Abu Dhabi 17-Minute Helicopter Ride: Skyline & Landmarks Tour

Summary

Helicopter Sightseeing Over Abu Dhabi’s Iconic Sights

You’ll get a real sense of Abu Dhabi’s scale and energy on this 17-minute helicopter ride—skimming above skyscrapers, palaces, and famous mosques is something you won’t forget anytime soon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we buckled in was the soft hum of the rotors mixing with the salty air from the Gulf. Our pilot gave a quick thumbs up, and before I knew it, we were lifting off from Al Marina—my stomach did that little flip you get on roller coasters. Down below, the city felt almost quiet for a second, even though you could spot cars crawling along Corniche Road like tiny ants.

We swung past Etihad Towers, their glass sides catching the late morning sun. The view from above really puts into perspective how much space these towers take up—something you just don’t feel at street level. Off to our left, Marina Mall stood out with its round roof and waterfront stretch; I caught sight of a couple of fishing boats bobbing nearby. The pilot pointed out Emirates Palace next—its golden domes looked almost unreal from this angle, and you could see folks milling around the gardens like little dots.

Then came my favorite part: gliding over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Even from up here, those white marble domes seemed to glow against the city’s beige sprawl. It’s hard not to stare. The pilot slowed down just enough for us to snap a few photos before heading toward Yas Island. You can spot Ferrari World’s red roof right away—it pops out against all that sand—and if you squint, you’ll see the twists of Yas Marina Circuit too. The whole ride went by fast, but every minute had something new to look at or point out to whoever sat next to me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi Helicopter Tour Highlights

• Helicopter tour over Al Kasir area
• Fly over Marina Mall facade
• View Emirates Palace and Mandarin Oriental hotels
• Pass Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• See Yas Island attractions from above

Top questions

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes, there’s usually a per-seat weight limit for safety reasons. Let us know your details when booking so we can confirm arrangements.

Can I bring my camera or phone?

Absolutely! Just make sure your device is secure during flight—there are great photo ops throughout the tour.

What should I wear for the helicopter ride?

Comfortable clothes work best. Sunglasses help with glare since it gets bright up there.

Are transfers included in the price?

If you select the transfer option when booking, pickup and drop-off are included. Otherwise, public transport is nearby.

What’s included

Your 17-minute helicopter experience covers all fees and taxes. If you choose transfers, we’ll pick you up and drop you off at your location. You’ll get sweeping views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, famous landmarks like Yas Island and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—and yes, sometimes we fly sideways or backwards for an extra thrill!