Dubai Desert: Balloon Ride, Falconry & Camel with Breakfast

Summary

Sunrise balloon flight over Dubai dunes with wildlife and camp breakfast

You’ll rise before dawn for a hot air balloon flight over Dubai’s desert, watching sunrise spill across endless dunes from high above. Spot wildlife from the sky, then share coffee and a fresh breakfast at camp. Meet local falconers and try a camel ride—there’s laughter and quiet moments both. It stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget standing in that chilly sand before dawn, clutching my coffee while the balloon team unfurled this giant patchwork thing right in front of us. Our pilot, Ahmed, joked about “desert hair” as the burners roared to life—honestly, I was too busy gawking at the flames to care if my scarf was crooked. Once we climbed into the basket (I definitely needed a hand up), it all felt weirdly quiet except for someone’s nervous laugh and the hiss of gas. Then we were just… floating. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve stretched out below like some endless golden rug—no traffic noise, just wind and an occasional birdcall that sounded almost fake.

The sunrise hit fast—one second it was grey and sleepy, then suddenly everything glowed orange and pink. Ahmed pointed out gazelles darting between dunes; I squinted but only caught their shadows at first (my eyes are hopeless before breakfast). We drifted up to nearly 4,000 feet—he said it depends on the wind—and you could see camels moving in these slow lines way below. Someone tried to take a selfie and nearly dropped their phone; everyone laughed and I think that broke the ice for good. It’s strange how peaceful it feels up there, even though you know you’re hanging in a basket over nothing but sand.

After landing (a bit bumpy, but nothing wild), we piled into jeeps for the short drive to camp. The smell of cardamom coffee hit me before I even saw breakfast laid out—flatbreads still warm, eggs with spices I couldn’t name. There was a falconer waiting; he let us hold his bird (Li laughed when I tried to say its name in Arabic—probably butchered it) and showed us how they train them. The camel ride after breakfast was less graceful than I’d hoped—I nearly slid off getting on—but honestly? It felt right just to wobble along with everyone else under that bright sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise 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 themed camp

Top questions

How high does the Dubai balloon ride go?

The hot air balloon typically ascends to around 3,000–4,000 feet above the desert.

Is pickup included for this Dubai desert tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers are included from Dubai hotels or designated points.

What animals can you see during the balloon ride?

You may spot gazelles, camels, and other desert wildlife from above.

How long is the hot air balloon flight in Dubai?

The flight usually lasts between 40–70 minutes depending on conditions.

Is breakfast included after the balloon ride?

Yes, a gourmet breakfast is served at an authentic desert camp after landing.

Are children allowed on this tour?

No, children under 5 years old are not permitted on this experience.

Can people over 80 join this balloon tour?

No, travelers over 80 years old are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes, people over 264 lbs (120 kg) can join but may incur an extra charge.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup or transfer from Dubai city or port areas, a hot air balloon flight lasting around an hour above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with views of wildlife and sunrise colors, followed by a short drive to camp where you’ll have gourmet breakfast with coffee or tea. You’ll also get to meet local falconers for photos with their birds and try riding a camel before heading back by vehicle—with your e-flight certificate as proof you actually did it.