A Dubai hot air balloon ride is the city’s most magical early-morning experience. A sunrise take-off above the golden Margham Desert. 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.
All flights 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. After the flight, 4x4 shuttles transfer guests to a Bedouin-style breakfast camp before returning to Dubai. Weather and wind play a big role — if conditions aren’t safe, operators offer free rebooking or refunds.
See all transport options →
Choosing the right hot air balloon experience in Dubai depends on how immersive you want your morning in the desert to be. All tours include round-trip hotel transfers, so you don’t need to arrange transport to the Margham launch site. The main differences come down to comfort level, inclusions, and style.
If you just want the core sunrise flight, the standard tour (≈1-hour flight + hotel transfers) works perfectly. Travelers looking for cultural touches can opt for the deluxe package, which adds a Bedouin-style breakfast, camel ride, and short quad biking session. For the most exclusive experience, the premium tour features a vintage Land Rover desert drive, Michelin-star breakfast, falcon show, and drone display before takeoff.
Families or guests with limited mobility should note that baskets require climbing in and out unaided; premium packages often provide smoother transfers and smaller groups.
Whichever you pick, every flight departs before dawn and returns by mid-morning—ideal for combining with a city tour or desert safari later in the day.
A short drive from Margham, this eco-sanctuary offers birdwatching, cycling trails, and peaceful desert lakes. A serene follow-up to your sunrise flight.
Add a 4x4 dune-bashing adventure or sunset camel trek to your day. Ideal for thrill seekers wanting more time on the sand.
Just 35–40 minutes away, this multicultural theme park blends world cuisines, live shows, and shopping. It's perfect for an afternoon after your flight.
The world’s largest indoor theme park, less than an hour from Margham. Great for families craving air-conditioned fun after a morning in the desert.
A lush garden café around 25 minutes from the launch site. Unwind with coffee or brunch amid greenery after your desert morning.
Wrap up your day along Dubai Creek’s heritage waterfront, with Emirati boutiques, restaurants, and lantern-lit strolls.
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.
Information
All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfers
Dubai Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 with Transfers
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
