Hot Air Balloon Ride

There are few quieter moments in Dubai than drifting above the desert at dawn. This hot air balloon experience starts before sunrise with a pickup from Dubai, and by the time the sun clears the horizon you are floating high above the dunes, watching the sand turn from grey to gold.

The flight

Take-off is from the Margham desert area near the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Once airborne, the balloon can climb to around 4,000 feet, offering wide views across rolling dunes, desert scrub and, with luck, wildlife such as gazelles or Arabian oryx. You spend about an hour in the air. Because balloons travel with the wind, the landing site changes each day and a ground crew follows to meet you.

After landing

Many standard packages continue with a short drive to a desert camp for breakfast, and some include extras such as a falcon encounter or a brief camel ride. Guests are usually back in Dubai by late morning.

Good to know

Pickups are very early, often around 4:30 to 5:00 am. Desert mornings can be cool in winter, so bring a warm layer. Flights operate seasonally, typically from around September or October through May, and every flight depends on weather on the day; strong winds lead to cancellations for safety. Ballooning is not advised for pregnant guests or those with certain medical conditions.