Discover one of the best things to do in Dubai – hot air balloon rides over the golden desert. A full guide on what to expect, pricing, and why it’s among the top places to visit in Dubai.
Introduction: A Breathtaking Start to Your Day in Dubai
Among the skyscrapers and desert safaris, one experience in Dubai stands out for its sheer serenity and thrill—hot air ballooning over the desert. Imagine rising before dawn, being driven deep into the desert, and then gently lifting off into the early morning sky as the sun begins to rise over the sand dunes. That’s the magic of a balloon adventure in Dubai, one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the golden heart of the UAE.
If you're curating a list of places to visit in Dubai or hunting for the best things to do in Dubai, a sunrise balloon ride should absolutely make the cut. This blog covers everything you need to know—what to expect, how to book, what it costs in 2025, and why this adventure is so unique.
Why Choose a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai?
Dubai is known for luxury experiences, but a hot air balloon flight offers something even more valuable—perspective. You see the vastness of the desert, the patterns in the sand, and sometimes even wildlife like gazelles and Arabian oryx, all from 4,000 feet in the air.
Top Reasons to Try It:
- Unmatched sunrise views over the desert
- An eco-friendly way to explore nature
- Includes added activities like falconry shows or desert breakfasts
- Ideal for couples, families, and photographers
Where Do Balloon Rides in Dubai Take Place?
Most balloon rides take place in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or Margham Desert, located 45–60 minutes outside the main city. These areas offer vast, protected landscapes that are perfect for ballooning—no skyscrapers, no noise, just endless dunes and distant mountains.
📅 Best Time of Year for Balloon Rides
Hot air ballooning in Dubai is seasonal, primarily due to weather. Flights usually operate from October to April, when early mornings are cool and skies are clear.
What the Experience Looks Like (Step-by-Step)
1. Pre-Dawn Pickup
Most operators offer pickup from your hotel around 4:00–4:30 AM. The goal is to be airborne by sunrise.
2. Arrival and Briefing
Once you reach the desert site, enjoy coffee or dates while the crew inflates the balloon. You’ll receive a short safety briefing.
3. Takeoff and Flight
The balloon gradually rises as the first light breaks the horizon. You’ll float silently for 45–70 minutes over golden dunes, camel caravans, and sometimes wildlife.
4. Landing and Celebration
Landings are soft, followed by a certificate presentation, refreshments, and sometimes a gourmet breakfast in a Bedouin-style camp.
What You’ll See From the Sky
- Rippled dunes stretching endlessly
- Hatta Mountains in the far distance
- Wildlife like camels, Arabian oryx, and desert foxes
- Other balloons floating nearby—perfect for drone-style selfies
Tip: Bring a camera with a zoom lens and wear something comfortable but picture-worthy. Sunrise photos are phenomenal!
Add-Ons That Make It Even Better
Many balloon operators in Dubai now offer upgraded experiences to go beyond the balloon ride itself:
1. Falconry Onboard
A trained falconer releases a falcon mid-air during the flight—one of the most unique things you’ll ever see.
2. Vintage Land Rover Ride
After landing, hop into a 1950s-style Land Rover to explore the dunes safari-style.
3. Gourmet Breakfast
Freshly cooked in the desert, this breakfast usually includes:
- Eggs, shakshuka, fresh fruit
- Arabic coffee and dates
- Pastries, juice, and more
Cost of Balloon Rides in Dubai (2025 Updated)
While not a budget activity, ballooning is a bucket-list-level experience worth splurging on during your Dubai trip.
Who Can Go? Age & Fitness Requirements
- Most balloon operators allow ages 5+
- Pregnant women, people with serious heart or back conditions are usually advised not to fly
- No special fitness level required, but you should be able to stand for 1 hour and climb into the basket
Top Balloon Tour Companies in Dubai
Here are the most reputable and licensed companies offering balloon adventures:
Always book directly or through a verified platform. Check Google or TripAdvisor reviews before confirming.
What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable layered clothing (it’s cold in the morning)
- Closed shoes (no sandals or heels)
- Hat & sunglasses
- Camera or GoPro (with extra battery!)
- Don’t carry big bags—they’ll stay in the car
⚠️ Safety and Weather Cancellations
Hot air balloon rides are weather-dependent. If there’s strong wind or rain forecasted, your ride may be canceled or rescheduled. Choose an operator that offers:
- Full refund or reschedule options
- Insurance and certified pilots
- Real-time weather tracking
Why It’s Among the Best Things to Do in Dubai
If you’re searching for unforgettable places to visit in Dubai, this is unlike anything else. It’s peaceful yet exhilarating. Wild yet safe. And the only sound you’ll hear is the occasional burst of flame as your balloon drifts over the ancient desert.
Combine It With:
- Desert Safari (do it another evening)
- Luxury spa or hammam treatment after the early morning ride
- Visit to Al Marmoom Reserve to see more wildlife
Final Thoughts: Up, Up, and Awe!
A hot air balloon ride is more than just an activity—it’s a soul-stirring experience that combines adventure, culture, nature, and tranquility in one morning. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a honeymooner, or a family traveler, this is one of the best things to do in Dubai that will leave you speechless (and breathless in the best way).
Don’t just visit the malls—rise above them and watch the golden desert come alive beneath your feet.
🎥 Want to see what it's like?
Check out our vlog from the skies over Dubai here!
Follow us @rahaalexplorer for behind-the-scenes stories and travel tips.
