Hot Air Balloon Dubai – Sunrise Flight Over the Desert
About This Experience
Watch the sun rise over the Arabian desert from a hot air balloon, one of the most unforgettable things to do in Dubai. You are picked up from your Dubai hotel before dawn and driven to the launch site in the desert outside the city, where you watch the crew inflate the giant balloons. As the sun comes up, you lift off gently and float for about an hour over golden dunes, desert wildlife and the Hajar Mountains on the horizon, at heights of up to 1,200 metres. A licensed pilot flies the balloon and explains the views, and a trained falcon may fly alongside the basket during the flight. After landing you receive a flight certificate, then enjoy breakfast at a desert camp before being driven back to your hotel. Prices for a hot air balloon ride in Dubai depend on the package you choose: the standard shared flight is the best value, while higher packages add a vintage Land Rover transfer, camel ride and more time at the camp.
Experience Highlights
What's Included
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight (about 1 hour)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai (shared)
- Tea and coffee at the launch site
- Safety briefing by a licensed pilot
- Falcon show
- Flight certificate
- Breakfast at a desert camp
What's Not Included
- Private transfers (available as an add-on)
- Professional photos and video (available as an add-on)
- Tips and personal expenses
Experience Itinerary
7 StopsPickup from your Dubai hotel (around 4:00–5:00 AM)
A driver collects you from your hotel or residence in Dubai before dawn. The exact time is shared the day before your flight.
Tea, coffee and safety briefing
Arrive at the desert launch site, enjoy a hot drink and listen to the pilot's safety briefing.
Watch the balloons come to life
See the crew inflate the giant balloons and climb into the basket as the sky starts to brighten.
About 1 hour over the dunes
Lift off at sunrise and float over golden dunes, gazelles and camel farms with the Hajar Mountains in the distance.
Key Experience Facts
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Starting Price
- AED 1,049 per adult
- Available Languages
- English, Arabic
- Confirmation
- Instant Mobile Voucher
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation available
- Ticket Type
- Digital / Mobile E-Ticket
Important Information
- • Pickup is very early, usually between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. The exact time is confirmed the day before.
- • Minimum age is 7 years and minimum height is 120 cm (operator rules may vary).
- • Not suitable for pregnant guests or people with serious back, knee or heart conditions, or recent surgery.
- • Flights run only in safe weather. If a flight is cancelled for weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
- • Season: flights operate mainly from September to May.
- • Wear comfortable layers and flat shoes. Mornings in the desert can be cool.
Frequently asked questions
Everything travellers ask us about Hot Air Balloon Dubai – Sunrise Flight with Breakfast.
How much is a hot air balloon ride in Dubai?+
A hot air balloon ride in Dubai starts from AED 1,049 per adult and AED 999 per child for a standard shared sunrise flight with hotel pickup, falcon show and breakfast. Deluxe and Premium packages cost more and add extras like a camel ride or a vintage Land Rover drive.
What time does the hot air balloon flight start?+
Flights take off at sunrise, so hotel pickup is usually between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. The exact time is confirmed the day before.
How long is the balloon flight?+
The full experience takes about 3 hours, including about 1 hour in the air, the falcon show and breakfast.
Where does the hot air balloon fly in Dubai?+
Balloons launch from the desert outside Dubai, off the Dubai–Al Ain road, and fly over red dunes with views of the Hajar Mountains.
Can children ride the hot air balloon?+
Yes, children aged 7 and above who are at least 120 cm tall can fly, subject to the operator's rules on the day.
Is a hot air balloon ride in Dubai safe?+
Yes. Flights are run by licensed operators with experienced pilots, and they only fly in safe weather conditions. Follow the pilot's safety briefing at all times.
What happens if the flight is cancelled due to weather?+
If the operator cancels for weather or safety reasons, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.
When is the best season for a hot air balloon ride in Dubai?+
The best time is from October to April, when mornings are cool and clear. Flights usually pause in the hottest summer months.