Pool access
The large swimming pool is a recurring highlight, with one review describing it as temperature controlled and another mentioning a summer sunshade.
Dubai International Seafarers Center.
Al Raffa
Dubai International Seafarers Center in Al Raffa is a relaxed seafarers’ club with a restaurant, bar and plenty of room to unwind. Reviews highlight its swimming pool and affordable food, alongside live music and sports facilities.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
397 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Sports facilities
Visitors can do more than eat and drink: reviews mention football, badminton, table tennis, basketball, tennis and a gym.
Food value
Food is repeatedly described as affordable and well cooked, with Mexican dishes, Thai soups and a recommended cheese toast dish singled out.
Live music
The venue is a popular evening hangout with live music, including a review that mentions concerts mostly on Friday evenings.
Family space
The large outdoor layout, pool and play areas make it workable for families, and reviews specifically mention children enjoying the facilities.
Friendly service
Several reviews describe the staff as helpful, friendly and attentive, adding to the club’s informal, homey atmosphere.
Rustic character
The style is dated rather than polished, but reviewers enjoy its old-school, ship-deck and local-pub feel.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check entry. Ask about eligibility first: reviews describe access as members, guests or bona fide seafarers, while one older review mentions a 50 AED charge for others.
Confirm pool. Check whether the pool is operating before visiting, since one review reported it shut off and another noted temporary restrictions.
Plan Friday. For live entertainment, consider Friday evening; one review says concerts mostly take place then.
Bring children. The pool and outdoor sports areas are described as kid friendly, so the venue can suit a family day out when facilities are open.
Order cheese toast. If you want a specific starting point for the menu, one reviewer singled out the cheese toast dish.
Avoid heat. Use the shaded pool area or choose a cooler period, as a review warns that high summer temperatures can make the outdoor space unpleasant.
Plan the visit
Practical details
773M+28H - 12C St
Al Raffa, Dubai
| Mon | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Access limits
Several reviews say entry is restricted to members, guests or bona fide seafarers, so confirm access before setting out.
Outside food
One review says outside food and water are not allowed, with the on-site restaurant and bar the available alternatives.
Pool closures
The pool has not always been available; one visitor specifically reported that it was shut off.
Dated appearance
The venue’s interiors and exterior can feel old-fashioned; one review says it does not look attractive from outside.
Summer heat
Outdoor areas can become uncomfortable during Dubai’s hottest weather, according to a review mentioning high summer temperatures.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Dubai International Seafarers Center is a spacious, informal club in Al Raffa where the main draw is having several ways to spend an afternoon or evening in one place. You can eat at the restaurant, have a drink at the bar, use the swimming pool, or play sports such as football and table tennis. Live music is also mentioned, especially on Friday evenings.
Food is the strongest recurring theme. Reviews call it affordable and well cooked, with Mexican dishes and Thai soups receiving specific praise; cheese toast is another recommended order. Food portions were described as large enough for four people in one review.
Drinks are often considered reasonably priced, although one visitor felt the bar was not cheap. The atmosphere is more old-school than polished, with a ship-deck-style interior and a rustic local-pub character. Families may appreciate the pool and children’s play space, while the gym and sports areas give groups something to do beyond the meal.
Check entry rules before going: multiple reviews describe members, guests or bona fide seafarers as the intended users. Also confirm that the pool is open, and remember that one review says outside food and water are not allowed. An older review reported a 50 AED entry charge for non-seafarers.