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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 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 from Palm Jumeirah

Dubai

Dubai Helicopter Tour from Palm Jumeirah
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.

Price: $241

Min age: 2

Rating 4.39 / 5 [33 ratings]

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Dubai Helicopter Iconic Tour 12 Minutes

Dubai

Dubai Helicopter Iconic Tour 12 Minutes
Depart from the Dubai Marina- Helipad and experience mesmerizing sites of the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab’s iconic structure. As your aerial tour continues, fly above the astonishing Dubai beaches and The World Islands. Be adorned with the views of the amazing architectural masterpiece of BURJ KHALIFA – the tallest building in the world, the Dubai Canal, and other artistically built skyscrapers at the Business Bay. Return towards Dubai Marina with unforgettable memories of Dubai.

Price: $307

Min age: 4

Rating 4.85 / 5 [7 ratings]

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Dubai Helicopter Tour

Dubai

Dubai Helicopter Tour
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 is labeled a 7-star hotel? Or maybe wonder how the world looks at The World Islands? Or imagine getting an up-close look at Burj Khalifa? These wonders are created for someone like you to enjoy and appreciate. The city is rich in both natural and man-made creations that adorn the skyline and this beauty can be seen only from above. There is only one way to do this, take a helicopter tour! You are sure to have the most memorable and exciting aerial tour ever.

Price: A710

Min age: 2

Rating 4.67 / 5 [638 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dubai

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Burj Khalifa rising above Dubai downtown cityscape high angle view view at sunset. United Arab Emirates modern architecture and travel abstract

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.