Dubai Desert: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon, Camel Ride & Breakfast

Sunrise balloon flight over Dubai’s dunes with breakfast and camel ride

You’ll float above Dubai’s golden dunes at sunrise in a hot air balloon with a local pilot, then share a relaxed breakfast at camp before trying your hand at camel riding and meeting a falcon up close. It’s peaceful but also oddly energizing — there’s something about seeing the desert wake up around you that sticks with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise balloon flight and desert activities

• Ascend over golden sand dunes
• Enjoy panoramic desert views
• Spot Arabian wildlife from balloon
• Experience peaceful balloon ride
• Land and have international buffet breakfast
• Ride camels in the desert

The Experience

“You’ll see the oryx if you’re lucky — they like this hour,” said our pilot, Khalid, as he handed us a mug of something sweet before we climbed into the basket. I remember my hands felt cold against the woven edge, even though it was Dubai and I’d expected heat. The burners roared and then — quieter than I thought possible — we drifted up. There’s this moment when you stop hearing anything but sand shifting below, and someone’s camera shutter clicking somewhere behind me. The city was just a faint glow in the distance; out here it was all ripples of gold and that weird, soft light you only get before sunrise.

I kept looking for those oryx Khalid mentioned (I think I saw one? Or maybe it was a rock), but mostly I just stared at the dunes stretching forever. It smelled like warm air and something a little spicy from the campfires down below. We floated for what felt like ages but was probably 45 minutes — time gets weird up there. Landing was gentle, except for that last bump that made everyone laugh. Our group shuffled out, still half-awake, and followed Khalid to camp where breakfast waited under canvas. Eggs, flatbreads, dates — nothing fancy but somehow perfect after being in the sky.

The camel ride after breakfast was less graceful on my part (camels are taller than they look). Our handler, Ahmed, grinned every time someone wobbled getting on. He taught us how to say “hello” in Arabic — I tried it and he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his tea. There were falcons too; one perched calmly while everyone took turns holding her for photos. Sun was higher by then, making everything sharp and bright — not quite harsh yet, just honest desert morning.

I still think about that view from above sometimes — how small everything looked, how quiet it got. If you’re wondering about booking this hot air balloon Dubai experience… well, I didn’t expect to feel both so calm and so awake at once.

Top questions

How long does the Dubai hot air balloon experience last?

Total duration includes travel time and safety briefing; flight itself is around 45 minutes.

Is pickup included for the sunrise balloon tour?

Yes, return shared transfers are included in your booking.

Do I get breakfast after the hot air balloon ride?

Yes, an international buffet breakfast is served at the desert camp after landing.

Is camel riding part of this Dubai desert tour?

Yes, a camel riding experience is included after breakfast at camp.

Can I take photos with a falcon during this tour?

Yes, there is an opportunity to take photos with a falcon at camp.

Are there any weight restrictions for guests?

The maximum weight limit is 119 kg; exceeding this may incur an extra charge (twice standard rate).

Is this hot air balloon trip suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What wildlife might be seen during the balloon flight?

You might spot Arabian oryx, gazelles, or camels depending on season and luck.

What’s included

Your morning includes shared hotel pickup and return transfers to the launch site outside Dubai, a sunrise hot air balloon flight piloted by an experienced local guide (with flight certificate as keepsake), followed by an international buffet breakfast at a comfortable desert camp where you’ll also enjoy camel riding and have time for photos with a falcon before heading back to town.