Everything You Need To Know About Hot Air Ballooning In The UAE

07 Feb, 2026

A Complete Guide To Hot Air Ballooning In The UAE

You can take breathtaking vistas of the UAE, witness a mesmerising sunrise, and explore the country's topography from unique and interesting angles. You can fly over the country in a hot air balloon and make an unforgettable impact on your UAE vacation. It is one of the most thrilling activities you can explore in the country, making it a memorable experience for you for a lifetime. However, to make a lasting impression on your hot air balloon trip in the country, you need to know everything crucial about the adventure. Thus, you can refer to the following article, which covers everything you need to know before your hot air balloon ride in the UAE.

What is the Experience of Hot Air Balloon In the UAE?

Generally, your hot-air balloon experience in the UAE begins before sunrise. You are required to get up early and be ready for your exciting trip. You are in the air on your hot air balloon before the rise of the sun, so that you can witness for yourself the beauty of the sun rising slowly above the horizon. The ride is not just about it; you can also immerse yourself in breathtaking, serene views of the country and focus on its natural beauty.

Usually, your hot air balloon ride lasts 40 to 70 minutes, during which you can take in panoramic views of iconic places in the UAE, such as Burj Khalifa, gaze at exceptional wildlife, including falcons and gazelles, and behold the mesmerising desert landscape scenery.

What is the Price for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the UAE?

The UAE offers various packages for hot air balloon rides. Your package decides the price of your adventure. Sometimes the price may vary from one city to another, but the general price offered by the country for a hot air balloon ride, based on different packages, is:

Standard packages: Your standard package includes 40-70 minutes of ride time, hotel transfers, and sometimes a light breakfast. This will typically cost you between AED 650 and AED 900 per person.
Deluxe/Premium packages: Your deluxe/premium packages generally include a 40-70-minute balloon ride, a gourmet breakfast at a camp, falconry photos, a camel ride (within the camp), and a group photo with the pilot. This will typically cost you between AED 800 and AED 1200.
Private packages: Your private package generally includes a 40- to 70-minute ride, a gourmet breakfast at the camp, a camel ride (within the camp), dune bashing, a quad bike, falconry photos, a glimpse of the sun and the sky, and a chance to see the camels and the dunes. This will typically cost you AED 2000 or more.

What are the Best Places to Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the UAE?

Though various places in the UAE offer you a hot air balloon experience, there are some fantastic locations within the country, which help you to enjoy your ride, giving you a mesmerising glimpse of the country:

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)
Margam Desert
Ras Al Khaimah
Atlantis, the Palm

What Things to Consider Before Going For A Hot Air Balloon Ride in the UAE?

To make your hot air balloon ride more memorable and a serene experience in the UAE, you are required to consider some of the essential things, which include:

Book your ride with a reputable operator.
Compare prices and facilities offered by different hot air balloon operators.
Your ride starts early in the morning; consider your pickup between 3 and 5 AM.
During peak season, book your ride at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
Wear layers; the morning before sunrise will be chilly, and it will be hot afterwards.

Conclusion

There are many things you can explore and experience during your UAE trip; however, if you are eligible, you should not miss a hot-air balloon ride. Though the ride can be a bit costly, it will help you get a glimpse of the country and nature from a different angle and will allow you to explore the atmosphere from a different perspective.