Ballooning Dubai

Hot Air Ballooning Dubai

Hot Air Balloning in Dubai is probably the only experience of its kind enabling you to fly over the desert like a bird and provide an unforgettable panoramic view from an angle and height that'll you never experience.  Ofcourse there are planes and gliders, but balooning provides a calm serene experience with minimal sound except ofcourse at intervals when gas is blown into the balloon, and the feeling of the calm, clear breeze is nothing like you'd experience on the ground.  Be prepared to see amazing desert landscapes with rich red sand dunes, and once you've reached a good height you may be lucky to spot wandering camels, gazelles and date plantations to be followed a little later by the mesmerizing Hajj Mountains on one side and the futuristic Dubai skyline dominating the other horizon. You don't always see everything and all the animals but dont let that put you off, just having a ride is a fantastic feeling as the breeze hits your face as the sun starts to come up.

If you are planning to book a hot air balloon, be prepared for the early start.  Experts say the ride at sunrise is the best in terms of air temperature and calmness.  The balloon company will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a long drive into the heart of the desert landscape.   On arrival to your take off point, you will be greeted by your giant colourful mode of transport.  If this is the first time you've seen a hot air balloon in real life, you will be wowed with amazement.  Its huge.  Last minute preparations of inflating the balloon and securing the large basket will build up the thrill that lies minutes away.  No time to back out now, just be brave and step into the basket to experience probably one of the best rides of your life, safety harnesses will be provided, but ofcourse they will only be used in an emergency, and emergencies we are told, rarely happen.  

Compared to the glitz and glamour of Dubai,  a hot air balloon flight is a tranquil experience with the only intermittent sounds of the gas burner blasts.   The entire flight lasts for an hour and on touching down you'll be offered drinks and refreshments along with an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with the Bedouins and other locals, depending on where you land and who you fly with. It's a great experience to do this, and if you have the time and money, make sure you do! 

Points of note –

• Departure time from the hotel is between 4- 5am, the pick up time varieds with different tour operators.  Makesure you don't have a heavy night before! 
• The total duration of the hot air balloon adventure in Dubai is about five hours (includes pick up, and drop off), but the actual ride is about an hour.  
• Because it is in the desert, comfortable clothing and footwear inclusive of hats and sunglasses are strongly recommended. You may even carry a light jacket as well as protection against the early morning desert chill.
• Wheelchair users and children under 5 years are not permitted onto the ride.  Adults with certain medical issues may also nor be permitted but please check with individual tour operators.  
• Usually every ride can accommodate 2 to 24 persons but it is possible to book a small exclusive charter consisting of 1 to 8 persons as well.

When – The best time to book a hot air balloon flight in Dubai is early morning at sunrise and most of the tour operators also schedule it at that time. Pick up is usually between 4 and 5am 

How long – While the flight lasts for one hour the entire round trip starting from pick-up point to being dropped back takes approximately 5 hours.

Location –The red desert sands near Fossil Rock lying between Dubai and Hatta serve as the launch site for these balloons. Some go from Al Ain, but you are picked up from your hotel.

Cost – Roughly 1000Dhs per person - but money well spent! 

Booking - There are a handful of tour operators who are experts in hot air ballooning, however we are basing our review on an experience with Balloon Adventures Emirates +971 4 285 4949  http://www.ballooning.ae/