Have you ever dreamed of floating high above golden sands? Especially when the sun slowly rises? A hot air balloon ride in Dubai just does that for you. It brings that dream to life in the most peaceful and magical way. Get ready to fly over the vast desert! Witness the beauty of the desert as it glows in soft morning light.
This is one of the top things to do in Dubai! Especially if you’re looking for a unique adventure. If it’s your first time flying in a hot air balloon, don’t worry! This article has got everything covered for you. This guide walks you through the entire experience, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
1. How to book Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai
Booking your balloon ride in Dubai is easy, but planning ahead is a good idea. This way, you can avoid any unwanted problems on your trip. So, rather than facing problems later, it’s always smarter to be prepared for every situation.
There’s no shortage of tour operators offering hot air balloon rides in Dubai — but not all rides are created equal! You can book online or through your hotel, but the smart move is to book early, especially between October and April when the skies are clear, the weather is perfect, and demand is sky-high (pun intended).
There are various options available for experiencing a hot air balloon ride in Dubai. You can choose between:
- Premium package: Includes breakfast, extra services
- Standard package: Group ride, basic experience
- Private package: For couples, families, or special events
Prices typically range from AED 900 to AED 1,500 per person, though premium packages with extras (like gourmet breakfasts or wildlife drives) can cost more. Before you lock in a booking, do a little homework: read reviews, compare what’s included, and always choose a licensed operator with a solid safety record. Your magical morning in the sky deserves nothing less!
2. Pre-Ride Preparation
Your hot air balloon adventure in Dubai begins early — very early – because the best part of this experience is witnessing the sun rise. Most tours kick off between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. A driver will swing by your hotel to pick you up (this is usually included in the package), and you’ll be whisked away toward the serene desert landscape just as the world begins to wake up.
Once you reach the launch site, nestled deep in the sand dunes, the Dubai morning desert safari air is cold and refreshing — a welcome change from Dubai’s usual heat. Some tour operators even offer a warm welcome in the form of tea, coffee, or light snacks. It’s a peaceful moment, sipping a hot drink in the cool desert air, with only the soft rustle of canvas and burners firing as the balloons are inflated nearby. Watching your balloon come to life in the pre-dawn dark is an experience in itself — eerie, beautiful, and full of anticipation.
When it comes to what to wear for a hot air balloon ride in Dubai, think comfort and layers. Mornings in the desert can be chilly, but as the sun rises, it warms up quickly. A light jacket or hoodie is perfect — easy to take off when needed. Closed-toe shoes are also a must, as sand has a sneaky way of slipping into sandals and making things uncomfortable mid-adventure.
Don’t leave without the essentials: your camera or phone (fully charged, of course!) is a must — the sweeping desert views at sunrise are something you’ll want to capture forever. Sunglasses will also come in handy as the golden light starts flooding the landscape — trust us, your future self will thank you.
One more pro tip: hit the bathroom before leaving your hotel. There usually aren’t any facilities at the launch site!
3. Safety Briefing & Balloon Setup
You might feel a little scared and be concerned about your safety. But don’t worry – your safety will be the top priority. Before the flight, your pilot and ground team will walk you through a short but clear safety briefing. This helps you understand exactly what to expect and eases any pre-flight jitters. You’ll learn how to climb in and out of the basket, how to hold on during takeoff and landing, and what to do (and not do) while in the air.
They’ll also introduce you to the equipment — the burners, the controls, and all the cool gear that makes this floating magic happen. One of the most exciting moments? Watching the balloon come to life. First, giant fans fill it with cold air, and then the burners blast warm flames into the envelope, slowly lifting it upright. It’s thrilling, and it makes for some seriously Instagram-worthy photos — the colorful balloon glowing in the soft morning light is something you won’t want to miss.
As the balloon rises into shape and the crew gives the final thumbs-up, the excitement really kicks in. This is the moment where it all starts to feel real — and unforgettable. Time to climb in and get ready to fly!
4. Takeoff Experience
Trust me — the moment your hot air balloon lifts off the ground might just be the highlight of the entire adventure. You’d think it would be nerve-wracking, but nope — it’s the complete opposite.
Takeoff is smooth, gentle, and almost surreal. There’s no noisy engine, no sudden jerks — just a quiet whoosh from the burner and then… you’re floating. It feels like being lifted by a breeze, like you’ve somehow tricked gravity.
As you slowly rise, the world below begins to shrink. The desert spreads out like a golden blanket, calm and endless. Then comes the real magic — the sun peeks over the dunes, turning the sky a soft, glowing orange. The moment is so still, so breathtaking, you might forget to even reach for your camera.
There’s no rush, no roar — just peace. Most people say it’s more calming than thrilling, like gliding through a dream. And honestly? They’re right.
5. During the Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai
Once you’re up in the air, time feels like it slows down — though in reality, your flight will last about 45 minutes to an hour. The exact duration depends on wind and weather conditions, but honestly, you won’t be watching the clock. You’ll be too busy soaking up the view.
Below you, the desert stretches out like a living painting — rippling red sand dunes that roll like waves, casting soft shadows as the morning sun rises. If you’re lucky, you might spot camels roaming the land, or even graceful gazelles darting between dunes. And off in the distance? The rugged Hajar Mountains rise like a backdrop from a movie set.
The air is perfectly still — no buzzing engines, no city noise — just pure, peaceful silence. It’s the kind of quiet that makes you want to close your eyes for a moment and simply feel the moment. Many do.
Your pilot might adjust the altitude now and then, either dipping lower to give you an up-close look at the desert’s textures and wildlife, or climbing higher for jaw-dropping panoramic views. Every level offers a new perspective — and yes, your camera will be working overtime. Keep it ready, because every second up there is photo-worthy.
Some tours include GoPro videos or in-flight photos as part of the package (or for an extra fee), so be sure to check when you book. Bonus: your pilot will often double as a storyteller, sharing cool facts about the desert, the balloon, and what’s happening around you. Feel free to ask questions — it adds to the magic.
Even though you’re sharing the basket with others, the experience feels deeply personal. There’s a reason so many people walk away calling it a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment — because it truly is.
6. Landing & Post-Flight
As your magical flight starts to wind down, the pilot will search for the perfect flat spot to land — usually somewhere tucked between the dunes. The descent is smooth and controlled, though you might feel a few gentle bumps as the basket touches down. Sometimes it tips slightly on landing, which is totally normal. Just hold on tight, listen to your pilot’s instructions, and enjoy the final moments of your sky-high adventure.
Once you’re back on solid ground, the ground crew will swoop in to help secure the balloon. You’ll be helped out of the basket, and don’t be surprised if you feel a little wobbly at first — it’s like stepping off a boat after being gently rocked in the air.
Many tour operators like to make the moment official. You might receive a flight certificate, and there’s often a group photo to commemorate your sky journey — a great souvenir to show off later!
But the adventure isn’t over yet. You’ll hop into a van or jeep for a ride back to base camp or a scenic breakfast spot. You’ll already have a phone full of epic photos and a head full of stories — and yes, there’s still more magic to come.
7. Breakfast & Optional Add-ons
If you think your experience is over after the hot air balloon ride in Dubai, then you are wrong! After the flight, it’s time to relax and eat. Most packages include breakfast. This can be either traditional Emirati food or international dishes. Think of fresh bread, dates, eggs, fruits, and hot tea or coffee.
Indulge yourself in the delicious breakfast in Bedouine style, offered to elevate your experience. Make those moments more special while sipping on a cup of coffee and taking in all the views.
Some experiences also include:
- A falconry show, where you can watch and even hold a falcon
- Camel rides in the desert
- Dune bashing or desert safaris
Check your package to know what’s included. Some companies offer optional add-ons for an extra cost. It’s a fun and relaxing way to end your morning. Sit down, enjoy the view, and go through your photos.
8. Tips for First-Timers taking a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai
A hot air balloon ride in Dubai is not your usual adventure. It’s slow, quiet, and full of beauty. If you’re planning to try it for the first time, here are some final tips:
- Expect early mornings. Set an alarm and go to bed early the night before.
- Dress in layers. The air is chilly before sunrise, but it gets warmer later.
- Charge your phone or camera fully.
- Don’t eat a heavy meal before flying. Light snacks are better.
A Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai is NOT SUITABLE FOR:
- Pregnant women
- Children under 5
- People with recent surgery
- Anyone with a serious fear of heights
Best time to go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai
- November to March is the most comfortable and scenic.
- Balloon rides are often called “bucket list” experiences—and for good reason. You’ll float above the world, see things you never imagined, and make a memory that stays with you forever.
- Take the chance. It’s worth every second.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai – Summery of all Tips
If you have never been on a hot air balloon before, then this is your chance. It is completely normal to feel a little nervous. However, all your worries will fly away once you’re in the sky. The journey promises a calm and incredibly peaceful experience. Watch the sun rise over the golden desert. This is something that you will never forget.
Once again, we will remind you to wear something layered and comfortable. Why? Because it will be a little bit chilly at dawn. So, don’t forget to carry a small jacket. A fully charged phone or camera is a must. Why? Because the views are too beautiful, you might not want to miss them. Just focus on the moment and let go. Then slowly let the stillness of the desert surround you.
A hot air balloon ride in Dubai is more than just a fun activity! It’s a memory you’ll carry for a lifetime. Get ready for this unique experience and enjoy every second of it.
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