Ras Al Khaimah Hot Air Balloon Flight & Desert Safari

The balloon inflates at dawn while you watch, then you float silent above the dunes for nearly an hour.

A hot air balloon flight in Ras Al Khaimah lifts you at sunrise over the Northern Emirates desert, where you watch wildlife and golden dunes from the air. The experience runs about four hours total: pickup from your hotel, a safety briefing during balloon inflation, a 50–70 minute flight, light refreshments after landing, and a short off-road desert safari back to your car. Children from age 5 are welcome. Guides speak English, Russian, Filipino and Polish. You return to your hotel or pickup point with a signed flight certificate.

The experience

The day starts before sunrise. A driver picks you up from your hotel within the UAE, and you arrive at the launch site as the crew prepares the balloon. You watch it inflate (a full-size envelope rising from the desert floor), while your pilot briefs you on safety and answers questions. Photo opportunities happen here, and children get soap bubbles to play with during the setup. Then you step into the basket.

The flight lasts 50–70 minutes. You rise silently as the first light hits the dunes, and the desert spreads below: golden sand, sparse vegetation, and if you're lucky, oryx, foxes, camels or donkeys moving across the landscape. The balloon drifts with the wind (no engine noise, no vibration), and every flight follows a different path depending on conditions that morning. Your pilot narrates what you're seeing and shares stories about ballooning. The landing is smooth, and you touch down somewhere in the desert, not where you started.

After landing, the crew serves light refreshments (sparkling grape juice is part of the European ballooning tradition), and you receive a flight certificate signed by your pilot. Then comes the short desert safari: an air-conditioned all-terrain vehicle takes you on an exciting off-road drive through the dunes for about 20 minutes, heading back toward your car or hotel. You'll get a group photo with your pilot before departure, delivered to you after the flight ends.

What’s included

• Return hotel pickup and drop-off within the UAE.
• a safety briefing and photo opportunities during balloon inflation.
• a 50–70 minute sunrise flight.
• light refreshments with sparkling grape juice after landing.
• a 20-minute off-road desert safari in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a group photo with your pilot.
• a souvenir flight certificate signed by your pilot.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 38

Live guideEnglish, Filipino, Polish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hot air balloon experience in Ras Al Khaimah

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full morning experience that includes both the balloon flight and a desert safari afterward, or choose the flight-only option if you prefer to keep your afternoon completely free.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Russian, Filipino and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the hot air balloon flight in Ras Al Khaimah take off?

The flight departs at sunrise, so you'll be picked up from your hotel before dawn. The exact time depends on the season, but expect to start your day very early: the balloon launches as the first light appears.

How long is the actual time in the air on this balloon flight?

The hot air balloon flight itself lasts 50–70 minutes. The entire experience, including pickup, inflation, landing, refreshments and the desert safari drive, takes about four hours from start to finish.

What wildlife might I see from the hot air balloon?

From the air above Ras Al Khaimah's desert, you may spot oryx, foxes, camels and donkeys moving across the dunes. Sightings depend on the morning and the flight path, which changes with wind conditions.

Does the price include transportation to and from the balloon launch site?

Yes, free transportation within the UAE is included: hotel pickup is arranged after you book, and the driver returns you to your hotel, car or original collection point after the desert safari ends. Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are excluded from the free transport zone.