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Best time to visit Dubai

Ballooning in Dubai 2024-2025

Enjoy stunning views of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve from a balloon

Best time: September–May

Imagine the views of endless sand dunes, wandering camels, and breathtaking sunrises while you are flying over the Dubai Desert in a colorful balloon with an experienced guide. You don't have to rely purely on your imagination—all of this and more is entirely possible right in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. Its tourist capital, Dubai, offers a plethora of options for a breathtaking and memorable hot-air balloon ride.

Places for Hot-Air Balloon Rides

Most of the ballooning operators offer tours over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a stunning landscape of sand dunes and desert flora. Tours from Sindbad Balloons depart from Dubai Outlet Mall, while Hot Air Balloon Dubai pick up their passengers near Margham, at Exit 47 of Dubai-Al Ain Road. The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis offers a chance to witness Dubai's skyline from the bird's point of view, departing from their location near Aquaventure Beach.

Cost

The cost to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure at Sindbad Balloons ranges from 1,049 to 1,349 United Arab Emirates dirhams. Passes for children cost 999 to 1,149 dirhams. Tour organizer, The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis, gives you a chance to dip your toes in ballooning by experiencing a short 10-minute flight. The cost ranges from 175 to 275 dirhams for adults and 75 to 125 dirhams for children over 3 and up to 11 years old.

The Hot Air Ballon Dubai offers packages varying in price from 1100 to 1399 dirhams. Another great way to experience the Dubai desert is by choosing their Overnight Desert Escape and Ballooning package, which costs 1600 dirhams for children and 1800 dirhams for adults. It includes an overnight stay at a desert camp, a safari, an early morning balloon ride, and a camel ride.

Ride Schedule

While hot-air balloon rides are organized all throughout the year, the fall and winter months, from September to May, provide the best conditions for flying. The departures are usually scheduled for early mornings, and the time varies depending on the season. During the warmer months, the flights are normally scheduled around 5-6 am, with the hotel pickup at 4 am. In the winter, the hot-air balloons launch later in the morning, between 7 and 9 am. The flight usually lasts up to an hour and a half. However, some operators offer short rides.

Recommendations

It's important to remember that during this time of the year it may get quite cold in the desert, especially up in the air. Therefore, we advise you to take a jacket and have as much fun as possible! Organizers also ask all passengers to notify them of any illnesses and health conditions prior to the flight.

Practical info

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