Dubai hot air balloon ride with desert safari and breakfast

Rise 4,000 feet at dawn to watch the desert come alive from the sky

A hot air balloon flight over Dubai's desert at sunrise, climbing to 4,000 feet to see wildlife and dunes, followed by a camel ride, falconry encounter and gourmet breakfast at a themed camp. The experience includes round-trip transfers from your hotel or port, a live guide in English, French, Hindi or Arabic, and runs about 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Balloon flight and desert activities

• Ascend in balloon to 4000 feet
• View sunrise and Dubai wildlife
• Enjoy camel ride and falcon photos
• Have breakfast at desert camp

The Experience

What does the balloon ride actually feel like? You get into the basket following the crew's instructions, and the ascent is both peaceful and exhilarating—the journey to 4,000 feet happens slowly enough that you can take in the shift from ground to sky. The flight lasts 40 to 70 minutes, drifting over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as the sun rises, showing you the dunes, valleys and wildlife below. Gazelles, camels and the landscape itself are what you're watching for, not a narrated list of facts.

After landing, a vehicle brings you to the camp for the rest of the morning. There you get a gourmet breakfast, take photos with falcons, and ride a camel. Coffee, tea and water are provided throughout. The whole outing—from pickup at your hotel or port to drop-off—takes about 5 hours, so you're back with time to spare before the day gets hot.

A live guide travels with the group and speaks English, French, Hindi or Arabic depending on the booking. Children from age 5 are welcome, though the experience is not suitable for travelers under 5, over 80, pregnant, or with spinal or cardiovascular concerns. Travelers over 264 lbs (120 kg) are charged an additional fee.

What’s included

• Hot air balloon flight lasting 40 to 70 minutes.
• round-trip transfers from your Dubai hotel, port or designated pickup point.
• gourmet breakfast at the desert camp.
• camel ride.
• falconry encounter with photos.
• coffee, tea and water throughout the morning.
• e-flight certificate.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sindbad Gulf Balloons

Is this one for you?The early start—pickup in the pre-dawn hours—is what makes the sunrise flight and the full desert experience fit into a single morning without rushing the camel ride or breakfast afterward.

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Top questions

How high does the balloon actually go?

The balloon climbs to approximately 4,000 feet, which is high enough to see the dunes and wildlife of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve clearly, but low enough that the ascent feels gradual and controlled.

What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate on the morning of my flight?

Balloon flights depend on wind and weather conditions at dawn. If conditions are unsafe, the operator will reschedule you for another date or offer a full refund.

Do I need to be fit or athletic for this?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The balloon basket is entered and exited at ground level, and the rest of the morning—breakfast, camel ride and photos—happens at the camp with no strenuous activity required.

Is the camel ride included, or do I pay extra?

The camel ride is included in the price, along with the falconry photos, breakfast, transfers and the balloon flight itself.

What's the earliest I need to be ready for pickup?

Pickup times vary depending on the season and sunrise, but expect to be collected from your hotel or port in the early morning—typically between 4 and 5 a.m.—so the balloon can launch around sunrise.

Does the price cover drinks and food at the camp?

Yes, the gourmet breakfast, coffee, tea and water are all included. The balloon flight certificate is also included; a video recording of your flight is available as an extra charge if you want it.