Sailing through the sky during one of the spectacular Dubai hot air balloon rides is an excellent idea. Escape the bustling city to relax and witness the grandeur of the Arabian desert at sunrise. Your adventure will begin at dawn, as the first rays of sunshine illuminate the vast landscape. There are multiple Dubai hot air ballooning packages that besides the flight also include breakfast and amazing desert activities.
Balloon rides in Dubai are suitable for various types of people, including nature lovers, hopeless romantics, adventure seekers, couples and families with kids. It’s an enchanting journey, transporting you to a world where the sky is the limit. In this post, I will share my experience and tell you all you need to know about Dubai hot air balloon ride prices, packages, timings, locations, dress code and factors to consider to choose the tour that is ideal for you.
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What to expect on a Dubai hot air balloon tour
An exhilarating hot air balloon ride in Dubai guarantees a unique adventure. You will be picked up from your hotel or other accommodation at night and brought to the flight location in the desert. After all the necessary safety instructions you will watch the balloon being inflated with hot air. This is the moment when nature starts waking up and the first sounds fill up the air. Afterwards, you will get into the basket and prepare for lift-off.
From the moment you ascend into the sky until the time you touch down, the experience is nothing short of magical. As the balloon gently lifts off, you’ll feel a rush of excitement. The vast expanse of the Arabian Desert will come into view.
Floating above the desert, you’ll spot wandering camels, gazelles and the occasional oryx in their natural habitat. The distant view of the Hajar Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for your journey. You will see as far as the border with Oman.
As the sun begins to set, the desert’s ambience shifts dramatically. The golden sands reflect the sunlight, creating a glow that’s truly mesmerising. The tranquillity of the ride is only interrupted by the occasional burst of flame, keeping the balloon aloft and the adventure alive.
Do not forget to prepare your camera to take stunning photos and videos of the surroundings and just enjoy the moment. When your Dubai hot air balloon ride comes to an end you will land at a designated spot which depends on the wind direction and other factors. After you get your flight certificate, you can either have breakfast and continue your activities program or return to the city depending on the booked package.
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Factors to consider when choosing a Dubai hot air balloon ride
When planning a Dubai hot air balloon flight I recommend considering several factors.
- Tour reviews and company reputation
- Hot air balloon flight price
- Hot air balloon flight duration
- Departure time from the city
- Season
- Weather conditions
- Group type (private or shared)
- Hot air balloon ride locations
- Weight, age and health restrictions
- Other activities included
Besides the Dubai hot air balloon price, I always pay attention to the reputation of the tour provider. Browse through customer reviews and testimonials to gain insight into their service quality. Below you can see the list of the best providers of hot air balloon rides in Dubai.
Next, consider the balloon tour Dubai offers in terms of duration and route. Moreover, think of whether you would like to join a group or have the whole balloon just for yourself and your companions. There are often weight, age and health restrictions in place, so do not forget to check them too.
The important thing to keep in mind is that the majority of hot air balloon tours in Dubai are not organised in summer due to the heat. Most companies offer ballooning in Dubai from September to May. Always check the weather forecast before your trip to dress accordingly. By the way, you can read my tips on what to wear on a balloon ride below.
Lastly, consider the balloon trip Dubai offers in terms of packages. Some tours include extras like breakfast, dune bashing, a camel ride or even a falconry show. Pick-up and drop-off are typically already included. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose a package that best suits your needs.
Have Fun Dubai’s Tip: Most Dubai hot air balloon trips start in the early hours of the morning, with pick-up generally provided at 04:00. To make the most of your experience, consider going to bed on time and setting two alarms if you are not used to getting up so early.
Best Dubai hot air ballooning providers
Here is the list of the most reliable and reputable providers of Dubai hot air balloon rides:
- Sindbad Gulf Balloons
- Dubai Ballooning
- Hot Air Balloon
- Balloon Adventures Dubai
How long are hot air balloon rides
- Dubai hot air balloon flight duration: 40 to 70 minutes
Hot air balloon rides in Dubai typically last between 40 to 70 minutes. However, the entire experience, including transfer, preparation, briefing, inflation of the balloon, the flight itself and deflation, can span four to six hours. I recommend keeping this in mind when planning your day.
The duration of the flight may vary depending on weather conditions. In ideal conditions, you can expect a smooth and lengthy ride. However, if the weather is less than perfect, the pilot may decide to land earlier to ensure everyone’s safety.
How much are Dubai hot air balloon rides
- Dubai hot air balloon ride price: AED 1,000 per person to AED 13,000 per flight
The cost of Dubai hot air balloon rides can vary depending on several factors. These include the time of year, the duration of the flight and any additional amenities included in the package. On average, you can expect to pay between AED 1,000 to AED 1,200 per person.
The hot air balloon Dubai cheap packages may come with fewer amenities and include only transfer and beverages. On the other hand, premium packages often come with added benefits like private transfers, gourmet breakfasts and other desert activities.
Popular hot air ballooning locations
Dubai hot air balloon rides typically take off from desert locations away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Common take-off points include places in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Lahbab Desert.
Since recently, you can also enjoy a Dubai hot air balloon flight on Palm Jumeirah. The Dubai Balloon is a new attraction next to the iconic Atlantis the Palm hotel. It offers a unique 360-degree panorama of the city and its surrounding sea. However, I should mention that it is not a traditional flight because the balloon is attached to the ground by a cable. Nevertheless, the views during this 10-minute experience are truly fantastic!
Cheapest Dubai hot air balloon rides
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, there are several low-priced hot air balloon rides in Dubai. Such hot air balloon Dubai cheap packages usually include just the flight and transportation to and from the launch site.
Dubai hot air balloon sunrise flight
- Tour provider: Sindbad Gulf Balloons
- Pick-up: Dubai
- Starting time: 04:00
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Flight duration: 40–70 minutes
- Group type: Shared
- Age: 5 to 80 years
- Weight restrictions: 120 kg
- What is included: flight, hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dubai urban areas, water, tea, coffee
- Price: AED 1,050 per person
Book your Dubai hot air balloon sunrise flight here
Basic Dubai hot air balloon ride
- Tour provider: Dubai Ballooning
- Pick-up: Dubai
- Starting time: 04:00
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Flight duration: 40–70 minutes
- Group type: Shared
- Age: 5 to 80 years
- Weight restrictions: 120 kg
- What is included: flight, hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dubai urban areas, water, soft drinks, Wi-Fi
- Price: AED 1,150 per person
Book your basic Dubai hot air balloon ride here
Standard hot air balloon ride in Dubai with in-flight falcon show
- Tour provider: Hot Air Balloon
- Pick-up: Dubai
- Starting time: 03:00
- Tour duration: 3 hours
- Flight duration: 40–60 minutes
- Group type: Shared
- Age: 5 to 80 years
- Weight restrictions: 120 kg
- What is included: flight, hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dubai urban areas, tea, coffee, in-flight falcon show
- Price: AED 1,100 per person
Book your standard hot air balloon ride in Dubai with in-flight falcon show here
Premium Dubai hot air balloon rides
Do you prefer more than just a flight? In that case, consider premium packages which often include additional perks like a gourmet breakfast, falconry demonstrations and even a wildlife safari. Here are my personal favourites:
Dubai hot air balloon flight with breakfast and camel ride
- Tour provider: Sindbad Gulf Balloons
- Pick-up: Dubai
- Starting time: 04:00
- Tour duration: 5 hours
- Flight duration: 40–70 minutes
- Group type: Shared
- Age: 5 to 80 years
- Weight restrictions: 120 kg
- What is included: flight, hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dubai urban areas, water, tea, coffee, breakfast in a Bedouin camp, short camel ride, falconry photos
- Price: AED 1,150 per person
Book your Dubai hot air balloon flight with breakfast and camel ride here
Dubai hot air balloon flight with breakfast
- Tour provider: Dubai Adventures
- Pick-up: Dubai
- Starting time: 04:00
- Tour duration: 5 hours
- Flight duration: 60 minutes
- Group type: Shared
- Age: 5 to 80 years
- Weight restrictions: 120 kg
- What is included: flight, hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dubai urban areas, breakfast, falconry photos
- Price: AED 1,370 per person
Book your Dubai hot air balloon flight with breakfast here
Adventure hot air balloon ride Dubai with dune bashing and quad biking
- Tour provider: Hot Air Balloon
- Pick-up: Dubai
- Starting time: 03:00
- Tour duration: 5 hours
- Flight duration: 40–60 minutes
- Group type: Shared
- Age: 5 to 80 years
- Weight restrictions: 120 kg
- What is included: flight, hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dubai urban areas, tea, coffee, breakfast, short horse and camel ride, short dune bashing and quad biking, in-flight falcon show
- Price: AED 1,505 per person
Book your adventure hot air balloon ride Dubai with dune bashing here
- Deal alert: Are you looking for Dubai hot balloon deals and offers? This flight may be available at a cheaper price on Tiqets.
Private hot air balloon Dubai tours
For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, a private hot air balloon flight in Dubai is the perfect choice. Enjoy the captivating beauty of Dubai’s landscapes in a more intimate setting, free from the crowds. It’s an excellent option for couples, families or groups of friends looking for a shared adventure.
Private flights often come with their perks, such as a personal pick-up and drop-off service and the ability to tailor the experience to your preferences. Do you plan to propose or surprise your family? This is your chance to rise and shine!
Private Dubai hot air balloon ride
- Tour provider: Sindbad Gulf Balloons
- Pick-up: Dubai and Sharjah
- Starting time: 04:00
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Flight duration: 40–70 minutes
- Group type: Private
- Age: 5 to 80 years
- Weight restrictions: 120 kg
- What is included: flight, private hotel pick-up and drop-off, water, soft drinks, breakfast in a Bedouin camp, short camel ride, flight video
- Price: AED 11,000 per flight
Book your private Dubai hot air balloon ride
What to wear for a Dubai hot air balloon ride
So, how to dress for a hot air balloon flight in Dubai? When preparing for a Dubai hot air balloon ride, comfort should be your top priority. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as the desert can be uneven and sandy. I recommend loose, comfortable clothing to make it easy to get in the basket and then out of it.
Moreover, dressing in layers is a good idea as temperatures in the desert can vary. Early mornings can be chilly and windy. Carry, for example, a sweater or a light jacket that you can take off when it gets warmer.
Is it cold during a hot air balloon flight in Dubai
Despite Dubai’s generally warm climate, it can get chilly during a hot air balloon flight, especially in the early morning hours. The heat from the balloon’s burner does provide some warmth, but it’s advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater, especially during the cooler months. The temperature at the floating height is not much different than on the ground.
What is the weight limit for a Dubai hot air balloon ride
Typically, each passenger should not weigh more than 120 kg. The weight limit for a Dubai hot air balloon trip generally depends on the size of the basket and you can check the exact indications on the reservation page.
Safety measures during hot air balloon flights
Are Dubai hot air balloon flights safe? Safety is paramount when it comes to hot air balloon rides in Dubai. All reputable operators follow strict safety guidelines and measures. These include thorough pre-flight checks, professional pilot training, regular equipment maintenance and comprehensive passenger briefings.
In addition, each balloon is equipped with safety features such as fire extinguishers, rapid deflation systems and first aid kits. Passengers are also required to stand during take-off and landing and hold onto the handles inside the basket.
What are the main parts of a hot air balloon
In conclusion, a few words about the balloon parts, in case you were wondering. A hot air balloon consists of three main parts: the basket (or gondola), the burner and the envelope. The basket is where passengers and the pilot stand during the flight. It’s usually made of wicker, which is both strong and flexible.
The burner, powered by propane tanks stored in the basket, generates the heat needed to lift the balloon into the air. The envelope is the large fabric part of the balloon that holds the hot air. It’s made of durable, heat-resistant material and gives the balloon its distinctive shape.
You are now set for your flight. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply want to see Dubai from a different perspective, it’s an adventure worth taking. Don’t wait any longer and book your hot air balloon ride today. Have fun in Dubai!
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