Overview
A Dubai hot air balloon ride is the city’s most magical early-morning experience. As the balloon drifts over rolling dunes and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you’ll see camels, gazelles, and the soft glow of dawn across endless sandscapes.
Travel logistics
All flights (except for the Dubai Balloon at Atlantis) depart at sunrise from Margham Desert, about 45 minutes from central Dubai along the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66). Shared hotel pickups (3–4 AM) and round-trip transfers are included in most tours, while private options suit those outside pickup zones. Weather and wind play a big role — if conditions aren’t safe, operators offer free rebooking or refunds.
Plan your day
Handy tips
Soar above rolling golden dunes at sunrise, where soft light, calm winds, and endless sandscapes create some of the most photogenic desert views in Dubai.
Glide over a protected desert habitat and spot native wildlife such as Arabian oryx and gazelles moving freely across untouched desert terrain.
A vast natural landscape dotted with desert lakes and salt flats, offering rare aerial views of migratory birds and the quiet beauty of Dubai’s open desert.
Watch the desert transform at dawn as warm sunlight spreads across the dunes, creating ever-changing colors and dramatic photo moments.
Take in clear aerial views of Palm Jumeirah’s palm-shaped layout, from its fronds to the surrounding crescent.
Hover above Atlantis The Palm and appreciate its striking architecture set against the Arabian Gulf.
Enjoy panoramic views of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and the curve of Dubai’s coastline in the soft morning light.
On clear days, spot parts of Dubai’s skyline on the horizon, adding an urban contrast to the coastal views below.
All tours (except for Atlantis) include round-trip hotel transfers, so you don’t need to arrange transport to the Margham or RAK launch site. The main differences come down to comfort level, inclusions, and style.
Classic sunrise flights: For a simple, great-value experience with transfers included, choose the standard Dubai sunrise hot air balloon ride. Couples may prefer the more intimate hot air balloon ride for 2.
Luxury experiences: For a premium morning in the desert, the premium hot air balloon experience pairs the flight with an elevated Michelin breakfast in the desert with exclusive extras like a drone show.
Different landscapes: For mountain scenery, the hot air balloon experience in Ras Al Khaimah offers a striking alternative to Dubai’s dunes. For coastal views, The Dubai Balloon at the Atlantis provide a shorter, tethered balloon experience over Palm Jumeirah.
Most Dubai desert hot air balloon flights launch from Margham, a protected area outside the city. Access is tightly controlled, and most guests arrive via pre-arranged transfers.
Mountain sunrise hot air balloon experiences in Ras Al Khaimah operate near Al Hamra, offering a scenic alternative to Dubai’s desert flights.
The Balloon Atlantis is a tethered hot air balloon experience located within Atlantis The Palm.
A short drive from Margham, this peaceful eco-reserve features desert lakes, cycling tracks, and birdlife. Ideal if you want to stay connected to nature after your flight.
Extend your desert day with dune bashing, camel rides, or sunset experiences. A great option for travelers looking to add adventure to their itinerary.
Located around 35–40 minutes away, this seasonal attraction combines international pavilions, live performances, shopping, and global cuisine—perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening.
Less than an hour from the desert, this indoor theme park offers rides and attractions in a fully air-conditioned setting, making it a family-friendly contrast to the morning outdoors.
End the day along Dubai Creek at this heritage-inspired waterfront, known for traditional architecture, cultural spaces, and scenic evening walks.
Authentic post-flight spot for traditional Emirati breakfast under Bedouin tents.
Retro food truck park ideal for quick snacks or coffee post-flight.
A refined yet relaxed option for breakfast or brunch at Atlantis The Palm.
A vibrant buffet restaurant offering a wide selection of international breakfast dishes, perfect for groups or families.
A relaxed beachfront restaurant perfect after a mountain sunrise balloon flight.
A polished dining spot offering a leisurely breakfast or early lunch.
Traditional Arabian-style marketplace near the Burj Al Arab. Ideal for picking up handwoven textiles, perfumes, and souvenirs with stunning canal views.
Beautiful heritage quarter by Dubai Creek with small boutiques selling Emirati crafts, coffee blends, and dhow-inspired décor. Great for leisurely post-flight strolls.
World’s largest mall featuring premium souvenir stores, local art galleries, and flight certificates — perfect if you want something sleek and easy before heading back.
Open-season marketplace (Oct–Apr) where 80+ country pavilions sell regional snacks, crafts, and fashion. Fun for families and perfect for unique global finds.
Closer to Margham Desert, this rustic-style market sells handcrafted pottery, camel-leather goods, and desert spices. A great cultural stop on your return route.
The flight lasts 45–70 minutes, but the full experience—including transfers, safety briefing, and breakfast—takes 3–6 hours.
Pickups begin around 3–4am. Flights lift off between 4:30–6am, finishing by late morning.
Yes. Kids 5 years and older can fly with an adult. Children under 5 are not allowed for safety reasons.
Closed-toe shoes and layered clothing are best. Avoid skirts, dresses, and heels; it’s chilly before sunrise and warms quickly.
No. Standard balloons aren’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Check with your operator for any special arrangements.
Small bags and water bottles are allowed. Large backpacks, outside food, and open drinks should remain at your hotel.
Yes. Weather cancellations qualify for a full refund or rebooking on another date.
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfers
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 with Transfers
Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Camel Ride & Quad Biking
Premium Dubai Hot Air Balloon Experience with Michelin Breakfast & Drone Show
Dubai Hot Air Balloon Experience with Private Round-Trip Transfers & Vintage Land Rover Desert Drive
Mountain Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience in Ras Al Khaimah with In-Flight Photos, Videos and Round-Trip Hotel Transfers
The Dubai Balloon at the Atlantis Tickets
