A guide to balloon experiences in the Middle East

From the heritage-carved rocks of AlUla to the undulating desert dunes of Dubai, there is so much just waiting to be discovered in the Middle East – and there is no better way to experience it all than with air balloon experiences. For a truly unique perspective, take flight and gaze down at world-famous landmarks and epic landscapes, bathed in the golden glow of sunrise. Looking to experience one of the best balloon adventures on the planet? We’ve got you covered…

If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, a hot air balloon flight with Balloon Adventures Dubai a is must-do on your itinerary. Soak in widescreen views as the sun rises over the mountains and slowly paints the dunes in hues of gold and orange. Your pilot will point out interesting locations and you might even spot wildlife in the sand below. After the flight, traverse the desert in style and feel like a true traveller as you sit down for a gourmet breakfast in an authentic Bedouin camp.

More of a hustling, bustling city person? Head over to The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis, The Palm and jump on board a helium balloon tethered to the beach. Once you reach maximum flight height, bask in the beauty of Dubai’s iconic skyline. The 360-degree view offers the opportunity to look out over the Arabian Sea, or marvel at a skyline that is filled with history and opportunity.

Your desert experience will start bright and early as you reach the take-off site before sunrise. Be treated to a warm welcome with Arabic coffee and dates while watching the sky light up with a drone show. Feel the excitement as the balloon inflates, and after hopping on, experience a sense of peace you can only enjoy at 1,200m high. Once back on land, continue the adventure as you explore the desert in either a vintage Land Rover or a modern Land Rover Defender. Then, savour a gourmet breakfast and enjoy further desert activities. Or, if you opt for the upgraded experience, you will have a private vehicle and enjoy breakfast in an exclusive cabana set next to a desert oasis. All experiences include a pick-up and drop-off from Dubai, a dedicated conservation guide, a drone show, a balloon flight, a desert drive, a gourmet breakfast and more desert activities.

If you are more limited for time, but still want to float amongst the clouds, The Dubai Balloon allows you to do just that. With a 10-minute flight experience, you have just enough time to capture incredible pictures with the ocean or city as your background, while still taking a moment to take in the views. After your flight, visit the retail store and purchase a souvenir, or sip on a beverage in the café. The balloon operates from sunrise to midnight, offering you the opportunity to see Dubai transform from day to night.

Offering so much more than a hot air balloon flight, Balloon Adventures Dubai has been voted the World’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator for five years running at the World Travel Awards. Promising world-experienced pilots with more than 150 years of collective experience, the longest-operating hot air balloon company in Dubai is dedicated to providing unrivalled service and truly unique adventures.

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Anchored at the beach of the iconic Atlantis Aquaventure, The Dubai Balloon promises a unique view of the city’s renowned skyline. Sip a coffee at the café’s lounge terrace after your flight, or purchase a photographic memory of your adventure at The Dubai Balloon retail store – professional photographers will ensure your experience is captured forever. Private charters and exclusive venue hires can also be arranged, while children under the age of three ride for free.

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Ever wondered what it is like to experience an ancient Arabic oasis from above? Then this is the adventure for you. Gaze down at the rolling desert landscape, breathtaking rock formations and world-class archaeological treasures as you soar over AlUla, which is steeped in layers of human history. Marvel at the rich tapestry of this region as you float above spellbinding canyons and tombs, stretching as far as the eye can see. Unlock your inner explorer, and experience a treasure trove of natural rock formations rising from the golden sand dunes during this bucket-list adventure.

Start your day in the best way possible: with a sunrise tour of AlUla. Hop aboard your hot air balloon and watch on, as the sweeping landscape below is illuminated in hues of red and gold with the rising sun. Fancy making your experience extra special? Book a private tour, and enjoy your very own hot air balloon ride as you soar over this iconic region, which promises more than 200,000 years of human history to explore.

AlUla’s first commercial hot air balloon operator, Hero Balloon Flights Saudi is a sister company of award-winning Balloon Adventures Dubai. Using their expert knowledge and expertise in the aviation industry, Hero Balloon Flights organised the AlUla Skies Festival in 2023, which saw more than 100 hot air balloons take flight. Prepare for a truly unforgettable experience, with onboard pilots who are seasoned navigators of the skies.

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Would you like to start planning your own Middle Eastern adventure? Head to the official Hero Experiences website to find out more.

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