Top Dubai Hot Air Balloon Rides

Past travelers rave about Dubai hot-air balloons that transport you high above scenic desert dunes. Here are some of the top-rated tours available now:

• Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Vintage Land Rover & Breakfast
• Deluxe Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast & Flight Falcon Show
• Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Falconry & Camel Ride
• Hot Air Balloon Ride & In-flight Falcon Show including Transfers
• Hot Air Balloon Ride With Gourmet Breakfast & Falcon Show

Yes. The dramatic red sands of the Dubai desert provide a spectacular backdrop for a hot air balloon ride, offering panoramic aerial views of the desert landscape. Floating over the desert dunes is an unforgettable experience, and the most magical views are at sunrise—well worth the early-morning wake-up call.

Hot-air balloon rides in Dubai start at about US$200 per person. Tours usually include transportation from your hotel, and you’ll share the balloon’s basket with other guests. Private hot-air balloon rides or group tours that include other activities, such as a falcon show or camel ride, will cost more. For a more affordable option, you can also ride the Dubai Balloon, a tethered hot-air balloon at Atlantis The Palm, with tickets starting at US$54.

Most hot-air balloon rides in Dubai spend between 40 and 70 minutes in the air. Flight times can vary, with the exact length determined by the day’s weather conditions and the resulting flight path. Expect the entire tour, including hotel transport and sometimes breakfast and other added activities, to last 3–5 hours.

The most popular time for a hot-air balloon ride in Dubai is at sunrise, which means an early-morning departure—expect to be picked up from your hotel as early as 4am. For the best weather, book during the winter months from November to March, when it’s cooler and less humid.

Hot-air balloon rides take place over the red sands of the Dubai desert and offer a unique bird’s-eye view perspective that shows off the vastness of the desert. Most tours are timed so that you can watch the sunrise over the rolling dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for desert wildlife, watch the other balloons from the air, and perhaps spot Dubai’s city skyline in the distance.

It depends. Most Dubai hot-air balloon tours include hotel pickup and round-trip shared transport from Dubai to the desert, a flight certificate upon completion of your ride, and bottled water or refreshments. Other tours include a full breakfast, professional photographs, or additional desert activities such as dune-bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, and a camel ride. For an extra special experience, book an overnight desert safari combined with a hot-air balloon ride.

Dubai hot-air balloon ride prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best rides to book now: 

• The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis Tickets with Options
• The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis Palm Tickets With Transfers Option
• The Dubai Balloon 360 Degree Dubai Skyline Views
• Hot-Air Balloon Sunrise Tour with Free Transport in Dubai
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Pick-up and Drop-off

Sunrise hot-air balloon flights are a popular choice for travelers to Dubai, so it’s always best to book ahead—especially if you’re visiting during peak season (November–March). Although you might still be able to snag a spot at the last minute, for the best choice of tours, book at least a month in advance. Tours are weather-dependent, so it’s a smart idea to book your hot-air balloon ride for the first day of your trip, leaving time to rebook if needed.

To fully enjoy your hot-air balloon ride in Dubai, dress appropriately. The temperature at sunrise might be cooler than you expect, so wearing layers is a wise choice. Remember to take your sunscreen and sunglasses and secure your belongings—nothing ruins a hot-air balloon ride like dropping something over the side of the basket while you’re up in the air. Finally, plan an early night before your tour, as hotel pickups start early.

Yes, hot-air balloon rides are regulated by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, which enforces strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety of tourist flights. Certified tour operators coordinate with air traffic control for takeoff and landing and receive meteorological briefings before each flight to ensure the most accurate forecast. Flights only take place when weather conditions are suitable. Your balloon pilot will be a licensed commercial pilot, and you’ll receive a detailed safety briefing and full instructions before you fly.

Hot-air balloon flights are always subject to weather conditions and may be canceled or postponed if it’s unsafe to fly. If your flight is canceled, you should be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule your tour for another day, subject to availability. However, compensation is usually not offered if your balloon flight is slightly delayed or cut short due to the day’s conditions—the exact takeoff and landing times depend on wind conditions, and safety is always the first priority.

Yes, but there are some age and mobility restrictions. Most hot-air balloon tours have a minimum age for children—usually between 5 and 7 years—and kids generally need to be tall enough to see over the basket. There isn’t always an upper age limit, but a minimum level of mobility is required, as you will need to climb into the basket and stand for the duration of the flight. Hot-air balloon rides aren’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with existing back, heart, or other serious medical issues.

Most Dubai hot-air balloon flights depart from a dedicated drop zone in the Dubai desert, about an hour’s drive outside the city. The sites are often accessible only by 4WD, but transfers are typically included. For a complete change of scenery, you can also travel from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah for a hot-air balloon flight or experience the view from the tethered Dubai Balloon at Palm Atlantis along the Dubai coast.