Hot Air Balloon Dubai is a sunrise desert experience departing from the Margham desert 45 minutes from Dubai, offering a 60-minute flight up to 4,000 feet above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with panoramic views of the golden dunes, Hajar Mountains and indigenous Arabian wildlife including oryx, gazelles and camels. Operated primarily by Hero Balloon Flights (part of the Platinum Heritage family) and Balloon Adventures Emirates, experiences include hotel pickup in vintage Land Rovers, pre-flight briefing, the balloon flight, falcon show mid-flight (select operators), and post-flight gourmet breakfast at a traditional Bedouin camp.
Quick facts:
Duration 4–5 hours total · 60-min flight · 4,000 ft · Sunrise only
Did you know?
Hero Balloon Flights' sunrise falcon show is the only in-flight falconry experience in the world – a trained falcon is released from the balloon at 3,000 feet and performs aerial displays around passengers before returning to its handler. Featured in major international travel documentaries.
Best time to visit:
Cooler months (September–May) only – flights are suspended during summer heat. Pickup is around 4:00 AM for sunrise launch; experience completes by 10 AM.
Where to eat nearby:
Gourmet desert breakfast included at the Bedouin camp (eggs cooked to order, fresh pastries, fruit, coffee); no dining options before the pre-dawn pickup.
Tip:
Book 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season (November–February); flights are weather-dependent and can be postponed due to winds. Prices may vary – check official website.
Hot Air Balloon Dubai
Hot Air Balloon Dubai is consistently praised as one of the UAE's most spectacular experiences. Reviewers love the sunrise desert views, the professional pilots, the unique in-flight falconry (Hero Balloon), the vintage Land Rover transfers and the gourmet breakfast.
When does it operate?
September to May only – flights are suspended during summer heat. Sunrise departures only.
How high does the balloon go?
Up to 4,000 feet (approximately 1,220 metres) above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
What's included?
Hotel pickup in vintage Land Rovers, pre-flight briefing, 60-minute balloon flight, falcon show mid-flight (select operators), and post-flight gourmet breakfast at a Bedouin camp.
What's the total experience time?
4–5 hours including pickup (around 4:00 AM), flight and breakfast; completes by 10 AM.
What's the minimum age?
Typically 5 years and above with minimum height 1.2 metres; younger children cannot safely see over the basket edge.