • Day 01: Departs from Dubai, UAE on Sunday at 11:00 PM
  • Day 02: Arrives at Abu Dhabi at 8:00 AM and departs at 11:59 PM
  • Day 03: A full day at sea, to enjoy swimming and other sports
  • Day 04: Docks at Fujairah at 8:00 AM and departs at 6:00 PM
  • Days 05 and 06: Arrives at Muscat at 8:00 AM and departs at 4:00 PM, the next day. Overnight stay in Muscat.
  • Days 07 and 08: Two days at sea to enjoy the amazing facilities and amenities on the cruise
  • 18 November 2018:  Arrives at Mumbai dock at 8:00 AM

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2. 18 Night Jewels Of Arabia & India – Seabourn Encore

Seabourn Encore

The Seabourn Encore’s 18 Night Jewels of Arabia & India cruise, from CruiseCompete, sails around the world, stopping at different ports. The Seabourn Encore’s journey begins in Dubai and follows an itinerary that enables passengers to see the best of the UAE, the Middle East, and India. 18 Nights Jewels of Arabia & India cruise follows the itinerary given below.

18 Night Jewels Of Arabia Itinerary

  • Day 0: Departs from Dubai at 5:00 PM
  • Day 1: Reaches Sir Bani Yas Island at 8:00 AM and departs at 5:00 PM, spending the entire day exploring the attractions of the island
  • Day 2: Arrives at Doha port at 8:00 AM and departs at 6:00 PM
  • Day 3: Spent at sea, swimming and enjoying the luxuries on board
  • Day 4: Arrives in Muscat at 8:00 AM and departs at 6:00 PM
  • Day 5 and Day 6: Spent at sea, enjoying the different amenities and facilities onboard
  • Day 7: Ship reaches Mumbai at 8:00 AM. The ship embarks on the 18 Nights Jewel of Arabia and Indian cruise at 6 PM from Mumbai and goes on to visit Mangalore, Cochin, Sabang, Phuket, Porto Malai and finally, Singapore.

Third-party Tour Excursions

This cruise ship connects passengers with third-party shore excursion providers, enabling their passengers to experience premium excursions at lower prices. These private cruise-passengers only excursions give passengers a quieter, more intense experience away from the crowds. The cruise ship offers 24/7 support to its passengers, and a full refund of shore excursion money if the excursion doesn’t happen due to weather or itinerary reasons.

3. 14 Night Spice Route Cruise

The delectable 14 Night Spice Route Cruise offers 5 amazing days while making its journey from Dubai to Mumbai. The cruise ship is one of Azamara Club Cruises’ collections of ships. The 14 Night Spice Route Cruise stops at Mumbai before moving on to Kochi and other Indian ports, as per the following itinerary.

  • Day 1 and 2: The first two days spent in Dubai waters, finally leaving on the second day at 2 PM
  • Day 3: The cruise arrives at Muscat at 9 AM and departs from the port at 5 PM
  • Days 3 and 4: Days spent onboard, enjoying the luxurious amenities on the ship
  • Day 5: The cruise ship reaches Mumbai at 4 AM. From here, the ship starts on the onward journey to Sri Lanka via Kochi, Kerala at 6 PM

On this cruise, you can enjoy tours on every port you land on. Either the cruise ship can organize tours for you, or you can handle your own tour management. As long as you get back to the ship before sailing time, you can enjoy exploring each port’s delights to the fullest.

4. Karnika Cruise

karnika cruise

The Karnika Cruise is the latest addition in the cruise liners that run from Mumbai to Dubai and back. Started in April 2019, Karnika Cruise is a part of Jalesh Cruises, one of the leading cruises in India. The Karnika Mumbai to Dubai cruise is a 4 nights’ cruise with a stop in Muscat, Oman. The cruise has all the facilities and amenities as per the requirements and expectations of Indians. Moreover, the cruise is home to 14 restaurants that serve lip-smacking dishes,10 bars, and cafes, live and other entertainment shows, swimming pools, spa and salon, activities for adults and kids, etc. There are also stores where you can do some duty-free shopping during your journey.

  • Day 01: Departs from Dubai at 4 PM
  • Day 02: The ship docks at Muscat at 1 PM and departs at 7 PM
  • Day 03: Enjoy world-class shows, live music at bars and interesting movies
  • Day 04: Party at one of the nightclubs, enjoy some adventures and extracurricular activities or relax at the spa or the pool
  • Day 05: Arrives in Mumbai at 8 AM

Dubai to Mumbai Cruise Packages

Cruise safety tips.

As you would be staying on the ship for several days when on a cruise, it is important to stay safe at all times. Here are some cruise safety tips you need to know.

  • All cruises conduct muster drills before the cruise begins. It is not only important to attend but also to pay careful attention. During the muster drill, you would be given instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. Right from recognizing the different sounds or horns to wearing your vests properly, you would get to know everything here.
  • It would be best to travel on a cruise with a group of people. If you are travelling on your own, try to make a friend right in the beginning, so that you can look out for each other.
  • Most cruises have numerous bars, making alcohol easily available. However, it is important to not go overboard and drink responsibly. Just like in regular bars, do not accept drinks from strangers even on a cruise.
  • If you are invited to the crew quarters by a crew member, do not accept. It is unsafe and also can lead to the dismissal of the crew member. You could be asked to leave the cruise too, at the next port.
  • It is best not to carry large amounts of cash with you. Most cruise offers key rooms as credit cards which you can swipe if you want to purchase anything onboard. In case you are venturing out when the cruise docks at a port, make sure you carry the cash safely.
  • Do not carry valuables like jewellery, electronic items, etc. during the cruise. If you do need to carry any, use the safe in your room to keep them protected.
  • Always make sure that your door is properly shut before you leave the room. The same rule applies when you enter the room too.
  • If your room has a balcony, make sure that it is locked when you are not in the room and also at night. Keep it shut when the ship is docked at a port.

Documents Required before Boarding a Cruise

As you would be travelling to a foreign country, you need to carry some important documents just like when travelling by flight.

  • While travelling to Dubai by cruise, you need to have a valid passport. Your passport should have at least six months validity from the date of travel.
  • You need to have Dubai or UAE visa as well as Oman visa if you are planning to explore Muscat. If you are not an Indian citizen and are travelling from Dubai to Mumbai, you would need to get an Indian visa.
  • You may have to produce additional documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, vaccination certificates, etc. if the cruise demands it.
  • The rules for documents to be produced are likely to change from time to time and depend on the discretion of the cruise liner.

What to Pack for a Cruise

If you are going on a cruise for the first time, you would be confused about the things you should take with you. Here are some important things that you should pack.

  • Formal Clothes: Along with your casual, regular clothes, it would be best to carry formal attire (suits for men and gowns or cocktail dresses for women) for special events or dinner.
  • Toiletries: You would find basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. in your room. However, it would not be something you use on a regular basis. So, it would be best to carry your own ones.
  • Medicines: Apart from your regular prescription medicines (if any), carry some emergency medicines for fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc. to be on the safer side.
  • Footwear: When it comes to footwear, carry both closed, formal ones and regular flip-flops too.
  • Portable Charger: While you would have to charge facilities in your room, you would not want to be stuck in the room while your phone or other electronic devices keep charging. With a portable charger, you can charge your devices anywhere you go.

Facilities Available on a Cruise Ship

Cruise ships are not just for travelling from one place to another. In fact, they are the epitome of luxury and have everything that you would find in a renowned hotel on land. Here are some of the facilities and amenities you would find on most cruise ships to Dubai.

  • Restaurants: Most cruise ships have a variety of restaurants to cater to all kinds of tastes. In short, you can try a different restaurant for every meal.
  • Bars and Cafes: As you are on holiday, you can enjoy yourself with your favourite drink at any time. Right from pool bars to classic bars, you would be surprised by the variety of bars on cruises.
  • Spa: Relax your body and mind by getting a massage by professional masseurs at the fully-equipped spas on the cruise.
  • Play Area: If you are travelling with kids, you would not have a difficult time trying to keep them occupied. Most cruises have play areas that would entertain them for hours.
  • Pool Area: Kids and adults on the cruise would love to splash and swim in the pool, and some of the cruises have several pools.
  • Stewards: Just like flights have air hostesses and stewards, cruise ships also have stewards who take care of all your needs during your journey.

There is a number of cruises that ply between Dubai and the capital of Bollywood, Mumbai. Most of these cruises make a stop at Muscat, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and other ports before moving on to Mumbai. Some cruises stop at Mangalore in India before hitting Mumbai. Select the cruise you want based on which ports you want to explore, how many days you can devote to the cruise and the quality of the cruise line. Be sure to book early to enjoy all the early-bird prizes.

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Aanchal Iyer

Avatar for Aanchal Iyer

Aanchal is a writer by profession and an avid foodie. She loves travelling, exploring and adding cherished experiences to the book of life.

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Hi What is the price dubai to Mumbai 2adlt 2kids July

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Would please kindly send me the schedule and price list of the cruise from Dubai to Mumbai on September and October 2023? Thank you in advance, Best regards, Shabnam Arabi

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How early should one book to receive a discount? And is it possible to get it with all these luxurious cruise ships?

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Definitely! If you book in advance, there is a high chance of getting a discount. Discounts are also offered on group booking as well.

Avatar for Aanchal Iyer

I have tried the Mumbai to Goa cruise with Jalesh Cruise. It was a marvellous experience. The hospitality, and onboard facilities were extraordinary. Will try the Dubai to Mumbai cruise someday with Jalesh.

Your choice is commendable! We guarantee you that you’ll enjoy a lavish accommodation, unlimited entertainment, and the finest food.

Avatar for Aanchal Iyer

The list of cruise ships are fantastic. I want to know which one has a casino and a live band?

Casino is a game of chance and skills. If you want to try it, the Seabourn Encore will be best for you.

Avatar for Aanchal Iyer

Impressive post for all those who love travelling by water. The cruise safety tips are very handy.

Thank you for such an encouraging comment.

Avatar for Aanchal Iyer

A flight may be faster than a cruise, but the latter is way more exciting and adventurous than the former. It’s my dream to take a long-distance cruise, and Dubai to Mumbai seems an ideal destination. Besides, the sea route is impressive.

Thanks for reading the blog. We are happy to pave the way through this blog to fulfil your dream.

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I am looking for sea travel. Can you please share details for UAE to India. Vacation trip

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Dubai to Mombai by ship one way for two persons?

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Rate for dubai to Mumbai for couple

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Hi, how can I get more details of cruise trip from dubai to mumbai

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looking for cruise in July 2022 call me at 0527063474

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Hi, Well we are planning to travel to India , total number family 6 what is the best package.

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Send me details for Dubai to Mumbai from Dated 30 April 2022 for 2 Adults and 1 Infant 2.3 years old.

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what is the travel minimum price from dubai to mumbai please…

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This cruise is far comfortable and luxurious than a flight even if one is traveling first class. Thanks for bringing such a fabulous cruise to my notice.

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I have taken a voyage from Mumbai to Goa just once. The distance and travel time were short. I am anxious for an encore and a cruise from Dubai to Mumbai seems to be perfect.

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HI DO YOU HAVE CRUISE FROM DUBAI TO MUMBAI FEB 2022 PLS MAIL ME THE DEATILS OR PLS DO CALL M E 0507249371 CALL ME BY 6 PM

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hi what is the price for dubai to india in july we are 4 1 couple n 2 kids

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How much price from dubai to Mumbai for one person

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Never gave a thought about a cruise from Dubai to Mumbai since we always give first preference to air travel. But it sounds interesting and better. Will certainly take the cruise.

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One couple Dubai to mumbai what will be tickets fairs

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Haiii How much price of one passenger Dubai to Mumbai By cruise 5 we are 5 members Ready to travel in April 2021

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Minimum price from Dubai to Mumbai

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The tour was fantastic. Especially the mosque was the big highlighter of the tour.Our tourguide Ashraf did a great job.

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Dubai and Abu Dhabi: a Glimpse of the Future

4 days  / from 1138 USD

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: a Glimpse of the Future

As the fastest-growing city in the world, Dubai is always looking towards the future. Even for those who have visited before, this unique trip will reveal something new about this vast megacity.

Magnificent Emirates

10 days  / from 3087 USD

Magnificent Emirates

Experience the best of the UAE, from unexpected cultural discoveries to modern high-rises and mega malls. Be surprised by spectacular mountain scenery, vast, rolling dunes, desert oases and a sparkling Arabian Sea. Then simply tie it all in with laid-back beaches, fine dining and world-class hotels.

Dubai Family Stopover

4 days  / from 990 USD

Dubai Family Stopover

Make a luxury stopover with all the family in gorgeous, glam Dubai for a spot of lazing on the beach and luxurious relaxation. Get the adrenaline racing in Wild Wadi Water Park and on an action-packed desert safari, boat rides along the creek and more.

Other options for getting to Dubai are contrastingly limited (for Western visitors, at least). It’s possible to travel overland into the UAE from several points in neighbouring Oman, but not Saudi Arabia. There are no regular ferry services to Dubai, although the city is a popular stop on many cruise itineraries.

Several airlines offer nonstop flights between the UK and Dubai; outbound flying time is around seven hours (slightly longer on the way back). There are currently nonstop flights from Heathrow with Emirates ( w emirates.com), Virgin Atlantic ( w virgin-atlantic.com ), British Airways ( w ba.com) and Royal Brunei Airlines ( w flyroyalbrunei.com ), plus indirect flights with many other European and Gulf airlines. Emirates also operates direct flights to Dubai from a number of other UK airports including London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow, as well as from Dublin.

There are currently nonstop flights to Dubai with Emirates ( w emirates.com) from New York, Washington DC, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Orlando, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, plus innumerable other one- and two-stop options with a host of other carriers. Flights from the east coast take around 13–14 hours; from the west coast around 16 hours; and 14–16 hours from Houston and Dallas.

There are nonstop flights to Dubai with Emirates ( w emirates.com) from Perth (11hr), Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane (14hr), plus one-stop flights from Auckland (via Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne; 19hr) and Christchurch (via Sydney; 22hr). There are also numerous alternative routings via Asia, sometimes at slightly lower fares.

Travelling from South Africa, there are direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban (taking around 8–9hr), plus a few one-stop options including, most conveniently, Kenya Airways via Nairobi and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa.

The airport ( w dubaiairports.com ; airport code DXB) is very centrally located in the district of Garhoud, around 7km from the city centre. There are three passenger terminals : Terminal 1 is where most international flights arrive; Terminal 3 is where all Emirates airlines flights land; and Terminal 2 is used by smaller regional carriers. All three terminals have plenty of ATMs and currency exchange booths, although if you want to rent a car, you’ll have to head to Terminal 1.

There are several ways of getting into town from the airport and many upmarket hotels offer free airport transfers; check when you book. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have dedicated metro stations , offering quick and inexpensive transport into the city centre and beyond to southern Dubai; if the ticket office is closed in the station you're at you can buy a ticket at the information booth at the ticket barriers. Alternatively, there are plentiful taxis , although note that they charge a 20dh flag fare when picking up from the airport rather than the usual 3dh, making them significantly pricier than usual.

There are also various buses (see w dubai-bus.com) running from the airport into the city centre. Most useful for tourists (especially if you arrive during the night when the metro’s not running) is the recently introduced Sky Bus (Terhab) network, which runs 24hr from all three airport terminals with departures every 30min. The buses currently cover twelve routes from the airport to various points citywide and connecting with pretty much all the major hotels – see w dubai-buses.com for full details. The fare (15dh) is payable by Nol card/ticket. There are also various other local services, but these are only really useful if you’re staying in Deira or Bur Dubai and know where you’re going; again, you’ll have to buy a Nol card or ticket before boarding the bus.

The UAE shares land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, though only the Oman border is open to visitors from outside the Gulf. There are currently four border crossings between the UAE and Oman open to non-Emirati and Omani citizens: at Tibat between Ras al Khaimah emirate and Oman’s Musandam Peninsula; at Al Ain/Buraimi in Abu Dhabi emirate; just west of Hatta in Dubai emirate; and at Khatmat Malahah between Oman and Fujairah emirate on the east coast of the UAE.

It’s about a five-hour drive from the Omani capital Muscat to Dubai, and there are also several daily buses operated by the Oman National Transport Company leaving from the bus station in Ruwi.

Unless you’re travelling overland from neighbouring Oman or sailing in on a cruise ship, you’ll almost certainly arrive at Dubai’s sparkling modern international airport close to the old city centre (although a handful of flights land at the new Al Maktoum International Airport in the far south of the city). Once you’ve cleared customs and the crowds, getting into town is fairly straightforward.

The Rough Guides to United Arab Emirates and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Pocket Rough Guide Dubai

Travel advice for United Arab Emirates

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to United Arab Emirates

  • Getting around United Arab Emirates: Transportation Tips
  • Eating and drinking in United Arab Emirates
  • Shopping tips for United Arab Emirates
  • Sports and Outdoor activities in United Arab Emirates
  • Travel Tips United Arab Emirates for planning and on the go
  • Culture and Etiquette in United Arab Emirates
  • Travelling with children in United Arab Emirates
  • Tours, cruises and desert safaris
  • Best time to visit United Arab Emirates

Find even more inspiration here

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  • Travel Tips

Andy Turner

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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Cruises From Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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  • 10 Cruises From Dubai To Explore The Country In The Most Luxurious Style Ever!

23 Mar 2023

Dubai Cruise Tourism department is responsible for promoting the emirate for cruise tourism. Dubai Cruise Tourism is showing a tremendous growth and there is also an increase in the number of cruises from Dubai. So, if you want to explore Dubai in an altogether different way and get yourself treated with the best of holidays, then plan a holiday in Dubai and hop on the cruises!

10 Best Cruises from Dubai

Dubai drips of luxury, but is it complete without a splendid cruise? We say, no! Why not try out some of these luxurious cruises from the United Arab Emirates and experience it for yourself.

1. Arabian Gulf and Emirates Voyage Cruise

Arabian Gulf and Emirates Voyage Cruise

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Till October 2022, the cruise sailed through Mediterranean Sea but in January and February 2022 Azamara Quest will take you to visit Southern Australia, New Zealand, and up to Cairns. The ships are Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Journey. There are a lot of options available from which you can select i.e. 205 Verandah, 44 Suites, 26 Interior Staterooms, or 71 Oceanview. Room service menu and 24 hours room service is available to all the staterooms. You will have delicious food to eat with a lovely ambiance. After having delicious food, you can enjoy the live shows of talented dancers and singers.

Duration: 7 nights Ship: Azamara Quest Departure & Return: Dubai Cost: $ 3,512 approx Star Ratings: 4 Stars

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2. The Spice Route Cruise

Spice Route cruise

The Spice Route Cruise also has Azamara Quest and other ships are Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit. You can enjoy amazing trip with this cruise. You can select among various Suites, Interior Staterooms, Verandah or Oceanview. You will also be provided with delicious food and also with wine. You can enjoy the dance and singing shows of talented artists.

Duration: 19 nights Ship: Azamara Quest Departure: Dubai Return: Singapore Cost: $ 7,118 approx Star Ratings: 4 Stars

Must Read: 36 Places To Visit In UAE For A Lavish Vacation

3. Jewels of Arabia & India Cruise 7874

Jewels of Arabia & India Cruise 7874

Jewels of Arabia & India Cruise 7874 offer various ships such as Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn quest, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Odyssey. Till October 2022 it offered 7 to 21 nights tour but now the duration is 18 nights. All rooms are very spacious. There is also a mini bar, a flat screen TV and a living area. Dining is 380 seat restaurants and is a five star dining restaurant.

Duration: 18 nights Ship: Seabourn Encore Departure: Dubai Return: Singapore Cost: Verandah: $ 9,299 approx, Suite: $ 23,499 approx Star Ratings: 4 Stars

4. Indian Ocean & Orchid Isles Cruise 7874 A

Indian Ocean & Orchid Isles Cruise 7874 A

Indian Ocean & Orchid Isles Cruise 7874 A offers various ships such as Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn quest, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Odyssey. You can have amazing food at 4-5 star dining venues. After having your food, you can watch various cooking shows, movies, small shows, motivating lectures and other special shows. There is also a bar where you can hear the piano music in background and enjoy drinks whether it be wine, coffee or tea.

Duration: 25 nights Ship: Seabourn Encore Departure: Dubai Return: Denpasar (Bali) Cost: $ 12,299 Star Ratings: 4 Stars

Suggested Read: Al Ain Nightlife: 8 Places For Adding A Little Extra Fun To Your Splendid UAE Vacation!

5. UAE Oman Bahrain Qatar Cruise

UAE Oman Bahrain Qatar Cruise

This Trip is done with the ship MSC Lirica and other ships are MSC Divina, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Seaview, and MSC Orchestra, MSC Sinfonis etc. Most of the cabins have the outside view and very fewer quarters have a private balcony. But all the cabins have TV, AC, Wardrobe, refrigerator, bathroom, towels etc. the trip will be very comfortable. The private suites have mini bar, sofa and other extra facilities.

Duration: 11 nights Ship: MSC Lirica Departure: Dubai Return: Dubai Cost: Inside: $ 989, Overview: $ 1,389, Suite: $ 2,619 Star Ratings: 3 Stars

Suggested Read: Dubai Summer Surprises 2022: Be A Part Of UAE’s Hottest Fiesta Before It Ends!

6. UAE Bahrain Qatar Oman Cruise

UAE Bahrain Qatar Oman Cruise

This Trip is done with the ship MSC Lirica and other ships are MSC Divina, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Seaview, and MSC Orchestra, MSC Sinfonis etc. You can enjoy all the facilities such as TV, AC, refrigerator, washrooms, towels etc. You can enjoy different plays, shows at the theatrical presentation. Some shows are very short such as for 30 minutes.

7. Pearls of Arabia & India Cruise 8867

Pearls of Arabia & India Cruise 8867

The trip is done with Seabourn Ovation. Pearls of Arabia & India Cruise 8867 offer various ships such as Seabourn Encore, Seabourn quest, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Odyssey. This ship began its services from May 2022. You can enjoy all the facilities such as TV, AC, refrigerator, washrooms, towels etc. Their services also give fresh flowers and fruits daily to their travelers. This ship offers inclusive beverages and no gratuity policies. In many bars and lounges, you can enjoy having wine and champagnes.

Duration: 18 nights Ship: Seabourn Ovation Departure: Dubai Return: Singapore Cost: Verandah: $ 8,998, Suite: $ 18,498 Star Ratings: 4 Stars

Suggested Read: Top 5 Palm Jumeirah Resorts That Are Redefining Luxurious Lifestyle Of UAE

8. Holiday Arabia & Asia Cruise 8867 A

Holiday Arabia & Asia Cruise 8867 A

Duration: 32 nights Ship: Seabourn Ovation Departure: Dubai Return: Hong Kong Cost: Verandah: $ 8,998, Suite: $ 18,498 Star Ratings: 4 Stars

9. Arabian Peninsula, UAE Bahrain Qatar Cruise

Arabian Peninsula, UAE Bahrain Qatar Cruise

The ship that is considered under this trip is MSC Splendida. Because of sunshine and various offshore activities such as shopping, desert safari and ancient cultures. 80% out of 1,637 cabins have the oceanic view and many of them have private balconies which are very comfortable. Breakfast for all the cabins are provided complimentary i.e. from 7:30 to 10 am.

Duration: 7 nights Ship: Seabourn Ovation Departure: Dubai Return: Dubai Cost: Oceanview: $ 1,259, Balcony: $ 1,349, Suite: $ 2,849 Star Ratings: 4 Stars

Suggested Read: 8 Best Things To Do In Ajman That Are Perfect For An Offbeat Vacation In The Heart Of UAE!

10. Indian Ocean Gala Cruise

Indian Ocean Gala Cruise

The journey is continued with the ship Nautica. The other ships are Marina, Regatta, Sirena etc. You can attend workshops on Microsoft Office, Digital photography; Internet etc. if you don’t want to visit a library, Jacuzzi etc. the cabins are also very comfortable.

Duration: 30 nights Ship: Nautica Departure: Dubai Return: Cape Town Star Ratings: 4 Stars

Further Read: 10 Top Things To Do In Sharjah That’ll Help You Unravel The Mysteries Of UAE

So, these were some cruises trips from Dubai in which you can have a tour and enjoy your vacation with your family. And now, without thinking much, plan a holiday in Dubai and happy journey!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises From Dubai

What are the famous cruise lines that go to Dubai?

The most popular cruise lines that go to Dubai are Regent Seven Sea Cruises, Seabourn Encore, Costa Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, etc.

What is ‘Dhow’ Cruise in Dubai?

Basically, ‘Dhow’ is a traditional wooden vessel that has been transformed into a dinner cruise which is one of the most famous floating restaurants in Dubai. You can enjoy a live show with a fine dining experience there.

Which are the most popular cruises in Dubai?

If you are in Dubai and want to experience life on a cruise, you will have the best options. Those are, the Spice Route Cruise, Arabian Gulf, and Emirates Voyage Cruise, Jewels of Arabia and India Cruise 7874, Indian Ocean and Orchid Isles Cruise 7874 A, UAE Oman Bahrain Qatar Cruise, etc.

Do you need to book a cruise in advance?

Yes, you have to. Booking is always ideal if you want to enjoy the cruise in Dubai at its best form. From October to early May is the peak season, so you need to book 3 to 4 days before the journey.

Do you need to follow any specific dress code for cruising?

You can wear casual wear, but depend on the type of cruise you are riding. If you are on a fishing cruise in winter, wrap yourself with lots of woolens. Else, your regular wear is fine.

What to visit during cruising in Dubai?

When you are cruising, you can visit the longest buildings and the fabulous monuments in Dubai. When your cruise sails out towards the coast of Dubai, you will be mesmerized by the golden beach which is stretched up to the magnificent, Burj Al Arab.

Do you need to have travel insurance while cruising?

Though it is not mandatory. You can still have travel insurance. Insurance can give you tension-free traveling experience.

Which are the important things to pack while cruising?

Pack your bag with fashionable dresses as per the dress code. Also, you need to carry medicines, and certain modes of entertainment if you want to have some ‘me’ time.

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United Arab Emirates Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

  • Packing List

After Your Trip

Map - United Arab Emirates

Be aware of current health issues in the United Arab Emirates. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

  • Updated   Global Measles May 21, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the United Arab Emirates.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the United Arab Emirates. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the United Arab Emirates.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in the United Arab Emirates. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in the United Arab Emirates, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to the United Arab Emirates. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

  • Tick bite 
  • Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
  • Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

  • Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads
  • May spread from to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes
  • May spread to people from camels.

Middle East Respiratory virus syndrome (MERS)

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the United Arab Emirates, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the United Arab Emirates. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the United Arab Emirates include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the United Arab Emirates’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of the United Arab Emirates may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in the United Arab Emirates, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for United Arab Emirates for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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  • You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
  • CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

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For As Low As ₹10K, Soon You Can Travel To Dubai With Beypore-Kochi-Dubai Cruise Service

For As Low As ₹10K, Soon You Can Travel To Dubai With Beypore-Kochi-Dubai Cruise Service

In the heart of the Arabian Sea, a maritime adventure unfolds with the introduction of the Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise service. The Central government has approved the Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise route, signalling a new age for Malayalis going into the realm of luxury marine travel, in a big development for cruise fans in Kerala and in the lowest fare possible.

Relief From Soaring Airfares

travel to dubai by ship

Several airlines sell economy-class flight tickets from Kerala to Dubai for between 11,000 and 20,000 rupees. Many expats have been hit hard with expensive airfares during busy vacation seasons. The cruise service seeks to give a practical answer by providing a more cost-effective mode of transportation and allowing travellers to purchase a one-way ticket for as little as ₹10,000. This engagement with freight businesses increases the service’s practicality and price.

According to an article published by Mint, following constant demand from non-resident Indian customers, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the initial procedures to begin the cruise ship service are underway. The ship will arrive in Kerala in around three days. The goal is to ensure that Indian expats in the UAE can travel to their home country without having to pay expensive airline fees.

The proposed cruise service is expected to assist non-resident Keralites who frequently face exorbitant airfares when travelling between Kerala and Dubai. If the cruise begins operations, it will be a cost-effective alternative, costing only one-third the price of an airline ticket. Furthermore, passengers can benefit from carrying three times the amount of luggage permitted on an aeroplane. The service is expected to carry up to 1,250 passengers and will use a fully outfitted vessel designed exclusively for the Kochi-Dubai route. Notably, the vessel, which was initially built in Kochi for a different state, has been repurposed for this critical Kerala Gulf operation.

ALso Read: What Makes Cruise Weddings The Next Big Thing? 3 Cruises In India To Book For A Dreamy Wedding

Exploration Along the Way

travel to dubai by ship

The Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise service steps in as a cost-effective solution, providing an alternative means of transportation that combines leisure and exploration without breaking the bank. For those seeking an affordable yet luxurious travel option, the cruise service becomes a game-changer.

Cruise travel and tourism have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with the industry undergoing significant growth and innovation. The allure of cruising lies in its ability to offer a unique and immersive travel experience. It combines the comforts of luxury travel with the excitement of exploring diverse destinations.

For this, by facilitating travel, the cruise service not only benefits passengers but also boosts regional tourism. Local businesses in these coastal cities gain from increased footfall, creating a ripple effect that supports the economies of these regions. This aligns with the broader trend of promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.

Moreover, traditional air travel often means bypassing the sights and experiences between the departure and arrival points. In contrast, the cruise service encourages passengers to explore Beypore and Kochi, two culturally rich destinations, during their journey. This adds a layer of depth to the travel experience. Additionally, it transforms what would be a mere transit into an opportunity for cultural immersion and discovery.

So, what do you think of this new route?

Cover image credits: Camva

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travel to dubai by ship

Kochi to Dubai Cruise: Kerala is Now Set to Welcome the Seas of Savings, Here's How!

India > kerala, himani sharma 19 dec 2023, explore in kerala, table of content.

travel to dubai by ship

Exploring Monthly Car Rentals in Dubai: Why "Nadaward" is Your Best Bet

A ssuming you've at any point visited Dubai, you realize that the city is inseparable from extravagance and comfort. Whether you're hanging around for business, relaxation, or a long-term visit, exploring this rambling city proficiently frequently requires a bunch of wheels. That is where the idea of a Monthly Car Rental in Dubai   becomes possibly the most important factor, offering a mix of adaptability, cost-viability, and comfort that is difficult to beat.

Why Consider a Monthly Car Rental in Dubai?

Priorities straight, we should discuss why you could pick a monthly car rent in Dubai over other transportation choices. The city's public transportation framework is noteworthy, however it can't necessarily match the accommodation of having your own vehicle. Cabs and ride-sharing administrations can rapidly add up, making a rental vehicle a more conservative decision for long visits.

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Leasing a vehicle month to month frequently ends up being more reasonable than everyday or week by week rates. The more drawn out the rental time frame, the more critical the limits you can get. This is especially evident with organizations like Nadaward, which offer serious evaluation for longer-term rentals.

2.Flexibility: A month to month rental gives the adaptability to investigate the city at your own speed without the steady concern of collecting taxi passages. Whether you're driving to work, visiting the Palm Jumeirah, or going on an unconstrained outing to the desert, a rental vehicle gives you the opportunity to meander.

3.Variety of Choices: With a month to month rental, you can browse a large number of vehicles that suit your particular requirements. From smaller vehicles for solo voyagers to SUVs for families or extravagance cars for business leaders, there's something for everybody.

4.No Upkeep Hassles: When you decide on a month to month vehicle rental, organizations like Nadaward deal with all support and administration issues, guaranteeing that the vehicle is in first rate condition all through your rental period.

Why Nadaward is the Go-To Choice for Monthly Car Rentals

Now that we've laid out the advantages of a monthly car rent in Dubai, we should plunge into why Nadaward stands apart as a chief specialist organization in this space.

1. Extensive Fleet Selection

Nadaward brags a broad armada of vehicles, taking special care of different client needs. Whether you're searching for a conservative vehicle for day to day drives or an extravagance vehicle to say something, Nadaward takes care of you. Their armada incorporates:

  • Economy Cars: Ideal for economical explorers searching for effectiveness and moderateness.
  • Vehicles and SUVs: Ideal for families or gatherings requiring more space and solace.
  •  Luxury Vehicles: For the people who wish to enjoy a definitive driving involvement with Dubai's fabulous climate.

2. Transparent Pricing

One of the champion highlights of Nadaward is their straightforward evaluating model. There are no secret expenses or surprising charges when you lease a vehicle with them. This straightforwardness guarantees that you can plan really with no unsavory amazements toward the finish of your rental period.

3. Exceptional Customer Service

Nadaward values offering uncommon client care. From the second you ask about a monthly car rent  in Dubai to the day you return the vehicle, their group is devoted to giving a consistent and lovely experience. Their client care is accessible all day, every day, prepared to help with any questions or issues that might emerge.

4. Easy Booking Process

Booking a vehicle with Nadaward is inconceivably clear. Their easy to understand site permits you to peruse accessible vehicles, look at costs, and book your ideal vehicle in only a couple of snaps. Moreover, they offer adaptable get and drop-off areas, making the whole cycle bother free.

5. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

At the point when you lease a vehicle from Nadaward, you can drive with true serenity realizing that complete protection inclusion is incorporated. This inclusion shields you from expected liabilities, guaranteeing that you're defended against any unexpected episodes.

Exploring Dubai with Your Rental Car

Having a monthly car rent in Dubai opens up a universe of opportunities for investigation. Here are some must-visit objections that you can undoubtedly access with your Nadaward rental vehicle:

1.Burj Khalifa: No excursion to Dubai is finished without a visit to the world's tallest structure. Drive to the midtown region, park advantageously, and take in the stunning perspectives from the perception deck.

2.Dubai Mall: Neighboring the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Shopping center is a customer's heaven. With your rental vehicle, you can serenely ship all your shopping packs with no issue.

3.Palm Jumeirah: This notorious man-made island is home to lavish lodgings, unblemished sea shores, and energetic nightlife. A rental vehicle makes it simple to investigate everywhere of this engineering wonder.

4.Dubai Marina: Voyage along the marina in your rental vehicle, partaking in the dazzling horizon. Come by the various bistros, eateries, and shops that line the waterfront.

5.Desert Safari: Set out on a desert experience effortlessly. Drive out to the desert and experience ridge slamming, camel rides, and conventional Bedouin camp encounters.

Tips for Renting a Car in Dubai

To take advantage of your **monthly lease vehicle in Dubai** experience, think about the accompanying tips:

1.Understand the Traffic Laws: Dubai has severe traffic guidelines, so look into neighborhood driving regulations to keep away from fines or punishments.

2.Plan Your Routes: Dubai is a huge city with numerous attractions spread out across different locales. Plan your courses ahead of time to make the most effective utilization of your time and fuel.

3.Stay Refreshed on Fuel Prices: While fuel in Dubai is somewhat reasonable, it's in every case great to watch out for current costs to as needs be spending plan your costs.

4.Use GPS Navigation: With numerous new streets and improvements, Dubai's scene can be fuddled. Use GPS route frameworks to guarantee you arrive at your objections without getting lost.

5.Check for Stopping Availability: While most significant attractions offer adequate stopping, checking stopping accessibility and charges in advance to stay away from any inconveniences is savvy.

Conclusion:

Selecting a monthly car rent  in Dubai  is a savvy decision for anybody hoping to investigate this powerful city easily and solace. Whether you're a vacationer trying to reveal each edge of Dubai or a business explorer needing dependable transportation, Nadaward offers incredible support that takes care of every one of your necessities. With their broad armada, straightforward evaluating, remarkable client care, and complete protection, you can partake in an issue free rental experience that allows you to zero in on the main thing — partaking in your time in Dubai.

So whenever you're arranging an all-inclusive visit in this sparkling city, consider contacting Nadaward for your vehicle rental necessities. Their obligation to greatness guarantees that you'll have a smooth and pleasant excursion, regardless of where the street takes you. Cheerful driving!

Exploring Monthly Car Rentals in Dubai: Why "Nadaward" is Your Best Bet

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Bay Institute and Aquarium of the Bay Scandal Explodes, CEO Resigns Amidst Reports of Extravagant Spending

What started as a bookish academic kerfuffle has blown up into a larger scandal of financial mismanagement, and the CEO of the SF Aquarium by the Bay and Bay Institute has stepped down as reports surface that he blew huge money on lavish travel and concerts in Dubai.

It sure seemed like there was more to the story when we learned this week that pretty much the entire staff of the Bay Institute resigned en masse over a fairly minor academic dispute (the Bay Institute and Bay.org also manage the Aquarium of the Bay in Fisherman’s Wharf, which has not suffered the same mass resignations). The dispute was that researchers at the ecological nonprofit were upset that the Bay Institute was planning on publishing some of their research without proper updates and the peer-review process they had wanted. Seems like an easy issue to solve! Just delay the publication and do the additional review, as there would be no point in publishing research that the authors had already disavowed themselves from.

Oh boy, was there more to the story. Two days after that news broke, the Chronicle is now reporting that Bay Institute CEO George Jacob has abruptly resigned amidst reports of his profligate spending on the institute’s dime. Jacob was clearly pushed out, as the Chronicle says he stepped down “after the board of the nonprofit asked him to resign.” The Chronicle also adds that “Jacob’s resignation came as the Chronicle prepared to publish an investigation into turmoil inside the organization,” so there may be more shoes to drop here.

But the shoe that has dropped, and likely played a major role in Jacob’s resignation, is the eye-popping spending at an organization where, per the Chronicle, staffers “reported receiving daily calls from collection agencies.” Meanwhile, in 2023, alone, documents obtained by the Chron show Jacob spent $286,000 on luxury hotels and business-class flights, plus another $461,000 just on a climate event in Dubai where Stewart Copeland of The Police was playing a concert (which appears to be this ).

“Preliminary analysis shows that the combination of travel and expenses far exceeded anything that I was comfortable with for an organization of this size, and an organization in our financial shape,” new Bay.org board chair Jon Fisher told the Chronicle. “Clearly this was no longer a fit.”

For his part, Jacob told the Chronicle that he resigned “to pursue a new project that I am very excited about,” which sure sound like the words of someone trying to gloss over being fired. He also said reports on the mass resignation were “based on absurd baseless pronouncements that make little sense.”

Another of Bay.org’s financial problems may have been its boondoggly-sounding pursuit of a $200 million renovation of the Aquarium of the Bay , which was announced in 2018, but its permits have since been abandoned.

And the Chronicle also reports that Bay.org had “accrued hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent over the past several years,” including at the Pier 39 aquarium facility. Yes, a number of Fisherman's Wharf establishments struggled with their rent during the pandemic. But the Aquarium of the Bay did some apparently brisk business the last couple years, with a reported 500,000 visitors a year each of the last two years, and about $10 million a year in ticket revenue.

So Aquarium of the Bay ticket sales are the main revenue source for Bay.org and the Bay Institute. Maybe, hopefully, with the profligate spending eliminated, these marine life organizations can use the summer tourism boost to right their ship.

Related: Nearly Entire Staff at Bay Institute Up and Quits Over a Book Being Published Without the Authors' Consent [SFist]

Image via Yelp

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Uncovering the brutal career of a crucial American ally.

And the hidden truths of the war in Afghanistan.

America’s Monster Who was Abdul Raziq?

Supported by

Who Was Abdul Raziq?

Uncovering the brutal career of a crucial American ally — and the hidden truths of the war in Afghanistan.

By Matthieu Aikins

Photographs by Victor J. Blue

I first heard about Abdul Raziq in early 2009, when I was a young freelance journalist newly arrived in southern Afghanistan. By chance, I had befriended two drug smugglers who told me that a powerful police commander in the area was helping them ship two metric tons of opium to Iran each month. Raziq, I learned, had a fearsome reputation in his hometown, Spin Boldak, on the border with Pakistan. Everyone I spoke to knew about the Taliban suspects tortured and dumped in the desert. Just as they knew that Raziq was a close ally of the U.S. military. My smuggler friends had offered to introduce me to Raziq, and 10 days after my arrival in Spin Boldak, he returned to town for his grandmother’s funeral.

Listen to this article, read by Peter Ganim

When I arrived at Raziq’s compound, I saw him sitting cross-legged on a carpeted platform, receiving a long line of guests. He was not what I expected. Trim and cheerful, clean-shaven and barely 30, he wasn’t much older than I, yet he was leading several thousand men under arms. I reached the front of the line, and Raziq shook my hand to welcome me before turning to the next guest. We would never get the chance to meet again, but that was the beginning of my long quest to understand the paradox he represented.

As inexperienced as I was, I knew enough to be puzzled by Raziq’s success. Why was the U.S. military, which was supposed to be supporting democracy and human rights in Afghanistan, working closely with a drug trafficker and murderer? One of his commanders, his uncle Janan, even wore a U.S. Army uniform given to him by his advisers, complete with a First Infantry Division patch and the Stars and Stripes.

Thanks to American patronage, Raziq was promoted to police chief of Kandahar and would eventually rise to the rank of three-star general. Famous across Afghanistan, he became the country’s most polarizing figure. The Taliban hated him, of course, but so did the ordinary people his commanders and soldiers extorted and abused. Journalists and human rights groups assembled damning evidence against him and warned that his brutality would backfire.

But Raziq beat back the suicide bombers and brought stability to Kandahar. In doing so, he became an icon for many war-weary Afghans who sought security at all costs. In a nation divided by ethnic and regional loyalties, you could find Raziq’s photo in taxis and at checkpoints from north to south. And he never lost his American backing: When he was assassinated by the Taliban in 2018, he was walking next to the top U.S. commander, Gen. Austin S. Miller. That day, it seemed as if half the country was in mourning; Miller hailed him as a friend and patriot.

Three years later, the United States withdrew, and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan collapsed. I was working as a journalist in Kabul at the time, and as soon as the dust settled, I went south to Kandahar. With the fighting over, I was able to visit people and places nearly impossible to access before. Here was a chance to reckon with Raziq’s legacy. I met with survivors of torture inside his prisons and visited morgues where skeletons had been unearthed from desert graves. Like a great tree in a storm, the republic had toppled and exposed the hidden places among its roots. The American war was far more brutal than we had known.

A morgue orderly displaying two sets of human remains with people standing behind them. One person is holding a gun. All of the photographs in this article are in black-and-white.

Since then, over repeated trips to the war’s fiercest battlegrounds, I found that many of Raziq’s former police officers were willing to talk about the torture, execution and cover-ups they witnessed. I also spoke with a dozen American military officers and diplomats who worked with Raziq and obtained new documents through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit and other sources, which reveal just how much the American government knew about Raziq’s crimes. And with colleagues at The Times, I interviewed hundreds of witnesses and discovered a republican archive that exposed Afghanistan’s largest campaign of forced disappearances since the Communist coup in 1978. We documented 368 cases of people who were still missing after being abducted by Raziq’s men; the true toll was most likely in the thousands.

The scale of Raziq’s abuses, carried out with American support, was shocking. But the fact that they seem to have brought security to Kandahar has even more disturbing implications. Raziq’s story complicates the comforting belief that brutality always backfires and undermines the U.S. military’s claim to have fought according to international law. Raziq’s violence was effective because it had a logic particular to the kind of civil war that the United States found in Afghanistan, one where the people, and not the terrain, were the battlefield. The reasons for this are well documented by scholars of civil war and counterinsurgency but glossed over by our generals and politicians and obscured by the myths of American exceptionalism and our righteous war on terror.

But Raziq saw those reasons clearly. He murdered and tortured because he believed it was the only way to win against the Taliban. And America helped him do it.

Two harsh realities defined Raziq’s childhood: the war and the border.

The desert around Spin Boldak and its twinned Pakistani town, Chaman, stretches westward hundreds of miles to Iran, through vast wastes and dune seas crossed by nomads. The clans of two rival Pashtun tribes dominate the area, feuding like Hatfields and McCoys of the borderlands. Raziq was from the Achakzai, who competed with the Noorzai over land and smuggling routes.

Not long after Raziq was born in a mud-walled village, the Afghan Communists seized power in Kabul, and in response rebels rose up against the government, plunging the country into a conflict that lasted for more than four decades. Although both superpowers and neighbors like Pakistan and Iran intervened for their own ends, at heart this was a civil war fought by Afghans against Afghans for control of the state. Even at the peaks of the Soviet and American occupations, Afghans constituted a majority of casualties on each side.

In times of civil war, neighbors are often at one another’s throats because of local dynamics, even if they justify their actions through religion or nationalism. In Kandahar, many Noorzai joined with the mujahedeen rebels, who were supplied by the C.I.A. and the Pakistani military, while Raziq’s Achakzai relatives eventually sided with the Soviet-backed Communists. Raziq was still a boy when the war brought grief to his home: His father, who drove people and goods to the border, disappeared. His family was never able to find his body and blamed their tribal rivals. “The Noorzai did it,” said Ayub Kakai, Raziq’s uncle. “They threw him down a well.”

In 1991, after the Soviets cut off funding, the Communist government collapsed. Kandahar’s rival warlords carved up the province with a patchwork of checkpoints, where robbery and rape were common. Raziq’s uncle Mansoor took control on the road from Spin Boldak to the city, and Raziq, by then a teenager, joined him, attracted to the thrills of war. “Raziq loved cars and guns,” his younger cousin Arafat told me.

Three years later, an armed movement of religious students known as the Taliban rose in the farmlands west of Kandahar City and swept through the province, capturing Raziq and his uncle. They hung Mansoor from the barrel of a tank but spared young Raziq, who fled with his family across the border to Chaman. For seven years in exile, Raziq worked as a driver near the border, where he peddled used car parts.

Then came Sept. 11, 2001. For the Achakzai, the Americans’ decision to invade and depose the Taliban came as a miraculous reversal of fortune. That December, the C.I.A. and Special Forces assembled an army of exiles, with many Achakzai, including Raziq, among them. With the help of U.S. air power, they routed the Taliban and seized control of Kandahar, once again trading places with their Noorzai rivals, who escaped across the border to where the Pakistani military, playing a double game, gave them safe haven.

In the new republic, the Achakzai militia was transformed into the area’s Border Police. They partnered with American troops and were trained by contractors from Blackwater and DynCorp. Like the rest of the republican forces, their weapons, ammunition and salaries were paid for by the United States and its allies. But beneath the surface, the civil war still festered, even though the Americans saw it through stark binaries: the government versus the terrorists, the Afghans versus the Taliban.

“Our viewpoint was this was a war on terrorism or a war against a group trying to overthrow a democratic government,” said Carter Malkasian, a former State Department official who advised the U.S. military in Afghanistan for more than a decade. “We don’t want to view this as us getting involved in another country’s civil war.”

Thanks to his family connections, Raziq quickly rose through the ranks. He was a natural leader who fought fearlessly and earned the loyalty of his men. Although nearly illiterate, he had a capacious memory for places and faces and was a canny operator in the spy games and smuggling rings of the borderlands, using his illicit gains to fund a growing network of sources. Early on, Raziq learned that power would earn him money, which bought the intelligence that could attract U.S. patronage, giving him more power. American officers who worked in Spin Boldak remembered Raziq as an eager and valued partner in the hunt for the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

“My brother was very close to the Americans,” said Tadin Khan, Raziq’s younger brother. “They trusted him, and he never tried to deceive them.”

travel to dubai by ship

Tadin Khan, Raziq’s younger brother, in Dubai last year. “I didn’t believe it when I heard he was killed,” he said. “It was a hard day.”

travel to dubai by ship

Gul Seema, the first wife of Raziq, in 2023. “He was under a lot of pressure. Whenever I saw him, it seemed as if the shadow of death was looming over him,” says Seema.

Raziq was as generous with his friends and family as he was ruthless with his enemies. Not long after the Achakzai appointed him leader of their militia, Raziq’s older brother, Bacha, was gunned down in the bazaar in Chaman. “Bacha and Raziq were very close,” said Arafat, his cousin. “He was killed because of Raziq.”

Raziq blamed a tribal rival, a smuggler named Shin Noorzai. In March 2006, he kidnapped Shin and 15 people he was traveling with and shot them all in a dry riverbed near the border. The massacre led to a local outcry, and Raziq was summoned to Kabul. But President Hamid Karzai intervened to protect him, according to Western diplomats involved in the case, and he was never charged. (Through a spokesperson, Karzai declined to comment for this article.) The incident, however, made it into that year’s State Department report on human rights, the first public documentation of Raziq’s abuses.

Raziq’s role in the drug trade also attracted attention from American investigators. Although the Taliban had banned poppy cultivation, opium came roaring back under Karzai’s administration, and Spin Boldak sat on one of the main trafficking routes. Classified U.S. military and Drug Enforcement Administration reports, obtained through FOIA requests, described the involvement of Raziq and his men, detailing convoys in the desert, secret meetings and the use of green ink for letters of safe passage. One referred to Raziq as “the main drug smuggler in Spin Boldak.” (His brother Tadin denied that Raziq or anyone from his family was involved in drug trafficking, murder or other crimes. “All these accusations of corruption, smuggling and abuses are because of propaganda from the Taliban,” he said.)

As it turns out, by the time Raziq and I shook hands in 2009, the United States already knew he was accused of murder and smuggling but worked with him anyway. Yet Raziq’s position had become precarious, for the U.S. military’s concept of the war was changing. When I published an article about the accusations that fall, Raziq’s career had reached a dangerous point — one where his foreign patrons might have chosen to stop supporting him.

The U.S. war in Afghanistan was going badly. Faced with a growing insurgency that threatened the Afghan government’s survival, President Barack Obama ordered a surge of tens of thousands of troops. His generals had advised him that, fixated on the enemy, the United States had neglected the true battlefield: the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.

The surge would be guided by a military doctrine known as counterinsurgency theory, or COIN, which was held to have saved the day in Iraq. “Our strategy cannot be focused on seizing terrain or destroying insurgent forces; our objective must be the population,” Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal wrote upon taking command in 2009. The U.S.-led coalition “can no longer ignore or tacitly accept abuse of power, corruption or marginalization.”

According to “population-centric” COIN, the Afghan people had to be protected against the insurgency and motivated to support their own government. Criminal officials like Raziq threatened the legitimacy of the republic, and therefore the success of the war.

Given the hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis who died as result of the U.S. invasions, this emphasis on protecting civilians may seem hypocritical. But the laws of war, which forbid targeting noncombatants or harming prisoners, are essential to how the United States distinguishes its own use of force from that of rogue states and terrorists. “I believe the United States of America must remain a standard-bearer in the conduct of war,” Obama said as he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize the same year as the surge. “That is what makes us different from those whom we fight. That is a source of our strength.”

Since the decline of the antiwar movement after Vietnam, both the U.S. military and its liberal critics have become increasingly united in the conviction that war must be fought humanely by exempting civilians, as much as possible, from its violence — a shift, the historian Samuel Moyn has argued, that risks legitimizing endless war. Underpinning this is the assumption that there is no contradiction between waging war both lawfully and effectively. “The law of war is a part of our military heritage, and obeying it is the right thing to do,” states the U.S. military manual on the subject. “But we also know that the law of war poses no obstacle to fighting well and prevailing.”

In this vein, COIN reassured the American public that the surge would be just. Because the United States needed the support of the Afghan population, it could not just kill its way to victory. Brutality would backfire by producing more resistance. In a speech, McChrystal explained “COIN mathematics” : If a military operation killed two out of 10 insurgents, instead of eight remaining, that number was “more likely to be as many as 20, because each one you killed has a brother, father, son and friends.”

But while McChrystal took prompt steps to reduce civilian casualties from airstrikes, dealing with so-called bad actors like Raziq was not as simple. It turns out that the way the United States implemented its strategy provided a test of whether COIN really worked as promised.

The surge was focused on the two neighboring provinces in the south where Taliban activity was strongest. Both received roughly equivalent investments of troops and money. In Helmand, the Marines and the British pushed for the good governance prescribed by COIN, successfully pressuring Kabul to replace corrupt officials with technocrats.

“You didn’t have a power-broker-run government at the provincial level,” said Malkasian, who served as an adviser in Helmand. But the opposite proved true in Kandahar, where U.S. commanders prioritized security and encountered dogged pushback from Kabul on anticorruption efforts. “Kandahar was just more important for the Afghan political system, for Karzai, than Helmand was.”

As so often happened during the war, Washington’s grand strategy was interpreted by a multitude of American agencies and actors. In Kabul, specialized anticorruption and counternarcotics teams had Raziq in their sights. A D.E.A.-led republican unit seized an enormous stockpile of hashish in Spin Boldak and arrested a district police commander who ran narcotics shipments for Raziq. There were plans to go after him next.

But the Army officers working with Raziq saw things very differently. He and his men were a rare example of an effective, homegrown force that delivered security on a vital supply route. The U.S. commanders were in the middle of a high-stakes offensive against the Taliban, and their own troops’ lives were on the line. Karzai supported Raziq, and according to former military and intelligence officials, so did the C.I.A. With his cross-border networks, Raziq was a valuable source of intelligence on Taliban havens and bomb-making networks in Pakistan. And he could cross lines the United States couldn’t: A declassified military report from 2010 noted that Raziq was giving shelter to Baloch rebels fighting the Pakistani government and that he used “these tribesmen to carry out assassinations and killings in Pakistan.”

And so when, in February 2010, senior U.S. officials met to discuss action against corrupt Afghan officials, no one could agree on what to do about Raziq. “There was a lack of consensus,” according to Earl Anthony, who as deputy U.S. ambassador was a co-chair of the meeting. “Some highly valued his work on the security front against the Taliban.”

In the end, McChrystal, who declined to comment for this article, sided with his commanders on the ground. Raziq, they reasoned, could be mentored to change his ways. According to a leaked cable, the senior U.S. diplomat in Kandahar even offered to craft a media plan for him, including radio spots, billboards and “the longer-term encouragement of stories in the international media on the ‘reform’” of Raziq.

In March, McChrystal visited Raziq in Spin Boldak and posed beside him for television cameras. “I am very optimistic that with the plans that I’ve heard,” he said, as Raziq looked on smiling, “we can increase efficiency and decrease corruption.”

From that point on, the U.S. military would openly promote Raziq and make him an integral part of the surge. A series of personal advisers were brought in to coach and protect the young commander; the first was Jamie Hayes, who as a Special Forces lieutenant colonel led a team assigned to Raziq in July 2010. Shortly after he arrived, Hayes was ordered to help Raziq plan a major operation to clear Malajat, an outlying neighborhood of Kandahar City where the Taliban were entrenched.

At first, Hayes was puzzled about why Raziq and his Border Police were given the job, rather than the republican army or commandos. His superiors explained that it was a political decision by Karzai and the U.S. command. “This is a guy that we want to make successful,” Hayes recalled being told. “He’s an aggressive, strong leader that we want to make sure gets the chance to shine.”

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Mazloom, a 33-year-old Taliban commander, in Panjwai District last year. He said he was tortured and blinded by a U.S.-backed militia commander from his village, who recognized him as an insurgent. “Because I wouldn’t confess,” Mazloom said, “he did this.”

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John R. Allen, a retired four-star Marine general, at his home in Virginia in March. As the commander of American and allied forces in Afghanistan in 2011, Allen was confronted with evidence that Raziq’s forces were committing murder and torture. “That wasn’t why we were there fighting the war,” he said, “to keep a really bad criminal because he was helpful in fighting worse criminals.”

Raziq’s charisma undoubtedly played a role in why U.S. officers were so willing to support him. Like most of the Americans I spoke to who worked with Raziq, Hayes quickly took a shine to him. Raziq was full of enthusiasm and energy, and Hayes was especially impressed by how he seemed to genuinely care for the welfare of his men, unlike many other republican commanders.

For his part, Raziq was a careful student of his foreign patrons. “He liked to learn about what made Americans tick,” recalled Hayes, who said he was never shown evidence of Raziq’s massacres or drug smuggling. Raziq understood what American officers appreciated: hard work, aggression and loyalty. To show his gratitude, he even insisted on taking part in a medal ceremony for Hayes’s troops. “He knew them by name,” Hayes recalled.

Soon after a successful operation to clear Malajat, Hayes and his team were reassigned to train the police in the provincial capital. During the spring of 2011, the situation in Kandahar City was dire. The Taliban hammered the government with gunmen and suicide attacks and, in April, freed nearly 500 inmates after tunneling into the main prison. Police morale was abysmal. “Drug use was rampant,” Hayes said. “Discipline was poor.” In the same month as the prison break, a suicide bomber got inside police headquarters and killed the provincial commander. Hayes, who narrowly missed the bombing, helped put the chief in a body bag. He was the second in two years to be killed.

Cleaning up Kandahar might have been the toughest job in Afghanistan, and both Karzai and the U.S. command wanted Raziq to do it. He agreed to become police chief on one condition: He wanted to keep his position with the Border Police. He would wear both hats, so to speak, in order to maintain his power base in Spin Boldak and would bring his own men into the city. If Raziq was going to be sheriff in Kandahar, he was going to do it his way.

The battle Raziq faced in the provincial capital, a city of nearly 400,000, was very different from the rangy desert warfare in the borderlands: Here, a tribally and ethnically mixed population lived and worked in closely packed homes and narrow alleys, industrial zones and trucking warehouses. Hiding amid them, Taliban guerrillas, the cheriki , terrorized government supporters, leaving menacing “night letters,” assassinating civil servants and imams and deploying suicide bombers whose blasts tore apart crowded streets.

The first phase of the American COIN strategy in Kandahar had called for securing the capital. To that end, the U.S. military poured in resources, building a network of checkpoints and bases for republican forces and expanding the number of police districts from 10 to 16, each with its own substation chief. Trained and equipped by American troops and contractors, the Kandahar police more than doubled in size. Raziq was the fulcrum of it all: A team of American mentors lived next to his headquarters, and he met often with U.S. brass to coordinate operations.

Raziq’s underground enemies, the cheriki , relied on an extensive network of local supporters, many of whom cooperated out of religious and nationalist fervor. Rooting them out required accurate intelligence. And because Karzai had resisted creating a system of wartime detention, those who were caught had to be criminally prosecuted, convicted and sentenced.

But for Raziq, the republican courts, corrupt and easily intimidated, were a central reason the insurgency was thriving. Too often, Taliban suspects were freed and returned to the battlefield. In Spin Boldak, he had solved this problem by becoming judge, jury and executioner. For all their rhetoric about human rights and the laws of war, the foreigners had chosen him to pacify Kandahar. Actions spoke louder than words.

Raziq brought his Achakzai militia, in their distinct spotted uniforms, into the city and placed trusted lieutenants in key posts like the substations. Raziq didn’t seem to relish cruelty — I never heard stories of him personally torturing people, for instance — but he cultivated men who did. Some were his own cousins, like Jajo, who became notorious for the atrocities he committed as commander of District 8, a predominantly Noorzai area. (Jajo was assassinated in 2014.) According to police officers and internal United Nations documents, another relative from Spin Boldak ran death squads out of a special battalion at headquarters. “They had detective badges and guns,” one substation deputy told me. “They threw the bodies in the desert.”

These plainclothes teams roamed in cars with tinted windows, snatching suspects and taking them for da reg mela , “a sand picnic.” The desert wells and dunes hid countless corpses; others were dumped in the streets. Many bore signs of horrific torture. “I saw things which made me wonder whether a wild beast or man had done them,” Dr. Musa Gharibnawaz, who oversaw the city morgue as the director of forensic medicine, told me.

Those who survived to see formal detention were also tortured for confessions, which the courts relied on almost entirely for convictions. The police didn’t have the education or capacity to collect basic technical evidence, nor did most judges understand it. This problem was much broader than just Kandahar. The same year Raziq became police chief, investigators from the United Nations interviewed more than 300 detainees across Afghanistan and found that torture was widespread in republican detention. Their report documented beatings, electric shocks and the “twisting and wrenching” of genitals. The most severe abuses by the police were in Kandahar, where a follow-up report also noted a large number of bodies found with gunshot wounds to the chest and the head after Raziq took power; by contrast, the investigators found significantly less torture in Helmand, where the Marines had stuck to the COIN playbook.

The persistence of torture in the republic — which the U.N. continued to document until 2021 — illustrates how, in wartime, certain useful but prohibited acts can be implicitly authorized as regular practices. As the U.N. reporting makes clear, those accused of torture rarely faced punishment. Their work, which ceased after confession, was instrumental, unlike the gratuitous abuse meted out by poorly supervised American soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

In Kandahar, torture was exacerbated by the surge, which overloaded the court system with detainees captured by U.S. forces; one internal military report worried that it would most likely “produce more — perhaps far more — prisoners” than the main prison could handle. During the summer of 2011, as the U.N. prepared to publish its findings, intelligence reports from the south filtered up to Western diplomats and military leaders in Kabul. The torture of detainees had already led to scandals in Britain and Canada; now the U.S. command would be forced to take notice. For the third time in Raziq’s career, his job would hang in the balance as a result of his crimes.

On July 18, 2011, two months after Raziq became police chief, John R. Allen, then a four-star Marine general, took command of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan. He was shaking hands with his guests during the ceremony in Kabul when a trio of Western officials, led by a senior British diplomat, told him that they needed to speak immediately. It was about Raziq.

Alarmed by what he heard, Allen had his staff pull up the raw intelligence reporting, which described executions and torture by Raziq’s forces in Kandahar. “I wanted a sense of the frequency,” he told me. “The reporting was pretty standard and pretty awful. It had been going on for some time.”

Allen went to the presidential palace to see Karzai. “I said that he needed to be aware that he had a senior police commander who was a serial human rights violator, and he should remove him,” Allen told me.

But at that moment, Karzai needed Raziq more than ever. In the week before Allen arrived, two of the president’s most important allies in the south were killed, including his own brother. For years, Karzai had seen the United States waffle on corruption and human rights abuses, even as they partnered with warlords, and as he often had, he called the Americans’ bluff. At a follow-up meeting, Karzai told Allen that he had checked his own sources and hadn’t heard similar allegations.

Frustrated, Allen ordered the United States and its allies to stop transferring captives in the south. “Karzai wasn’t going to do anything about Raziq, and I couldn’t permit us to continue to feed detainees into his hands,” he told me. From then on, when he traveled to Kandahar, Allen made a point to dodge the young police chief, who was eager for a photo op. “I wasn’t going to play into Raziq’s hands and appear to be an ally of his under any circumstances.”

The State Department’s diplomats also avoided meeting Raziq. But that was as far as it went. “I don’t recall there was ever a serious push to remove Abdul Raziq,” said Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador at the time. When Crocker later raised the issue with Karzai, the president responded that Raziq was working closely with the U.S. military. “He was basically saying, ‘Look, I’m told that he’s your guy,’” Crocker told me. “Which turned out to be true.”

Allen’s subordinates in Kandahar continued to fight side by side with Raziq and his officers. “The military guys, for the most part, had a different view of him on the ground, working with him day in and day out,” said Martin Schweitzer, who as a brigadier general served as the deputy U.S. commander in Kandahar.

Despite Leahy laws in the United States, which prohibit support to foreign military units credibly accused of human rights violations, Raziq continued to be ferried around in American aircraft, and his advisers ensured that he and his forces had the air support, fuel and ammunition they needed. “If I asked and it was for Raziq, mostly I was going to get it,” said David Webb, who as a colonel advised him on two separate tours in 2012 and 2017. Upon Webb’s arrival, he was given his orders in no uncertain terms by his superior, a two-star general. “He put his finger in my chest and said: ‘Don’t let Raziq die. That’s your mission,’” said Webb, whose predecessor was wounded while fighting off an attack on Raziq’s headquarters.

Both Webb and Schweitzer stressed that they never saw evidence of Raziq committing war crimes under their watch. “I was with him almost every single day from morning until night,” Webb told me. “I never saw anything bad.”

As an outsider, I often wondered how American officers, bound to uphold the laws of war, rationalized working with Raziq. His tactics in Kandahar — every mutilated corpse or disappeared person — were intended to send a message, to terrorize his enemies and those who might support them. And they were effective. When I visited Kandahar in those years, I found that most people on the streets knew exactly what was happening, even if they were too afraid to speak about it openly.

But Raziq also calibrated his actions so that they were deniable. According to former colleagues, he and his men took steps to conceal them from their American allies, like dumping corpses when dust storms obscured aerial surveillance or using veiled language over the phone. Sending someone to “Dubai” meant killing them in the desert. “His commanders would call and say: ‘We caught someone. What should we do?’ He’d say, ‘God forgive them.’ That was his code,” said a senior republican police general who worked with Raziq. “I heard it with my own ears on an operation.”

The farther you got from the streets and villages, the easier it was to ignore what was happening there. According to an interpreter who spent years translating Raziq’s meetings with his American advisers, the subject was generally avoided at headquarters. “The advisers didn’t care about Raziq’s bad activities,” he said. “We weren’t telling Raziq: ‘Hey, do you have private prisons? Do you still have people in there?’”

“I’m not saying they didn’t occur; I’m not saying they did occur,” Schweitzer said about the kinds of accusations that led Allen to halt detainee transfers. “I just know I read all the intel reports.” And whatever American officers chose to believe, they could see that Raziq was delivering where it counted: Within a year and half of his taking over, enemy-initiated attacks were down by almost two-thirds in Kandahar. “I thought he was an incredibly important figure,” Schweitzer said, “and was critical to keeping the security in the south.”

The COIN strategy was tested in the summer of 2014, when the Taliban began a bold offensive targeting the two southern provinces that had been the focus of American efforts. The surge had come to an end, and republican forces were supposed to take the lead in combat.

In Helmand, where the Marines tried to keep out abusive strongmen, the government’s defense was disastrously weak and uncoordinated. In many rural areas, the republican army stayed in their forts and allowed the police to be overrun. Despite the presence of a major American air base in the province, large sections of the northern districts fell into insurgent hands.

But when the Taliban pushed into western Kandahar, Raziq took charge and rallied republican forces. Backed by his advisers and American airstrikes, he inflicted heavy casualties. The following summer, insurgents again attacked and reached the outskirts of Helmand’s capital; Raziq led counteroffensives to lift sieges there and, the next year, in the neighboring Uruzgan province. “The Taliban have fled the area and escaped,” he boasted to a TV crew while touring the embattled district of Now Zad.

By 2017, Helmand was among the top three provinces most controlled by insurgents, according to U.S. military figures. And while the situation was deteriorating across the country, Kandahar City and its surroundings remained relatively secure under Raziq. Journalists and human rights groups had warned that supporting men like him would backfire and inspire resistance to the government. Yet here he was, holding the line against the Taliban.

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A Taliban supporter whose husband was killed in battle. She used to aid the movement by smuggling weapons. “We tied pistols around our waists to get them through checkpoints,” she said.

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Retired Special Forces Colonel Jamie Hayes was an advisor to General Abdul Raziq early in his rise to becoming one of the most powerful figures in southern Afghanistan.

Raziq was far from the only example: Again and again, the U.S. military felt compelled to partner with Afghan allies who were accused of human rights abuses, despite its doctrine of winning the war by winning hearts and minds. Call it the COIN paradox; for years it puzzled me, until I came across the work of the political scientist Stathis Kalyvas, who offered a convincing explanation of its logic.

In his comparative study of conflicts ranging from the Napoleonic occupation of Spain to the Tamil Tigers’ insurgency in Sri Lanka, Kalyvas asks why civil wars are so often marked by violence against civilians. Discarding explanations like cultural backwardness or ideology, Kalyvas argues that the incentive for this violence is created by the military characteristics of civil war, where the population is the battlefield.

To understand how Kalyvas’s theory applies to Afghanistan, you had to look at the rural areas where most of the fighting took place. Consider the Taliban’s stronghold in Kandahar, the Panjwai valley. A verdant delta of pomegranate and grape orchards west of the provincial capital, Panjwai was the birthplace of the movement. Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban’s leader, preached in his mosque there.

The site of major offensives by allied forces since 2006, Panjwai was arguably the longest and most grueling fight anywhere in Kandahar. During the surge, American troops fought their way in and, by the end of 2010, had built up a string of bases and strong points, many jointly manned with the republican army and the police. The Taliban ordered its fighters to melt back into the villages, where, aided by the area’s dense vegetation and mud-walled orchards, they switched to hit-and-run ambushes, assassinations and improvised explosive devices.

This kind of guerrilla struggle was an example of what Kalyvas calls irregular warfare, in which territorial control is fragmented and mixed between both sides. The Taliban hid their weapons and picked up shovels, taking advantage of American rules of engagement, which allowed soldiers to fire only on those who were armed or posing an active threat. “We basically did not see a difference between the locals and the Taliban,” said Curtis Grace, who patrolled there as an infantryman in 2012.

The Army’s COIN manual stresses the difficulty in irregular warfare of telling civilians and insurgents apart. Kalyvas’s argument is different: The distinction itself can blur. In a conflict with no clear front lines, violence is jointly produced by combatants and civilians, who have the information the troops need to fight their enemies: the location of I.E.D.s and army patrols, the identities of insurgents and government supporters. Moreover, because civil war involves rival state-building, civilians help or hinder combatants by providing logistical and political support. In Panjwai, the Taliban needed local help to operate: They tried to win it by announcing safe routes through minefields, but they were also ruthless with those suspected of being spies and government supporters.

In civil war, while indiscriminate violence, like collateral damage from airstrikes, can backfire, “selective” violence against individuals works in a straightforward way: Do this, or I’ll kill you . Winning hearts and minds can still matter, but it’s only half the story. And in wartime, sticks are often much cheaper and more effective than carrots. In this life-or-death struggle, the competitor willing to use both will have the advantage.

Kalyvas’s work is part of a larger body of scholarship on civil war and counterinsurgency that demonstrates how central the use of coercive violence against civilians has been in such conflicts, whether waged by dictatorships like Syria or democracies like France. “ ‘The bad guys win’ is not the answer that U.S. forces, policymakers or civilians want to hear about counterinsurgency success, but the historical record is clear,” writes the scholar Jacqueline L. Hazelton. In this light, COIN doctrine can be seen as a form of American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States could fight a civil war differently from anyone else — humanely.

If Kalyvas is right, then what the U.S. military faced in Afghanistan was not so much a paradox as an impossible choice. To take back places like Panjwai, there was a compelling incentive to use unlawful violence against the population, which the U.S. military could not allow itself to do. The solution to this dilemma was a division of labor, where the United States provided firepower and money to allies like Raziq, who did the dirty work.

In 2010, the United States introduced the Afghan Local Police program, or ALP. Drawing on their experience with militias in Vietnam and El Salvador, the Special Forces trained and armed villagers around the country. In the military’s hearts-and-minds framework, they were empowering communities to protect themselves against violent outsiders. But four decades of a multisided conflict meant that fault lines ran through communities, villages and even families. Most areas were tribally mixed; finding militias meant exploiting those divisions just as the Taliban had been doing. It meant arming Afghans against one another in a civil war.

As police chief, Raziq was in charge of the ALP program in Kandahar. Panjwai District was the most resistant; by 2011, its horn, as the western end was known, was the only place that the militias had failed to take root, despite the presence of several Special Forces teams. The next year, Raziq appointed one of his key lieutenants as the district police chief. Panjwai was predominantly Noorzai; Sultan Mohammad was an Achakzai like Raziq, but he was from the district. Such local knowledge, the ability to make rural Afghan society legible to outsiders, was precisely what made militias effective. They could go after the Taliban and their supporters in their own homes. The Taliban had gained sway over the villages by targeting the families of those who collaborated with the republic, and the militias, protected by American and regular government forces, could turn the tables.

Most of Panjwai was too dangerous to visit during the war, but when the republic fell in 2021, I was able to travel there, interviewing dozens of witnesses who described torture and extrajudicial killings carried out by members of the police and the ALP, targeting both active insurgents and sympathizers. In the village of Pashmul, several witnesses told me they saw Sultan Mohammad shoot an unarmed old man, Hajji Badr, whose sons had served in the Taliban. Sultan Mohammad told me he had no involvement in murder or torture, but several other people said they witnessed him personally execute prisoners. “All the people from the area knew,” said Hasti Mohammad, a republican district governor in Panjwai. “It wasn’t something secret.”

I was also shown several videos of police abuse, including one in which a group of men, identified by locals as ALP members in Panjwai, tortured a captive bound hand and foot. They strike him with sticks, twist his testicles with their hands, pour water over his mouth and sodomize him with a stick, all while demanding he confess. “I don’t have anything,” he blubbers, growing incoherent.

This brutality was no impediment to American and republican success. Under Sultan Mohammad, the ALP program was established throughout the district. I.E.D. attacks plummeted, while the proportion of bombs that went off without being discovered dropped by half, which one study attributed to increased cooperation from locals.

The U.S. military was aware of the abuses by police officers and militia members in Panjwai. On multiple occasions, American surveillance captured them committing war crimes. One video showing executions by the police was shown to senior U.S. officials in 2012; Colonel Webb said he asked Raziq to arrest the perpetrators, but police investigators told me that some ordinary militiamen were punished instead. Sultan Mohammad was eventually promoted to brigadier general and oversaw several districts in the west of the province. When I spoke with him, he showed me a collection of certificates of appreciation from more than a dozen U.S. military units. “The Special Forces helped us a lot,” he said.

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Fazli Ahmad, a Taliban fighter, was arrested by the police, who filmed a video of themselves dragging him behind a pickup truck. He said Sultan Mohammad ordered him to be executed, but he was released after his father paid a bribe.

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Sultan Mohammad, a former police chief in Panjwai District and one of Raziq’s key lieutenants. He worked closely with the U.S. military to establish a militia program in Panjwai. “The Special Forces helped us a lot,” he said.

Thanks to his success in Kandahar, Raziq became famous. Not since the late northern commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, whom he greatly admired, had any one figure united anti-Taliban sentiment across the country. He was interviewed on national television, and his picture was pasted on street billboards. Songs were dedicated to him:

He’s the servant of security, the servant of our government.

He’s truly the servant of Afghans.

There were many reasons for his popularity. He was young and dynamic, a village boy who never lost the common touch. He was free with his largess, sometimes handing out cash on the street. He spoke fearlessly against Pakistan’s support for the insurgency. For Afghans disenchanted by the corruption and duplicity of their politicians, Raziq seemed authentic.

“There were other politicians who would talk against the Taliban and Pakistan,” said Nader Nadery, a senior fellow at the Wilson Center who as head of the country’s human rights commission had criticized Raziq’s abuses. “With Raziq, people saw it was not just words.” Even Nadery had come to see the trade-off that Raziq represented, as a bulwark against the looming collapse of the republic. “It’s a difficult judgment to make,” he said. “We can lose everything, or we can keep some parts of it.”

Although Raziq publicly denied accusations of human rights abuses, when an Afghan journalist asked him about them in 2017, he offered something close to a justification. “Showing mercy to such people is a betrayal to our nation,” he replied. “When our soldiers are martyred, isn’t that a violation of human rights? When our schools are burned, isn’t that a violation?”

The truth was that many Afghans saw Raziq’s brutality as a positive quality. They wanted a champion who could protect them from the Taliban’s violence. When Raziq went out on the streets, he was mobbed by crowds of well-wishers. “It was like being an adviser to Elvis Presley,” Webb recalled.

As Raziq grew in stature, he was rehabilitated. Western generals and diplomats sought him out on trips to Kandahar. Over the years, Raziq was a constant there, a fixed point around which contradictory policies and goals swirled: counterterrorism, nation-building, COIN and, finally, negotiations with the Taliban. “We needed him more than he needed us,” said John W. Lathrop, who as a brigadier general commanded American forces in Kandahar in 2017. “Keeping Raziq happy was pretty important.”

For the Taliban, Raziq was one of their top targets. By his own count, Raziq had survived at least 25 suicide attacks. Yet he remained committed to the fight. In one of his last interviews, Raziq criticized republican elites who already had one foot out the door with visas and houses overseas. “We shouldn’t hope or plan to seek asylum in America or move to London,” he said. “We were born here, and we’ll die here.”

On Oct. 18, 2018, General Miller, the top U.S. commander, called a meeting at the governor’s compound in Kandahar to discuss the upcoming parliamentary elections. That day, Raziq put on Western-style clothes: a dress shirt and slacks. The young soldier from the borderlands had become a statesman, a role that came less easily to him. He had seemed worn down to people who had met him lately; he was preoccupied with political dramas in Kabul. He had also been sick for days with a bad stomach bug, but he wanted to see Miller, whom he had known since the early days of the war. During the meeting, Raziq appeared flushed and uneasy, but afterward he insisted on walking to the helicopter pad to see off Miller and the other Americans.

A group of police officers arrived, carrying crates of pomegranates, gifts for the Americans. Among them was a bodyguard for the governor, a young man the Taliban had code-named Abu Dujana. He dropped his crate and fired his assault rifle, killing Raziq and the provincial intelligence chief and wounding several others, including an American general, before he was shot dead.

As one part of the country celebrated, the other mourned. The republic had lost its hero.

What does Raziq’s story tell us about why the United States failed in Afghanistan? Although the immediate cause of the republic’s collapse might have been the precipitous U.S. withdrawal in 2021, the real question is why the Afghan government could not stand on its own despite the hundreds of billions of dollars invested over 20 years by America and its allies. How did hundreds of thousands of soldiers and police officers, armed with modern equipment, lose to insurgents who rode their motorcycles in sandals?

Many corrupt and unpopular governments survive insurgencies. And it’s clear that the Taliban’s violence against civilians did not prevent their ultimate success. More than hearts and minds lost to brutality, internal rot and infighting — fed by the West’s profligate spending and inconsistent strategy — explain the republic’s collapse. Criminal behavior by republican officials escalated to the point that it threatened the system itself, bringing about repeated crises like the near collapse of the banking sector. Wage and supply theft were catastrophic to the morale of soldiers and police officers, while nonexistent “ghost soldiers” inflated their ranks. As the Americans pulled back from rural areas, the ALP militias became increasingly predatory, shaking down locals for bribes; their selective violence became indiscriminate, to use Kalyvas’s terms. “That’s how it started,” a senior Panjwai officer explained. “The district chief stole their salaries and said, ‘Go get your meals from the people.’”

When it came to corruption, Raziq played an ambiguous role: What he stole from the system with one hand he gave back with the other. With their control of the border, he and his cronies siphoned huge amounts of government revenue : The shortfall added up to around $55 million per year, according to satellite imagery and customs data analyzed by the researcher David Mansfield.

But Raziq also spent much of what he earned on his network of sources, on bonuses for his men, on bribes to protect himself from rapacious politicians in Kabul. In a corrupt system, money was synonymous with power, and Raziq needed it to fight. Yet while he tried to curb overly predatory commanders, there was a limit to how far he could go to keep order. He was a prisoner of his own methods. Enforced disappearances, torture and executions, the tools that Raziq believed were necessary to defeat the Taliban, had to be kept hidden, often through intimidation and bribery. Impunity for human rights abuses could lead to general lawlessness; in this way, repressive counterinsurgencies had mutated into mafia states in countries like Guatemala. The men that Raziq handpicked to carry out these acts were of necessity criminals. The darkness they worked within allowed corruption to flourish. By contrast, instead of democracy or human rights, the Taliban professed a fundamentalist vision of Islamic law. Their scholars justified killing captives and civilians as necessary and legitimate in the jihad against foreign occupation. Where the republic’s hypocrisy fed its fatal weakness, corruption, the Taliban’s unabashed brutality was consonant with the movement’s strength, its unity.

Today we live in an age of irregular warfare, of asymmetric clashes with militant groups and battles to control populations. A vast majority of conflicts over the past century have been within states, not between them. The comforting myth that brutality is always counterproductive — that war can therefore be humane — obscures how violence functions in such conflicts; it hides how and to whom men like Raziq are useful. In retrospect, this myth, sold to the public as COIN, is part of a larger pattern of dishonesty that runs through America’s longest war, 20 years of wishful thinking and willful ignorance that culminated in tragedy on Aug. 15, 2021, when Raziq’s mortal enemies entered Kabul in triumph.

Read by Peter Ganim

Narration produced by Anna Diamond and Krish Seenivasan

Engineered by Steven Szczesniak

Victor J. Blue is a photographer who has been working in Afghanistan since 2009, when President Barack Obama escalated the war effort. He was there during the fall of Kabul, when the Taliban came back into power in 2021, and has returned three times since then.

Matthieu Aikins is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and a fellow at Type Media Center who, since 2008, has been covering conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East, the U.S. military's operations overseas, forced migration and human rights.  More about Matthieu Aikins

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Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Afghanistan nearly 3 years after the Taliban captured Kabul

The Associated Press

May 21, 2024, 10:20 AM

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ISLAMABAD (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban government confirmed the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Kabul’s international airport, nearly three years after the carrier’s services were suspended following the collapse of the Western-backed government.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said that the first Turkish Airlines flight landed Tuesday and was greeted by government officials.

Turkish Airlines flights have returned with a schedule of four weekly round-trip flights between Istanbul and Kabul on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

All international airlines halted flights to Afghanistan when the Taliban seized power in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces departed after two decades of war.

In January, Air Arabia restarted flights to Kabul’s international airport. In November 2023, FlyDubai became the first international carrier to resume flights to Afghanistan.

Two Afghan airlines, Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airlines, operate from Kabul to destinations such as Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Moscow; Islamabad and Istanbul.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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