Dubai Desert: Hot Air Balloon Ride & In-Flight Falcon Show

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride over Dubai desert with rare falcon show

You’ll float above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as dawn breaks, watching a falcon soar beside your hot air balloon basket. Expect sunrise views only seen from above, quiet moments with local guides, and fresh coffee in cool desert air—all with seamless pickup and drop-off included.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to start my day with a sleepy smile from our driver—he handed me bottled water and said, “You’ll want this, trust me.” It was still dark as we left Dubai behind, the city lights fading while the sky slowly hinted at orange. Our guide, Farid, chatted quietly about the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and pointed out shapes in the sand that I could barely see. Someone else in our group tried to guess what animal made those tracks—Farid just grinned and said, “Wait for daylight.” I liked that.

The balloon inflation was louder than I thought—those bursts of flame actually warm your face if you stand too close. There was this mix of excitement and chilly air; I kept rubbing my hands together while sipping coffee someone poured from a thermos. When we finally climbed into the basket (I almost tripped on my own foot), it felt like time slowed down. The ground pulled away so gently it surprised me. And then—out of nowhere—a falcon handler gave a soft whistle and released his bird into that pale morning sky. Watching the falcon circle above us at 4,000 feet… I mean, it’s hard to describe. The wings cutting through quiet air, nothing but wind and a few gasps from everyone around me.

I tried to film it but mostly ended up just staring. The sun hit the dunes in these weird pink-gold stripes—Farid said it’s different every day. At one point, the falcon landed right on the basket edge beside me; its feathers looked softer than I expected (I didn’t dare touch). We drifted for ages over the reserve, spotting oryx below and feeling kind of small but also lucky to be there at all. After landing (a bit bumpier than I imagined), we all laughed about our hair sticking up from static or maybe nerves—I’m not sure which.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon ride over Dubai desert

• Wake up before dawn
• Drive early morning to desert
• Watch hot air balloon inflation
• Attend pre-flight briefing
• Board hot air balloon basket
• Float over Dubai desert
• Witness in-flight falcon show

Top questions

What makes this Dubai hot air balloon ride unique?

This is the only operator offering an in-flight falcon show during your hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, transfers by air-conditioned vehicle are included with your booking.

How early do you have to wake up for the flight?

The ride starts before sunrise, so expect an early morning pickup from your hotel in Dubai.

Is food or drink provided during the experience?

Bottled water plus coffee or tea are provided during your tour.

Can pregnant travelers join this hot air balloon tour?

No, this experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Where does the flight take place?

The hot air balloon flies over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

How high does the balloon go during the flight?

The balloon can reach heights of up to 4,000 feet during your journey.

Is there an age or fitness requirement?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle before dawn, bottled water to keep you refreshed, fresh coffee or tea as you wait for takeoff, an exclusive in-flight falcon show while floating over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and transfer back after landing—all guided by friendly local staff who know these sands inside out.