Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride over Dubai Desert
Dubai
$275 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [142 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Bucket list experience:
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >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.
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
$275 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [142 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Dubai
$333 | Rating 5 / 5 [13 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Dubai
$335 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [119 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Dubai
$361 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [13 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai offers year-round sun, sand and sea, with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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, 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
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
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[23.5 miles]
Dive down into the world’s deepest diving pool, and discover a bizarre, imaginary sunken world. Snorkelling and kids’ experiences are available too.
Best for ages: 8+ | £90 | 2+ hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[10.4 miles]
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
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[16.9 miles]
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
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[19.6 miles]
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