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What to Expect on Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai

By Qunoosh Published: September 23, 2026 Updated on: October 08, 2026 5 min read
Back to Blog Articles Standard Magical Hot Air Balloon Flight (Meet at Location) — prices updated today 2,000 AED

Your first hot air balloon ride is a mix of excitement and questions. What time do I need to be up? Will it be cold? Does it feel scary? What happens when we land?

This step-by-step guide takes you through a typical morning so nothing comes as a surprise.

Quick Answer

Expect a pickup around 4–5 am, a drive to the desert of around an hour, refreshments and a safety briefing while the balloons are inflated, then up to 60 minutes of flight at sunrise. After a gentle landing you receive your flight certificate and, depending on your package, enjoy breakfast, a camel ride and archery before returning to Dubai by late morning.

Before You Go: Booking Essentials

  • Passport copy for every passenger, needed at booking (GCAA regulation)
  • Each passenger's weight, also at booking. Passengers over 119 kg (260 lbs) need an additional seat.
  • Age: 5 to 80 years
  • Health: not suitable for pregnant women, or for people with heart conditions, severe back or knee problems, major surgery in the last 6 months or a fear of heights

You'll get your pickup time the evening before. Flights depend on the weather, so keep your phone on in case of any change.

Step-by-Step: Your Balloon Morning

1. Early pickup (around 4–5 am)

A 4x4 collects you from your hotel. On shared packages, the driver may make a few stops for other guests. Most people doze on the drive. If you've chosen the self-drive option, you'll get directions to the meeting point with your confirmation.

2. Arrival at the launch site

You arrive in the dark to a traditional majlis with tea, coffee and light refreshments. There are basic toilet facilities here; use them, as there aren't any on the balloon.

3. Safety briefing and waiver

The crew explains how to get in and out of the basket and how to hold the landing position. Everyone signs a waiver. Listen carefully; it only takes a few minutes.

4. Watching the inflation

Fans blow cold air into the envelopes, then the burners heat it and the balloons slowly rise off the sand. It's loud, bright and spectacular. Get your camera ready (see our photography tips).

5. Climbing in

Once the balloon is upright, you climb into the basket using footholds in its side. It's a bit of a scramble, which is why you need to be moderately fit.

6. Take-off

This surprises most first-timers: you barely feel it. There's no jolt; the ground just quietly drops away. Because you move with the wind, it feels calm, even at height.

7. The flight (up to 60 minutes)

The sun rises over the dunes, the other balloons spread across the sky, and the pilot changes altitude to find the best winds and views. Between burner blasts, it's remarkably quiet. Read more about what you'll see from the balloon.

8. Landing

The pilot tells you when to take the landing position: knees bent, back to the direction of travel and holding the handles. Most landings are gentle. On a breezy morning, the basket may bump, tip onto its side or slide a little way, which is completely normal.

9. Flight certificate and activities

Everyone receives an official flight certificate. Then, depending on your package, you'll have a buffet breakfast at the desert camp, a camel ride, archery, a quad bike ride or a vintage Land Rover ride.

10. Return to Dubai

You're driven back to your hotel, usually arriving by late morning. Most people are pleasantly tired, so plan something relaxed for the afternoon.

How It Feels

  • Motion sickness? Very rare, as the balloon moves smoothly with the wind.
  • Scary? Most people find it much calmer than expected. That said, it isn't recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.
  • Hot or cold? Cold on the ground before dawn, especially November to March. Warm under the burners, and warmer again once the sun is up.
  • Noisy? The burners roar in short bursts. In between, it's silent.

What to Wear

  • Layers: a light jacket or fleece you can take off after sunrise
  • Closed-toe flat shoes: the landing site is sandy and uneven
  • A cap or hat: the burners overhead give off heat
  • Avoid long loose scarves, dresses that make climbing difficult, and high heels

For more ideas, see our desert outfit guide.

What to Bring

  • Phone or camera with a strap, fully charged
  • Small bag you can hold on your lap in the car (space in the basket is tight)
  • Sunglasses for after sunrise
  • Any medication you need
  • Cash or card for photos or souvenirs

Best Packages for a First Flight

For most first-timers, we recommend the Deluxe package with breakfast: the complete sunrise morning, with time at the desert camp to relax afterwards. If you're watching your budget, the Standard flight gives you the same time in the air. Not sure? Read Standard vs Deluxe vs Adventure.

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Deluxe Exotic Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast
Dubai

Deluxe Exotic Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast

Approx. 5-6 Hours (Early Morning) Pickup Mobile
Starting From
3,000 AED 4,000 AED
Details
Save 25%
Standard Magical Hot Air Balloon Flight
Dubai

Standard Magical Hot Air Balloon Flight

Approx. 5 Hours (Early Morning) Pickup Mobile
Starting From
2,999 AED 3,999 AED
Details
Standard Magical Hot Air Balloon Flight (Meet at Location)
Dubai

Standard Magical Hot Air Balloon Flight (Meet at Location)

Approx. 3 Hours (Early Morning) Mobile
Starting From
2,000 AED
Details

What If the Flight Is Cancelled?

All flights depend on the weather and may be rescheduled or cancelled for safety, sometimes at the last minute. If the operator cancels, you can choose another date or receive a refund. Tip: book your flight early in your trip, so there's time to reschedule if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be fit?

Moderately. You need to climb in and out of the basket without help and stand for up to an hour.

Can I bring a bag?

Keep it small. Space in the basket is limited, and the crew may ask you to leave larger bags in the vehicle.

Is breakfast included?

It's included in the Deluxe, Adventure, Vintage Land Rover and Overnight packages. The Standard package includes refreshments but not breakfast.

Ready for your first flight? Browse all hot air balloon rides in Dubai.

Thank you for reading All UAE Tours Blog!

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Put the camera away when the crew asks you to take the landing position.Put the camera down for a few minutes. Seriously, just watch the sun come up.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I bring a selfie stick?Short handheld sticks are usually fine if secured with a strap, but check with the crew during the briefing, as space is limited on shared flights.Can I fly a drone to film the balloon?No. Drones are not allowed around balloon operations.Do I get any photos from the operator?You receive a flight certificate. Photo packages may be offered on the day by the operator; ask the crew at the launch site.Also read: what you see from a hot air balloon in Dubai.

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