A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Dubai desert is one of the most memorable things you can do in the UAE, and one of the most expensive. Before you set an alarm for 4am and spend several hundred dirhams, it's worth knowing exactly what you're paying for, what the morning actually looks like, and who it's really for. This guide covers prices, what's included, what to expect and our honest answer to whether it's worth it.
Quick answer: A hot air balloon flight in Dubai costs from AED 699 per person with DUBEX TOURS, while other operators charge about AED 1,000 to 1,700. You get roughly an hour in the air at sunrise over the desert, plus hotel pickup, breakfast and a flight certificate. The whole trip takes 4 to 5 hours, with pickup around 4am to 5am. It's worth it if you want a once-in-a-lifetime view and don't mind the early start.
- PriceFrom AED 699 per person
- Time in the airAbout 1 hour
- Total trip4–5 hours
- Hotel pickupAround 4am–5am
- Minimum ageTypically 5 years
- Best seasonOctober to April
Last updated: 10 October 2026. Prices are as listed on dubextours.com on this date. Other operators' prices are given as a range for comparison.
How much does a hot air balloon ride in Dubai cost?
Prices depend mainly on what comes with the flight. The balloon ride itself is similar across operators; the difference is in the extras, such as falcon shows, breakfast at a desert camp, smaller baskets and luxury transport.
| Option | Price per adult | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| DUBEX TOURS sunrise flight | From AED 699 | About 1 hour in the air, hotel pickup and return, desert breakfast, flight certificate, reserve fees |
| Standard packages elsewhere | Around AED 1,000–1,200 | Flight, transport and often a falcon show, with breakfast sometimes extra |
| Premium packages | Around AED 1,500–1,700+ | Smaller baskets, upgraded transport and a gourmet breakfast |
| Private basket | Several thousand AED | The whole balloon for your group, often for proposals or special occasions |
Child prices are usually only slightly lower than adult prices, because children take a full place in the basket.
Extras that add to the cost
- Photos and video: edited flight videos and photo packages are usually sold separately.
- Add-ons: falconry displays, vintage Land Rover drives, camel rides and quad biking are often optional extras.
- Tips: it's customary, but not required, to tip the pilot and ground crew.
Hot air balloon Dubai, sunrise flight from AED 699
See the balloon flightWhat's included in a Dubai balloon flight?
With DUBEX TOURS
- Hotel pickup and return transfer
- About one hour in the air
- Licensed pilot and ground crew
- Breakfast in the desert after landing
- Signed flight certificate
- Conservation reserve and park fees
Pay separately
- Tips for the pilot and crew
- Photo and video packages
- Optional falconry or vintage Land Rover add-ons
- Personal expenses
What the morning actually looks like
A balloon flight is a full early morning, not a quick activity. Here's a typical timeline:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 4:00–5:00am | Hotel pickup. Exact time depends on your hotel and the season. |
| About 1 hour later | Arrive at the launch site in the desert, with a safety briefing. |
| Before sunrise | Watch the crew inflate the balloons, then climb into the basket. |
| Sunrise | Lift off. You fly for about an hour, up to roughly 1,200 metres. |
| After landing | Breakfast in the desert and your flight certificate. |
| Late morning | Drive back to your hotel. Total trip time is 4 to 5 hours. |
In the air
The flight launches over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, so you're looking down on open dunes rather than the city. As the sun rises, the sand turns from grey to gold to orange, and the shadows of the dunes stretch for miles. From the basket you'll regularly spot Arabian oryx, gazelles and herds of camels.
It's quieter and calmer than most people expect. Balloons drift with the wind, so there's almost no breeze in the basket and no sense of movement, only the occasional roar of the burner. The pilot controls the height, not the direction, so no two flights follow the same route.
The landing
Landings are on sand and can be a little bumpy. Before you come down, the pilot shows you a braced landing position, and you hold it until the basket stops. It's quick and safe, but worth knowing about in advance.
Is a hot air balloon ride in Dubai worth it?
For most people, yes, but not for everyone. Here's an honest look at both sides.
You'll love it
- You want a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience
- You're celebrating a birthday, anniversary or proposal
- You love photography and sunrise light
- You've already done the classic desert safari
- You're jet-lagged and awake early anyway
Maybe not for you
- You're on a tight budget
- You strongly dislike early mornings
- You have a real fear of heights
- You're travelling with children under 5
- You want city skyline views rather than desert
If you want aerial views of Dubai's skyline instead, a helicopter tour is the better choice. Our Dubai helicopter tour guide compares routes and prices.
Book the balloon for your first or second morning in Dubai. Jet lag makes the 4am start much easier, and if the flight is cancelled for weather, you still have time to rebook.
Who can fly: age, health and safety
- Age: the minimum is typically 5 years. Children must be able to stand unaided in the basket and see over the edge.
- Pregnancy: balloon flights aren't suitable during pregnancy.
- Health: if you've had recent surgery or have back or heart problems, check with the operator before booking.
- Weight: maximum weight limits apply and are confirmed when you book.
- Mobility: you need to climb into the basket and hold a braced position for landing.
Commercial balloon flights in Dubai are operated by licensed pilots with ground crews, and the pilot has the final say on whether a flight goes ahead.
Best time of year for a balloon flight
The best months are October to April, when mornings are cool and clear. Many operators fly only during the cooler season, roughly October to May, and some reduce or pause flights in the hottest months. Check availability for your dates.
- December to February: the clearest air and the most comfortable temperatures, but the pre-dawn desert is genuinely cold, so bring a warm layer.
- October, November, March and April: a great balance of comfortable mornings and fewer crowds.
- Summer: mornings are already warm and often hazy, which reduces visibility.
For more on how the seasons change your trip, see our best time to visit Dubai guide.
What to wear and bring
- Closed shoes. You land on sand and scrub, so avoid sandals and heels.
- Layers. The desert is cold before dawn in winter and warms up quickly after sunrise.
- A camera or phone with a strap. Dropping it from that height isn't an option.
- No loose hats. They tend to blow off, and the burner above you is hot.
- Sunglasses for when the sun comes up over the dunes.
Weather and cancellations
Balloon flights depend completely on the weather. Strong winds, fog, rain or poor visibility can cancel a flight, sometimes on the morning itself, and the pilot's decision is final. It doesn't happen often in the cooler months, but it can.
That's why it's worth booking early in your trip and asking how cancellations are handled when you book. With DUBEX TOURS, you can cancel for free up to 48 hours before your flight. If you need to plan around a specific date, message us on WhatsApp first.
Planning the rest of your day
You'll be back at your hotel by late morning, which leaves the afternoon free. Many visitors rest, then book a Burj Khalifa sunset slot or the Dubai Fountain lake ride for the evening. For more ideas, see our top 10 things to do in Dubai.
Book your sunrise balloon flight
About an hour in the air over the desert, with hotel pickup, breakfast and a flight certificate included. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your flight.
Hot air balloon Dubai FAQs
How much is a hot air balloon ride in Dubai?
From AED 699 per person with DUBEX TOURS, including hotel pickup, breakfast and a flight certificate. Other operators charge around AED 1,000 to 1,200 for standard packages and AED 1,500 to 1,700 or more for premium ones.
How long is the balloon flight?
About one hour in the air. The whole trip, including hotel pickup, the briefing, breakfast and the drive back, takes 4 to 5 hours.
What time does the hot air balloon start in Dubai?
Hotel pickup is usually between 4am and 5am, because the balloon launches at sunrise. The exact time depends on your hotel and the season.
Is a hot air balloon ride in Dubai safe?
Commercial flights are run by licensed pilots with ground crews, and flights are cancelled if the weather isn't suitable. Landings can be a little bumpy, so you'll be shown a braced landing position before you come down.
Can children go on a hot air balloon in Dubai?
Yes, usually from age 5, as long as they can stand unaided in the basket. Some operators set a higher minimum age, so check when you book.
What is the best month for a hot air balloon in Dubai?
December to February for the clearest views, or October, November, March and April for comfortable mornings with fewer crowds.
What happens if the flight is cancelled?
Flights can be cancelled for strong wind, fog or poor visibility. Ask how cancellations are handled when you book, and schedule the flight early in your trip so there's time to rebook.
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