Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride: See the Skyline from Above

Rise above Abu Dhabi and watch the city unfold beneath you

An Abu Dhabi helicopter tour that lifts you over the city's most recognizable landmarks (Marina Mall, Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque) in either 17 or 30 minutes with a professional pilot. You arrive at the helipad 45 minutes before your flight time. Private hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on. All passengers carry a valid passport and receive a safety briefing before takeoff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter sightseeing tour in Abu Dhabi

• Arrive at helipad
• Board helicopter
• Fly over Marina Mall
• View Emirates Palace
• See Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Enjoy city skyline views
• Return to helipad

The experience

You're standing at the helipad with a handful of other travelers, the safety briefing done, and then the helicopter lifts. Within seconds the ground falls away and Abu Dhabi spreads out below: the curve of the coastline, the geometric sprawl of Marina Mall, the pale stone of Emirates Palace catching the light. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque appears whole and symmetrical from above in a way no ground-level photo captures. The 17-minute flight covers the main sights in a tight loop. The 30-minute option extends the route to take in more of the city's edges and the way the developments fade into desert.

The helicopter holds a small group, and weight distribution matters: the operator checks each passenger's weight before boarding to meet safety regulations. Bring your original passport. It's required. Wear light, comfortable clothes and skip the jewelry. Earrings and large pieces can't come aboard. The flight time you select is your actual departure time, so if you add the hotel transfer option, pickup happens an hour before that. The transfer is only available from Abu Dhabi and Yas Island hotels, and the driver will collect you and return you after landing.

Weather and visibility decide whether the flight goes as scheduled. The operator will work with you on a reschedule if conditions don't hold. Air traffic control can also shift the route, so the exact path over the city may vary from one departure to the next. Smoking, food and beverages stay off the aircraft. Children from age 2 can fly. Younger travelers cannot. The tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns, and you'll need at least a moderate level of fitness to board.

What’s included

• Your flight includes either 17 or 30 minutes in the air with views of Marina Mall, Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Etihad Towers.
• a five-minute safety briefing before takeoff.
• and an experienced, professional pilot. If you select the transfer option, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Options for this experience

4 options

17-minute helicopter tour6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:30Transfers are not included. Sightseeing covers Marina Mall, Emirates Palace, Presidential Palace, Heritage Village, the Abu Dhabi Skyline and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

17-minute helicopter ride with transfers6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:30Duration: 17 minutes. Sightseeing covers Marina Mall, Emirates Palace, Presidential Palace, Heritage Village, the Abu Dhabi Skyline and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The 17-minute helicopter ride includes hotel pickup and drop-off under the Pickup included option.

30-minute helicopter tour6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:30Transfers are not included. Duration: 30 minutes. Sightseeing covers Mina Zayed, the Corniche, Marina Mall, the Abu Dhabi skyline, Presidential Palace, Emirates Palace, Al Hudayriat Island and Sheikh Zay

30-minute helicopter ride with transfers6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:30Duration: 30 minutes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with the 30-minute helicopter ride, which includes pickup.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Odyssey DMC

Is this one for you?Choose the 17-minute flight if you want the main landmarks in a quick aerial pass. Pick the 30-minute option if you have time and want a fuller view of how the city extends beyond the central skyline. Add the transfer option if your hotel is in Abu Dhabi or Yas Island and you'd rather not arrange your own transport to the helipad.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I add a hotel pickup to my helicopter flight?

Yes, the 17-minute and 30-minute helicopter tours both offer a private transfer option that includes pickup from your Abu Dhabi or Yas Island hotel and drop-off after your flight. The pickup happens one hour before your scheduled flight time.

What do I need to bring for the helicopter ride?

Your original passport is required. Wear comfortable, light clothing and avoid large earrings and jewelry. Smoking, food and beverages are not permitted on the aircraft.

How long before my flight should I arrive at the helipad?

All passengers must arrive at the heliport 45 minutes before the scheduled flight time. You'll receive a five-minute safety briefing before boarding.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?

All flights are subject to weather and visibility conditions. If conditions prevent your flight, the operator will arrange a reschedule for another date.

Is there a weight limit or restriction for the helicopter?

Each passenger's weight is checked before boarding to comply with helicopter weight and balance regulations. This is a standard safety procedure and does not prevent most travelers from flying.