Hot Air Balloon Dubai: Sunrise Desert Balloon Ride
Everything you need to know
Highlights
- Sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)
- 40–60 minute flight with an in-flight falcon show on every package
- Five packages from AED 1,100: Standard, Deluxe, Adventure, Heritage and Overnight
- Shared pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai city included
- Upgrade with a Bedouin camp breakfast, vintage Land Rover safari, dune bashing, quad biking or an overnight desert camp stay
- Book for yourself or send it as a gift: physical gift box or instant e-voucher, valid for 12 months
Overview
Details
A hot air balloon Dubai flight begins while the city is still asleep. You're collected from your hotel or residence in Dubai in the early hours and driven into the desert near Margham. At the take-off site you're welcomed with tea and coffee while the crew prepares the balloon under a sky that slowly turns from indigo to gold. After a safety briefing from your licensed pilot, you step into the basket and lift off just as the sun clears the horizon.
For the next 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the weather, you float high above the dunes. You travel with the wind, so the flight feels still and quiet apart from the occasional roar of the burner. Mid-flight, a trained falcon swoops alongside the basket, and below you herds of Arabian oryx and gazelles move across the reserve.
What happens after landing depends on your package: a buffet breakfast and camel ride at the camp, a vintage Land Rover safari through the DDCR, a round of dune bashing and quad biking, or, on the Overnight Package, a full evening of Bedouin music, fire shows and dinner before you fly the next morning.
Which Package Should You Choose?
- Standard (AED 1,100): you want the balloon flight itself, and to be back in the city by mid-morning
- Deluxe (AED 1,209): the best-value upgrade, with breakfast, a camel ride and your flight certificate for just AED 109 more
- Adventure (AED 1,399): you want a full desert morning with dune bashing, quad biking and a horse ride after the flight
- Heritage (AED 1,795): a slower, premium morning with a vintage Land Rover safari and à la carte Bedouin breakfast
- Overnight (AED 2,450): the complete desert escape; ideal for anniversaries, birthdays and once-in-a-lifetime gifts
What's Included (All Packages)
- Shared pickup and drop-off from any hotel, residence or location within Dubai city
- Safety briefing and 40–60 minute hot air balloon ride (depending on weather) with a licensed pilot
- Tea and coffee at the take-off location
- In-flight falcon show
Gift a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai
- Looking for a birthday, anniversary or thank-you gift that's more than another box? A hot air balloon ride in Dubai is a memory they'll talk about for years. With Dreamdays you can:
- Send a physical gift box delivered across the UAE
- Send an instant e-voucher by email for last-minute gifting
- Let them choose the date: vouchers are valid for 12 months
- Pick the package that fits your budget: from the AED 1,100 Standard flight to the AED 2,450 Overnight desert escape
Prefer to fly yourself? Choose Book for Me and pick your date.
Know Before You Go
- Pickup is early, usually between 4:00 and 5:00 AM (Overnight Package: the afternoon before)
- Flight time is 40–60 minutes depending on weather; total duration is 4 hours (Standard) to 6 hours (Adventure), or 18–20 hours for the Overnight Package
- Pickup and drop-off are on a shared basis within Dubai city; a private vehicle can be booked at extra cost
- Pickup from other emirates, Bab Al Shams or Jebel Ali is charged extra depending on location
- Advance booking is required
- Minimum age: 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Weather conditions may affect flight schedules
Safety and Planning:
- A full safety briefing is given before take-off
- Flights are operated by licensed, experienced pilots
- Follow the pilot's instructions during take-off and landing
- Not recommended for pregnant women or guests with serious medical conditions
- Dune bashing and quad biking (Adventure Package) are not recommended for guests with back or neck problems
Hot Air Balloon Dubai FAQs
How much does a hot air balloon ride cost in Dubai?
A sunrise hot air balloon ride in Dubai with Dreamdays starts from AED 1,100 per person for the Standard Package, including shared hotel transfers and an in-flight falcon show. The Deluxe Package with breakfast is AED 1,209, Adventure is AED 1,399, Heritage is AED 1,795, and the Overnight desert camp package is AED 2,450.
Is a hot air balloon ride in Dubai worth it?
Yes, if you want to see the desert in a way no safari can show it. You get a quiet 40–60 minute flight at sunrise, wide views over the dunes, a falcon show in the air and often wildlife sightings, all in one morning. It's especially popular as a gift for birthdays and anniversaries.
How long is the hot air balloon flight in Dubai?
The flight itself lasts 40–60 minutes depending on the weather. The full experience takes 4 hours for the Standard Package, 5 hours for Deluxe and Heritage, 6 hours for Adventure, and 18–20 hours for the Overnight Package.
What is the difference between the Standard and Deluxe packages?
Standard includes transfers, the balloon flight, tea/coffee and the in-flight falcon show. Deluxe adds a buffet breakfast at the camp, a short camel ride and a flying experience certificate, for AED 109 more.
What time does the hot air balloon ride start?
Pickup is usually between 4:00 and 5:00 AM so you can take off at sunrise, when the air is calmest. On the Overnight Package you're picked up the day before and fly the following morning.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Every package includes shared pickup and drop-off from any hotel, residence or location within Dubai city. A private vehicle can be booked at extra cost, and pickups from other emirates, Bab Al Shams or Jebel Ali are charged depending on location.
Where does the hot air balloon take off in Dubai?
Flights launch in the desert near Margham, in and around the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). The exact site depends on the wind on the day.
Do I get a flight certificate?
Yes, on the Deluxe and Adventure packages a flying experience certificate (soft copy) is emailed to you. On the Heritage and Overnight packages it is available on request.
Can I give a hot air balloon ride as a gift?
Yes. Choose "Send as a Gift" to send a physical gift box across the UAE or an instant e-voucher. The recipient has 12 months to book the date that suits them.
What To Bring
- Valid ID or passport
- Comfortable layered clothing (desert mornings are cool, then warm quickly after sunrise)
- Flat, closed-toe shoes
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Camera or smartphone with a wrist strap
- Overnight Package: an overnight bag with a warm layer for the evening
Location
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