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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 17 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicola Chilton

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride over Dubai Desert

Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride over Dubai Desert

Dubai

Experience the magic of a balloon ride while floating over beautiful Dubai. We fly throughout Dubai desert and our personal touch and profes...

$275 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [142 ratings]

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Hot Air Balloon Ride With Gourmet Breakfast & Falcon Show

Hot Air Balloon Ride With Gourmet Breakfast & Falcon Show

Dubai

Prebook to secure a place on a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Dubai. Then, on the day, be transported into the desert, board your shared, p...

$333 | Rating 5 / 5 [13 ratings]

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Hot Air Balloon Flight in Dubai with Breakfast, Falconry and Camel Ride

Hot Air Balloon Flight in Dubai with Breakfast, Falconry and Camel Ride

Dubai

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...

$335 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [119 ratings]

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Hot Air Balloon Ride over Dubai Desert, Breakfast, Falcons & 1950s Land Rover

Hot Air Balloon Ride over Dubai Desert, Breakfast, Falcons & 1950s Land Rover

Dubai

See the desert sunrise from the air on this hot air balloon ride in Dubai. Rise early, travel by air-conditioned minibus to the launch site,...

$361 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [13 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dubai

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai offers year-round sun, sand and sea, with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture.

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

Camel Racing at Al Marmoom

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[11.9 miles]

Get a fascinating insight into Emirati culture, tradition and rituals by watching a camel race – a popular sport in Dubai since the 7th century.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | Half day

Dubai desert safaris

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[19 miles]

A must-do Dubai experience – experiencing the surrounding desert through outdoor adventure, desert dinner and traditional entertainment.

Best for ages: 10+ | £20 | 4+ hours

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A night in the desert

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[21.4 miles]

Take the opportunity to spend the night in a real desert, outside of the city – for a night of complete tranquillity and mesmerising star-gazing.

Best for ages: 13+ | £100 | 4 hours

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

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A serious, 86km cycling track out in the desert, head out for an early morning or evening ride and you might be lucky enough to spot gazelles or oryxes. Bike rental available from Hello Bike.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1+ hours

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Colorful Entrance to Global Village with crowd in Dubai, UAE. Brightly colouredl lights and highly detailed pavilion facades have helped make Global Village one of Dubai's most popular attractions
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A family-friendly journey around the world in one evening, full of shopping, food and entertainment. Pick up honey from Yemen, kaftans from Morocco, Thai food from the floating market, and go for a spin on the fairground rides. Good – if slightly kitsch – fun.

Best for ages: 6+ | £5

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Miracle Garden
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Miracle Garden

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One for the gardeners – this aptly-named garden, cultivated in the Middle East desert climes, is the world’s largest natural flower garden with over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. The 72,000 square metres of park features numerous structures and decorations – from castles to elephants to 747s – covered in brightly coloured blooms.

Best for ages: 13+ | £17

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