Top Dubai Helicopter Tours

A thrilling Dubai helicopter ride is an opportunity to create amazing vacation memories. Looking at ratings and reviews from past visitors, here are some of the best options:

• Dubai Helicopter Experience with Sightseeing Options
• Dubai Helicopter Tour from Palm Jumeirah
• Helicopter Tour in Dubai
• Helicopter Tour in Dubai With Transfers
• Dubai Helicopter Tour: Experience Dubai’s Iconic Landmarks

Helicopter tours of Dubai start at roughly US$200 per person for a standard 12-minute flight, while a 30-minute flight is more likely to cost close to US$500. On the upper end of the scale, a private helicopter ride with a full hour in the air and space for up to six people starts at roughly US$4,500 per group.

A standard Dubai helicopter ride includes 12 minutes of flight time, but many tours offer a choice of flight durations ranging from 12 minutes to a full 60 minutes. Short flights tend to focus on the Jumeirah Coastline, with views of the Burj Khalifa and The Palm Jumeirah, while longer tours also fly over Dubai Marina, the World Islands, and Old Dubai.

Most Dubai helicopter tours feature a flight over Dubai’s most famous landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; the sprawling Dubai Mall; and Palm Jumeirah, the artificial, palm-shaped archipelago that’s home to many exclusive hotels. You’ll also see the Persian Gulf coastline and the interconnected waterways Dubai Canal and Dubai Creek.

Yes, it’s possible to take a helicopter from Dubai to Abu Dhabi—but you’ll need to charter a private helicopter, which is likely to cost thousands of dollars. A more affordable option is to book a private transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and enjoy a helicopter ride over Abu Dhabi, followed by sightseeing in the city.

Yes, most travelers think helicopter rides over Dubai are worth it. Not only will you get an unbeatable aerial view of the city, but some of Dubai’s most remarkable landmarks—such as the man-made Palm Jumeirah and World Islands—can only be fully appreciated from above. While a helicopter tour isn’t the cheapest activity, it’s sure to be a memorable addition to your Dubai itinerary.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Dubai aside from helicopter tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Waterskiing and Jet-Skiing
• Safaris
• Dinner Cruises
• Dhow Cruises
• Theme Park Tickets and Tours

Dubai helicopter tour 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 tours to book now: 

• 12 Minute Dubai Helicopter Ride
• Helicopter Tour in Dubai: 12, 17, or 25 Minutes
• Dubai Helicopter Experience with Sightseeing Options
• Helicopter Tour in Dubai

There is a wide selection of Dubai helicopter rides available, so check the tour details carefully to choose the right flight based on your budget and preferred duration. Per-person weight limits vary depending on the aircraft, ranging from 221 pounds (100 kilograms) to 298 pounds (135 kilograms), and don’t be surprised if you’re weighed prior to boarding—this is for safety reasons, to ensure the correct weight distribution. Some helicopter tours are wheelchair-accessible, but most flights are not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with back, heart, or other serious medical conditions.

Book your Dubai helicopter tour for the morning or late afternoon, when the soft light usually offers the best views. Dress in layers, as conditions can vary at altitude, and opt for dark clothing to reduce window glare in photos. Arrive early, with ample time before takeoff to complete the safety briefings, and follow your pilot’s instructions throughout. Finally, don’t forget your camera!

Yes, many Dubai helicopter tours are family-friendly and welcome children on board. Most tours allow children over 2 years to fly, provided they can sit in their seat for the duration of the ride and are accompanied by an adult at all times. Typically, children require their own seat, which is usually charged at the same rate as an adult.

Yes, Dubai helicopter tours are just as safe as flying in any commercial plane. All helicopters in Dubai are flown by certified, experienced commercial pilots, flights operate under strict regulations set by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, and all passengers receive a safety briefing prior to takeoff, just like when you fly on a plane. If the weather is unsafe to fly, flights will be canceled or rescheduled.

Seats on helicopter tours of Dubai are limited—usually a maximum of six passengers—so advance reservations are recommended, especially if you have a particular day and time in mind. Book at least a day or two in advance for shared flights, or a week or more for a private flight or customized itinerary.

It depends. Dubai helicopter tour operators have different cancellation policies, so make sure you read and understand the booking conditions before you pay. Some tours offer a full refund if you cancel with 24 hours’ notice or more, but others are 100% non-refundable, so you would lose your money if you cancel, even in an emergency.

Most Dubai helicopter tours take off from the Dubai Police Academy Helipad in Al Sufouh (just off Sheikh Zayed Road) or the Atlantis, The Palm Helipad on the outer edge of the Palm Jumeirah. While some helicopter tours include hotel pickup and round-trip transfers, most require you to make your own way there. Check the arrival time carefully—you usually need to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.