See the Dubai desert from the sky
A sunrise hot air balloon ride is one of the calmest ways to see the UAE. You leave the city in the dark, drive into the desert and lift off just as the horizon turns orange. From the basket you look down on rippling dunes, desert tracks and, with a little luck, Arabian oryx and gazelles moving across the sand.
Flights take off over the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a quiet stretch of desert about an hour from the city. Balloons move with the wind, so the only sounds are the occasional burner and your pilot pointing out the landscape. The flight lasts about 60 minutes, and a ground crew follows in a 4x4 to meet you wherever you land.
After landing, most guests continue to a desert camp for breakfast, a short camel ride and a photo with a falcon. It is a slow, scenic start to the day, and it is back at your hotel by mid-morning, leaving the rest of the day free.
Highlights of the balloon ride
What you will see, do and enjoy.
Sunrise flight
About an hour in the air as the sky changes from deep blue to gold, with 360 degree views.
Desert wildlife views
Look for oryx, gazelles and desert tracks from above in a protected nature reserve.
Photography moments
Soft low light, long shadows and rippled dunes make this one of the best photo mornings in Dubai.
Licensed pilot
An experienced pilot briefs you on safety, steers the flight and shares facts about the desert.
Desert breakfast
A hot breakfast at a Bedouin-style camp with coffee, tea, fruit and fresh bakery items.
Falcon and camel
Add a falcon photo and a short camel ride at the camp after you land.
Itinerary
Timings are typical and move with the sunrise time and your pickup area.
- 3:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Hotel pickup
Pickup from hotels and homes in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman in an air-conditioned vehicle. We confirm the exact time the day before.
- About 45 - 60 minutes
Drive to the launch site
Travel to the desert reserve in the dark. You can rest on the way.
- Before sunrise
Safety briefing and inflation
Meet your pilot, hear the safety briefing and watch the balloon fill with air while you enjoy a hot drink.
- At sunrise
Balloon flight
Lift off and float for about 60 minutes. The route follows the wind, so the pilot decides the exact path and landing spot.
- After landing
Celebration and certificate
Receive your flight certificate and take photos with the balloon crew.
- Mid-morning
Desert camp breakfast
Breakfast at the camp, plus a camel ride and falcon photo with the breakfast option.
- About 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Drop-off
Return transfer to your hotel or home.
Photo gallery
Balloons over the desert at sunrise. Tap a photo to enlarge it.
What’s included
Included
- Hotel or home pickup and drop-off
- Hot air balloon flight of about 60 minutes
- Licensed pilot and safety briefing
- Reserve entry and ground crew
- Flight certificate
- Hot drinks and refreshments before take-off
- Breakfast, camel ride and falcon photo (breakfast package)
Not included
- Professional photo or video package
- Quad bike or dune buggy add-on
- Personal drones (not allowed)
- Souvenirs
- Tips for crew
Best time to fly
Balloons fly from October to May. Here is what each part of the season feels like.
October - November
Mornings are mild and the desert is waking up after summer. A good choice if you want a warmer, more relaxed start.
December - February
The coolest and most popular months. Crisp air and clear light, though morning haze or fog can occasionally delay a flight.
March - May
Warmer mornings but still comfortable at sunrise. Flights end for the season as summer heat arrives.
Packages and prices
Pick the option that fits your group. Prices are in UAE dirhams (AED).
Sunrise Flight
Shared balloon flight of about 60 minutes with hotel transfer and flight certificate.
Child (5 to 11): AED 899
Book this optionFlight + Desert Breakfast
Shared flight plus a camp breakfast, camel ride and falcon photo.
Child (5 to 11): AED 1,149
Book this optionPrivate Balloon Flight
A private basket for couples, proposals or small groups with flexible timing.
Tell us your date and group size
Book this optionStarting prices for standard dates. Peak season, public holidays and special dates can change the final price, which we confirm before you pay.
Good to know before you book
Weather decides
Flights depend on wind and visibility. If the pilot cancels, you can reschedule or take a refund.
Health and comfort
Not recommended for pregnant women or for guests with serious back, neck or heart conditions or limited mobility.
What to wear
Dress in layers, closed flat shoes and sunglasses. Mornings are cool in winter and warm up fast.
Photos
Keep your phone or camera on a strap. Personal drones are not permitted on the flight.
