Fly up, up and away! All about hot air balloon rides in Dubai
If you are visiting Dubai, your trip isn’t complete without a hot air balloon ride overlooking the sand dunes and magnificent Dubai skyline. Depending on the package you choose, your experience can include everything from breakfast with bubbles to memorable desert safaris or even a trained falcon soaring through the air with you on your ride!
So, without further ado, let’s find out everything there is to know about the hot air balloon rides in Dubai.
Note: All of the mentioned prices are for starting costs for adults
About Hot Air Balloon Rides in Dubai
Hot air ballooning in Dubai is a popular desert experience that blends sightseeing with comfort and local culture. It’s one of the many popular things to do in Dubai.
Flights usually take place at sunrise over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, when winds are calm and lighting is ideal. From the air, passengers enjoy wide views of rolling sand dunes, native wildlife such as Arabian oryx and gazelles. On very clear days, the distant Dubai skyline is also in view.
The experience is highly organised and tourism focused. Hotel transfers, safety briefings and licensed pilots are standard.
TOP HOT AIR BALLOONS IN DUBAI
THE DUBAI BALLOON AT ATLANTIS
Get ready to soar over Atlantis, The Palm and enjoy the unparalleled sight of the entire emirate! The hot air balloon called “The Dubai Balloon” offers a 10-minute ride and a distinctive viewpoint over the world-famous holiday resort. Celebrate your big day or pop the question 300 metres above into the air. It’s going to be a one-of-a-kind aerial adventure.
- Flight duration: 10 minutes
- Price: From USD 24.23 (Approximately AED 88)
- Key highlights: Transfers, F&B, access to Aquaventure Waterpark, transfers, wheelchair accessible
- Location: The Avenues, Atlantis the Palm
- Contact: +971-800-225-666
Hero Balloon Flights
Take off as the sun rises over the Dubai Desert and fills the sky with light — this is what it’s like to fly with Hero Balloon Flights. The company has been around for several years, which means you will be in expert hands. The service was formerly known as Balloon Adventures Dubai before it rebranded with its parent company Hero Experiences Group.
Dubai hot air balloon adventure rides include floating at 4000 ft. overlooking the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you’ll spot the native wildlife. Other experiences include:
- Desert drive in vintage Land Rovers
- In-flight falcon show
- Gourmet a la carte breakfast
- A short camel ride in the desert
If that hasn’t piqued your interest, there’s more for you. If you want to experience royalty, you can relax in a beautiful desert setting inside the grounds of a Royal retreat. Also, every balloon is equipped with GoPro cameras so you can capture the memories you make when soaring through the sky.
- Duration: Experience lasts 5 hours
- Price: AED 1,195 (adult above 11 years) | AED 12,950 (private experience for two)
- Key highlights: Pick and drop, bathroom facilities, breakfast by a Michelin-star chef
- Location: Control Tower, Motor City
- Contact: +971-4-412-6333
SINDBAD GULF BALLOONS
The Sindbad Gulf Balloon has been in the game for more than a decade and offers its guests one of the best hot air balloon rides Dubai. Their market-competitive prices let you enjoy the best of Dubai on a budget.
Similar to all the other companies, Sindbad Gulf also offers a variety of packages including Standard flight, Deluxe flight and Premium flight. Each tour takes 4 to 5 hours out of which the flight takes about 40 to 70 minutes.
A private flight can be booked for a minimum of 6 passengers and there should be a minimum of 20 passengers for a deluxe flight. For those of you who want to fly private or have a corporate event, you can reach out to them and treat yourself to a mind-blowing experience.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Price: AED 1,059 (Standard) | AED 1,149 (Deluxe) | AED 1,349 (Premium) | Exclusive and Romantic Balloon packages are charged seperately.
- Key highlights: Flight certificate, pick and drop, refreshments
- Contact: +971-4-294-1140
HOT AIR BALLOON UAE
Winner of the Travelers’ choice award 2020, Hot Air Balloon Dubai is looking to sweep you off your feet. They proudly call themselves an aviation adventure company for all the right reasons. They are licensed by the General Civil Aviation (GCAA) so rest assured you will be in the hands of experts.
From making the flights safe to covering the surrealistic landscape of Dubai, this company doesn’t disappoint its passengers. All their rides depart a few minutes before sunrise so guests that enjoy the breathtakung view.
The packages offered by Hot Air Balloon Dubai are carefully curated for balloon enthusiasts. The passengers get to see balloon inflation followed by a quick pre-flight briefing. They offer pick and drop services within the limits of the city.
The passengers depart from Margham (Dubai Al Ain Road near Exit 4) and return within a 20km radius from the departure location. Every flight lasts from anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour. Let’s have a quick look at what is different about each of the packages:
The company also offers Charter Flight which is comprised of falcon show, gourmet breakfast, camel ride, quad biking or horse riding, dune bashing, Flying certificate signed by pilot and much more.
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Price: AED 1,100 (Standard) | AED 1,209 (Deluxe) | AED 1,399 (Adventure) | Exclusive and Romantic Balloon packages are charged seperately.
- Key highlights: Flight certificate, pick and drop, refreshments, in-flight falcon show, camel ride (depending on package)
- Contact: +971-4-285-5682
PLATINUM HERITAGE
Extend your safari desert adventure with a balloon ride with Platinum Heritage. A package involves everything from an overnight stay in the desert to a balloon flight early in the morning just in time for the sunrise.
If you wish to experience the shimmering stars, you don’t want to miss this chance.
The package includes spending the evening around the bonfire in a traditional majlis setting. You get to spend the night in a private room made out of Arabic stone dwellings. The morning starts with the hot air balloon ride followed by a gourmet breakfast.
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Price: From AED 3,000 per private vehicle
- Key highlights: Part of desert safari package, option for overnight stay, exclusive benefits when booking online or via Experience Consultants
- Contact: +971-4-412-6333
DUBAI BALLOONING
Dubai Ballooning is among the top-rated companies offering Balloon Rides in the city. Their custom-tailored packages are accommodating for families, groups and couples.
For those of you who are planning to take your partner for a memorable balloon ride, you might want to consider Dubai Ballooning.
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
- Price: AED 999 (Standard) | AED 1,250 (Deluxe) | AED 2,099 (Overnight Deluxe)
- Key highlights: Unlimited refreshments, pick and drop, free Wi-Fi on board, picture with falcon, full insurance, flight video (charged seperately)
- Contact: +971-50-282-8485
FAQs
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE?
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes for a balloon ride. For a hassle-free experience, you may want to go with flats and ditch the heels for the day.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT FOR A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT?
Yes! you will need to bring your passport. Depending on the choice of company, they may ask you to get other documents too, such as an ID card. It’s best to reach out to the organisers beforehand to be sure of the documents you need to bring on board with you.
HOW MUCH DO HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES COST IN DUBAI?
Hot air balloon rides in Dubai typically cost between AED 750 and AED 1,800 per person, depending on the package and inclusions. Private flights may cost more.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A DUBAI HOT AIR BALLOON PACKAGE?
Hot air balloon rides in Dubai almost always start very early in the morning around sunrise, with most flights taking off between about 03:30 am and 06:00 am.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO IN DUBAI OVER THE WEEKEND?
Public holidays in Dubai often coincide with extended weekends. Fortunately, there’re plenty of things to do in Dubai on long weekends, with ballooning being one of them. Examples include skydiving, brunch and more.
That sums up all about the hot air balloon rides in Dubai. Those who are making a short trip to the emirate must know about the top things to do in Dubai in 24 hours for experiencing the best of the city.
