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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 April, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicola Chilton

Some cities really lend themselves to being seen from the sky – and Dubai is one of them.

Hop in a helicopter for jaw-dropping flights over Dubai’s famous landmarks, from Dubai Creek to the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), and the man-made Palm Jumeirah and World Islands.

Flights range from a 12-minute short-hop, where you’ll share the helicopter with up to five other people, to 45 and 60-minute private flights. If you’re also planning on visiting the Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujeirah emirates, you can book a VIP helicopter charter (and save yourself the drive).

It’s an unforgettable experience that gets you up close to Dubai’s world-famous landmarks, and puts the sprawling desert city in perspective. Children over 2 are permitted, accompanied by an adult, but kids under 12 may find the experience frightening.

Price from: £160
Minimum age: 2
Age suitable: 12+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 hour

Getting there & doing it

The helipad is located at Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah. Taxi is the easiest way to get there, but the Palm Monorail is a fun alternative with good views (although it stops on the opposite side of Atlantis to the helipad so you may have a hike ahead of you).

When to do it

There are flights all year round, seven days a week.

Morning and late afternoon are best – sometimes the midday haze reduces visibility. Skip it if there is a chance of fog or sandstorms.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Dubai Helicopter Tour

Dubai Helicopter Tour

Dubai

Dubai has been seen by many, but not everyone has seen it from above. Ever wonder why The Palm is called The Palm? Or why the Burj Al Arab i...

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Dubai Helicopter Tour from Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Helicopter Tour from Palm Jumeirah

Dubai

The activity lets you go on a fun helicopter tour of Dubai and take in all the mind-blowing sights with a bird’s eye view.

$230 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [29 ratings]

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Dubai Helicopter Iconic Tour 12 Minutes

Dubai Helicopter Iconic Tour 12 Minutes

Dubai

Depart from the Dubai Marina- Helipad and experience mesmerizing sites of the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab’s iconic structure. As your aer...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[5.1 miles]

This seaside Moroccan-style resort offers glamour and seclusion in enchanting courtyards and gardens, accompanied by great on-site restaurants.

Official star rating:

Address Beach Resort

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[6.2 miles]

Stylish seaside hotel in pedestrian-friendly Dubai Marina, within walking distance of plenty of bars and restaurants, topped by the world’s highest infinity pool.

Official star rating:

Mina A’Salam

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[7.2 miles]

A majestic Arabian-inspired resort in the Madinat Jumeirah complex. On the beach, and next door to the Wild Wadi water park – paradise for kids and big kids.

Official star rating:

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[7.3 miles]

Dubai’s instantly-recognisable icon rising from the waters of the Arabian Gulf, with a chic beach club, sky-high spa and dazzling interiors.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dubai

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A desert city playground with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture in a setting of year-round sun, sand and sea. Great family hotels and a ridiculous number of family attractions too.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Skydive over the Palm

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[4.7 miles]

Skydive over the famous Palm Jumeirah for the ultimate adrenalin-charged Dubai experience and jaw-dropping, if surreal, Palm views.

Best for ages: 18+ | £200 | 4 hours

Burj Khalifa

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[17.9 miles]

The world’s tallest building. Head up to the world’s highest outdoor observation deck for exceptional views of the city and desert beyond, and learn Dubai history along the way.

Best for ages: 4+ | £30

Museum of the Future

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[19.7 miles]

This extraordinary, one-of-a-kind museum offers an insight into what a future world will look like – a bewildering showcase of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and virtual reality. Unmissable.

Best for ages: 4+ | £35

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Aquaventure Waterpark
Experience

Aquaventure Waterpark

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[0.9 miles]

Colossal marine and waterpark located at Atlantis The Palm, featuring adrenalin-pumping slides, including 12 new slides added at Trident Tower. Heaven for kids and big kids; only the bravest dare to try the near-vertical ‘Leap of Faith’ waterslide.

Best for ages: 6+ | £70

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Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye) tallest ferris wheel in the world on Bluewaters Island, JBR beach club with sunbeds in the foreground.
Experience

Ain Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[5.3 miles]

The world’s highest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai has recently opened in Dubai Marina, offering spectacular views of the waters of the Arabian Gulf and towering skyscrapers along the coastline.

Best for ages: 6+ | £30

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Aqua Fun
Experience

Aqua Fun

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[5.7 miles]

The name says it all – 110 inflatable games and challenges floating on water offering hours of energetic fun for kids and adults alike. The world’s largest inflatable waterpark at 2,700 sq m is 25m off the beach at the Jumeirah Beach Residence. Open all year round.

Best for ages: 6+ | £35

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Madinat Jumeirah
Experience

Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[7.2 miles]

A staggering replica of an Arabian walled citadel from medieval times, complete with towering sand-coloured buildings topped by wind towers, a touristy-but-fun covered souk, some great restaurants and bars, and a maze of meandering canals and lagoons plied by abras.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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