Helicopter Tour Abu Dhabi: Fly Over Landmarks & Corniche

The Presidential Palace and Emirates Palace gardens appear below you in the same flight.

A helicopter tour from Abu Dhabi that flies over the city's landmarks — the Corniche, Presidential Palace, Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Capital Gate and Al Hudayriat Island — in a 17-minute scenic flight or a 30-minute full tour. Pickup and drop-off are included, and a live English-speaking guide narrates the route. Children above 2 years fly at full price and occupy their own seat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Abu Dhabi landmarks

• Take off from Mina Zayed
• Fly over Corniche and city district
• View Rixos Hotel sculptures and Marina Mall
• See Giant Flagpole and Presidential Palace
• Admire Emirates Palace gardens
• Fly over Al Hudayriat Island and Capital Gate
• Return flying over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Pass Sheikh Zayed Sports City and Reem Island mangroves
• Land back at starting point

The Experience

The flight departs from Mina Zayed and crosses the Corniche, banking over the city's central district where the Rixos Hotel, Marina Mall and the Giant Flagpole come into view. From there the route carries you past the Presidential Palace — Abu Dhabi's skyline icon — and the green gardens of Emirates Palace before the turquoise water and Capital Gate appear ahead. The return leg passes over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Sports City and the mangroves around Reem Island.

You choose between a 17-minute scenic flight or a 30-minute tour; both follow the same route but the longer option gives more time at altitude over each landmark. Pickup and drop-off from your location are included, so you don't arrange transport to the helipad. A live guide in English narrates throughout. The helicopter seats up to six passengers, and weight per seat is capped at 110 kilograms; heavier passengers need to purchase an additional seat due to aircraft balance requirements.

Children above 2 years old fly at full price and must occupy their own seat per aviation regulations. Specialized infant seats are available for younger children. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns, though it suits all fitness levels otherwise. Slots fill by availability, so mentioning a preferred time when you book helps secure it.

What’s included

• Helicopter ride for 17 or 30 minutes as per your chosen option.
• pickup and drop-off from your location.
• live English-language narration throughout the flight.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Sougat Travel & Tourism LLC

Is this one for you?Book the 17-minute flight if you want the main landmarks without committing a full hour to the experience; choose the 30-minute tour if you prefer more time circling each site and exploring the mangroves around Reem Island on the return.

Top questions

What landmarks do I see on the helicopter tour from Abu Dhabi?

The flight passes over the Presidential Palace, Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Capital Gate, the Corniche, Marina Mall, the Giant Flagpole and Al Hudayriat Island, plus the mangroves around Reem Island on the return.

How long is the helicopter flight and what's the difference between the two options?

The 17-minute scenic flight and the 30-minute tour follow the same route over the same landmarks; the longer option simply gives more time circling each site at altitude.

Is pickup from my hotel included in the helicopter tour price?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your location are included with the tour, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to Mina Zayed.

Can my young child fly on this helicopter tour?

Children above 2 years old can fly and are charged full price because regulations require them to occupy their own seat; specialized infant seats are available for younger children.

What is the weight limit per passenger on the helicopter?

The weight limit is 110 kilograms per seat; passengers weighing more than this or close to it must purchase an additional seat due to the aircraft's weight and balance requirements.

Who narrates the helicopter tour?

A live guide speaking English narrates the flight, pointing out landmarks and details as you pass over them.