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Hot-air balloon flights over Dubai’s desert

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Last updated: 19 April, 2024

Floating over the Dubai desert at sunrise in a hot air balloon is a magical experience; the chance to get a unique perspective on just how extensive the desert really is.

As the sun rises and its rays touch the surface of the dunes, the colours change from pale yellow to orange, and in some parts where the iron content is high, almost scarlet.

If you’re lucky, you might have some early morning mist; as it clears, the extraordinary landscape of rolling dunes is revealed. Keen-eyed viewers may also see groups of camels traversing the sands.

Children over 4 are permitted, accompanied by an adult, but they need to be tall enough to see over the basket unaided – and unafraid of heights!

Logistics

Price from: £250

Minimum age: 4

Age suitable: 12+

When: All year around

Duration: 4-5 hours

Getting there & doing it

The flight itself takes about an hour, but allow around 4-5 hours for the whole experience including transfer time. Most packages include transfers to the take-off site from the city and breakfast, with optional add-ons such as photo sessions, video of your flight and falconry also available.

There are a number of hot air balloon operators. You can book direct or through a third-party agent as part of a wider desert experience.

Take a sweater or something warm as it can feel chilly in the desert, and at high altitude in the mornings. A full safety briefing is given before take-off, and safety belts are worn for landing.

When to do it

The ballooning season is generally September to May, weather permitting. Early morning fog or high winds can ground the balloons, but sometimes only lead to a delayed take-off, in which case you’ll have breakfast first and then fly.

Weekends and school holidays will be busier, so if you can avoid these times you’ll likely have more space in the basket.

Who to go with: organised tours

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

Luxury Hot Air Balloon, Land Rover Defender & Michelin Breakfast

Dubai

Viator

Hero Balloons Flights is the World’s Leading Hot Air Balloon Company, operating since 2005. Unlike commercialised check-box tours, our experiences are crafted with heart and intention, and filled with meaningful moments. Formerly known as Balloon Adventures Dubai, the company has rebranded to align with its parent company, Hero Experiences Group, and its international expansion. Discover the city’s culture and heritage on a storytelling hot air balloon journey through the skies, as you soar alongside an in-flight falcon. Unwind at a luxurious and tranquil desert oasis set in a Royal Desert Reserve, and feast on a contemporary breakfast menu inspired by the four elements, crafted by a Michelin-Star Chef. This is Dubai's ultimate hot air balloon desert retreat made for the discerning traveller.

Price AED 1,995

Min age 5

Rating 4.86 / 5 [722 ratings]

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Deluxe Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast & Flight Falcon Show

Dubai

Viator

Enjoy and explore the iconic Dubai desert as you float gently in our hot air balloon. All our balloon rides start just before sunrise and therefore, you need to wake up before dawn and take an early morning drive to catch the glimpse of the natural beauty all around you. Our hot air balloon adventure starts with a quick pre-flight briefing and then, you are aboard the basket to glide all across the vast expanse of the desert of Dubai. The Deluxe Package is inclusive of return transfers to & from within Dubai, In Flight Falcon Show, Gourmet Breakfast in a Traditional Bedouin Camp plus a Camel Ride.

Price AED 1,242

Min age 5

Rating 4.86 / 5 [367 ratings]

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Adventure Hot Air Balloon with Buffet Breakfast & Falcon Show

Dubai

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Our Adventure package is for the ultimate desert experience in one go. Enjoy the perfect sunrise from our hot air balloon, then get whisked away to some adventurous quad biking, dune bashing, horse riding, have some amazing gourmet breakfast in the desert along with camel riding all in one day! The Adventure Package is inclusive of return transfers to & from within Dubai, Gourmet Breakfast in a Traditional Bedouin Camp, Dune Bashing, Quad Biking, Horse Riding, In flight Falcon Show plus Camel Ride.

Price AED 1,449

Min age 5

Rating 4.91 / 5 [260 ratings]

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Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Dubai Desert inlcuding Transfers

Dubai

Viator

Experience the magic of a balloon ride while floating over beautiful Dubai. We fly throughout Dubai desert and our personal touch and professional experience will make your flight a memorable event. We schedule flights once a day, every day, all year round. Our goal is to premium Hot Air Balloon Rides for all to enjoy. We strive to make your Hot Air Balloon Ride over scenic Dubai a wonderful experience that you will cherish for years to come. To offer a best possible flight and experience, we choose the most suitable take-off site for the day’s flight, depending on the direction and the strength of winds.

Price $235

Min age 5

Rating 4.85 / 5 [230 ratings]

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Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Falconry & Camel Ride

Dubai

Viator

Our balloon flight begins to take off at around the sunrise. The flight goes up approximately till 3000 to 4000 feet to show you the sunrise and extraordinary views of UAE. Then it will float through the valleys, and descend through the desert, over the dunes, gazelles, camels, wildlife and beautiful landscapes. After landing our vehicles will take you to our camp for a gourmet breakfast where you will be able to take some photos with the falcons and the camel ride.

Price $313

Min age 5

Rating 4.78 / 5 [217 ratings]

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