The Top 5 Hot Air Balloon Rides in Dubai Worth Waking Up Early For
You’ve probably heard about seeing Dubai from the tallest building in the world, from the deck of a luxury yacht, or while free-falling during a skydive. But have you ever heard of watching the desert wake up from inside a giant hot air balloon?
After watching the Dubai desert stretch below me a few times, I never thought I’d enjoy it in a whole new way. But hot air balloons make you feel weightless in a way that planes or skyscrapers can’t capture. When the air is crisp, the birds are flying in the distance within reach, everything just works out.
Plenty of companies offer this magical experience, but we’ve taken the liberty of rounding them up to make it easier for you.
1. Hot Air Balloon UAE
| RATING | |
| SAFETY | ★★★★★ (5.0/5) |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | ★★★★★ (5.0/5) |
| GUEST EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| SERVICE VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
Many passengers describe Hot Air Balloon UAE as almost a storybook experience. They have a falcon that takes flight mid-air, circling the balloon against a rising sun. One traveler even admitted that she was so caught up watching the falcon glide that she forgot to take photos.
From the very start, the crew sets the tone. The drivers are on time, and they keep everyone awake with jokes. Pilots are often praised for their calm confidence. They explain the burners, reassure nervous guests, and more.
After landing, the experience continues with desert-style breakfast, coffee, and fresh bread under the open sky. While the price is on the high side, this is the first place guests suggest.
The team was professional, friendly…
Experiencing the hot air balloon ride in Dubai was truly magical! Watching the sunrise over the vast golden dunes of the desert, with the distant silhouettes of camels and gazelles below, felt like a dream. The ride was incredibly smooth, and the views were out of this world. The team was professional, friendly, and made the whole experience feel safe and memorable. If you’re ever in Dubai, this is a must-do adventure – 100% worth waking up early for!
– Arun Dheer, Google Review
Stunning views
Incredible sunrise balloon ride with Ramy the pilot and our fantastic falconer! Stunning views, very well organised and highly recommend to everyone coming to Dubai for a standout experience. Thanks to Leo for all the assistance in booking!
– Laura Ferrari, Google Review
2. Royal Falcon Balloons
| RATING | |
| SAFETY | ★★★★★ (5.0/5) |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
| GUEST EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| SERVICE VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
Royal Falcon Balloons turn flights into occasions. Most engagement stories are planned through Royal Falcon. One couple even said that their balloon basket was decorated with flowers for their proposal.
Even without an event to elevate your experience, the extras also make the ride memorable. After landing, guests are offered to ride camels or bikes before sitting down for a full breakfast spread. On top of the stellar service, the food itself tastes amazing.
Again, this one is also expensive, but that is justified by almost everything. The staff are also constantly being praised for their warmth and organization, even providing e-certificates for completed activities.
It was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life.
This morning, I had the incredible opportunity to go on a hot air balloon ride, and it was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life. Thank you to the crew, especially to Hanif for keeping us safe and for taking incredible photos and videos. Highly recommended!
– Arrenmae, Tripadvisor Review
It was my first hot air balloon and felt safe in the air
I had an awesome experience!! Highly recommended! It was my first hot air balloon and felt safe in the air. The pilot was well experienced and showed us a great time. Abdul and friends – Thank you for your hospitality! Loved it😊
– Aida V., Tripadvisor Review
3. Hero Balloon Flights Dubai
| RATING | |
| SAFETY | ★★★★★ (5.0/5) |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | ★★★☆☆ (3.0/5) |
| GUEST EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (4.5/5) |
| SERVICE VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
Hero Balloon Flights Dubai takes ballooning to a whole new level. From the moment you’re picked up, it’s an immersive, curated experience. Their package includes storytelling, falcon shows, and morning dining crafted by a Michelin-star chef. It’s luxurious all throughout.
The extravagance is reflected in the price, though. Travelers say it’s perfect if budget isn’t a concern (lucky you). They highlight how seamless everything is, and how everything is elegant. Their cabins are upgraded with plush seating and elegant detailing.
They even offer a Private Experience, a costly option (at AED 12,000+) that provides a very indulgent experience for two people. It includes complimentary videos of the flight and more. Overall, Hero Balloon Flights offer experiences for customers that prefer luxury.
The team was professional, reassuring, and very attentive
An unforgettable experience! Flying over the Dubai desert in a hot air balloon at sunrise is simply magical. The silence, the 360 ° view of the golden dunes, and the golden light that slowly rises on the horizon create a moment suspended out of time. We feel very small in front of the immensity of the desert, and yet so alive. The team was professional, reassuring and very attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. An activity to do at least once in a lifetime if you are visiting Dubai!
– Lisa Kukic, Google Review
The view is breathtaking
What a lovely and romantic experience. I am keep getting surprised how many new and wonderful things you can do in Dubai. This was really beautiful. I definitely recommend to go as a couple. The view is breathtaking
– Anastasiia Kolesnik, Google Review
4. Maha Balloon Adventures
| RATING | |
| SAFETY | ★★★★★ (5.0/5) |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
| GUEST EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5.0/5) |
| SERVICE VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
Maha Balloon Adventures stands out for how personal the service feels. Many guests mention how the staff remember names and make everyone feel cared for. A parent even mentioned that the crew kept her kids entertained before boarding the hot air balloon, which allowed her time to relax and enjoy the moment.
Several reviews also say that the way the hot air balloon is maneuvered is very smooth. Landings are, as they say, “buttery smooth.” As for the view, like other service providers, the balloons rise as the first golden light spreads across the dunes, making the whole experience very cinematic.
However, Maha doesn’t advertise as much as its competitors, and prices aren’t immediately available. That said,many customers say that this is why every experience feels intimate.
The staff and pilot were so friendly and made us feel at ease.
The hot air balloon ride was amazing! Floating above the landscapes at sunrise was unforgettable. The staff and pilot were so friendly and made us feel at ease. The pilot shared cool facts, and the crew handled everything smoothly. Highly recommend!
– Cess Almonte, Google Review
The staff are very friendly. Super attentive pilot
Had amazing experience with maha balloon adventures. The whole experience was fantastic, staff very friendly and super attentive pilot. Witnessed beautiful sunrise . Highly recommended, as I had great deal
– Ayu Lesiana, Google Review
5. The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis
| RATING | |
| SAFETY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
| GUEST EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
| SERVICE VARIETY | ★★★☆☆ (3.0/5) |
This is a little different. It’s not technically a desert flight. It’s a tethered balloon that rises to 225 meters over Atlantis, giving panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline. Many families say that it’s an easy and child-friendly option.
The ride itself lasts about 10 minutes, but the views are stunning. You also get to choose whether you want to go during sunrise or sunset. The included drink and retail discount are small perks that add to the convenience.
It’s also significantly cheaper than the flight options above, with the starting price at only AED 195.
While it doesn’t deliver the silence and overall vastness of a desert balloon, it appeals to travelers who want a taste of ballooning without leaving the city. Most describe it as a short but sweet way to see Dubai’s skyline from a new angle.
We felt completely at ease…
We had an unforgettable experience at the Dubai Balloon at Atlantis! We went for the 9 PM slot and, to our surprise, it ended up being a private ride—just me and my sister. The views of the Palm and Dubai skyline at night were absolutely stunning, calm, and surreal. Huge shoutout to our pilot, Dennis—he truly made the experience special. Not only was he professional and reassuring, but he was also genuinely funny and such a joy to chat with. We felt completely at ease and had a great time thanks to him. If you’re looking for a unique and peaceful way to see Dubai from above, especially at night, I’d definitely recommend it!
– Soomin Shin, Google Review