4 incredible adventures to have in the Middle East

All images: HERO Experiences

Undulating mountains, shimmering desert dunes and jaw-dropping scenery – the Middle East is the perfect place for an adventure. And whether you fancy soaring over the Dubai desert in a hot air balloon, exploring that iconic coastline by boat, or hopping aboard an eco-luxury desert safari, Hero Experiences Group has it covered. For over a decade and counting, they have been creating captivating air, sea, and land adventures. Your bucket-list trip is just waiting to be discovered…

Looking to fully immerse yourself in Middle Eastern culture? Hop aboard a vintage 1950s Land Rover and embark on a desert safari like no other. Travel to a time gone by, and experience a nomadic-inspired Bedouin camp, constructed from natural wood and stone. Here, you will indulge in sumptuous dishes prepared using traditional methods and take part in authentic Emirati entertainment.

Or explore the desert in style as you traverse the dunes in a modern Land Rover Defender, and discover the area’s native wildlife, and flora and fauna. Watch a spectacular falconry show with the sunset as a backdrop while you sip on a chilled drink and indulge in canapés. Then, retreat to an eco-luxury camp for a five-course fine dining meal. And what better way to end your day than with a spectacular acrobatics show?

Voted the ‘Best Desert Safari in the Middle East’ four years running at the World Travel Awards, Platinum Heritage is the leading eco-luxury desert safari company in Dubai. Whether you are looking for an adventure filled with culture, or you wish to indulge in a luxury experience, these award-winning trips offer a unique journey in the Dubai desert.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Experience a bird’s-eye view of the Dubai desert as you take flight on a hot-air balloon and catch the sunrise over the shimmering dunes. Enjoy a warm Arabic welcome of dates and coffee as you’re treated to a thrilling drone show in the desert, before hopping aboard your hot-air balloon. Spot wildlife far below, as the rolling dunes are bathed in shades of orange and red. Back on firm land, you’ll be transported in an iconic 1950s Land Rover to an authentic Bedouin camp for a gourmet breakfast. Here, you can raise a toast to an unforgettable adventure. For the more discerned traveller, they also offer the opportunity to upgrade to a private vehicle and breakfast, or even book a private hot-air balloon.

The longest-operating hot air balloon company in the region, Balloon Adventures Dubai promises an experience that will be anchored in your memory forever. Dedicated to providing much more than a hot air balloon flight, the company has been voted the World’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator for five years running at the World Travel Awards.

Credit: Hero Experiences Group

Take to the skies and unlock your inner explorer as you soar over AlUla’s spellbinding canyons and tombs on this unrivalled adventure. Float over this unique ancient Arabic oasis and marvel at layer upon layer of human history stretching as far as the eye can see. This epic landscape represents a living museum which has remained unchanged for centuries. Drink in the silence from thousands of feet up in the air, and watch on as the heritage-carved rocks below turn from red to orange to gold as the sun rises over this magical destination.

AlUla’s first commercial hot air balloon operator, Hero Balloon Flights Saudi promises a sunrise flight unlike any other. Named the ‘World’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator’ for three years running at the World Travel Awards, you can look forward to a flight over landscapes carved with rich heritage and history.

Credit: Hero Experiences Group

Fancy experiencing a different side of Dubai? Take flight on an elevated adventure boasting some of the best views the city has to offer. Soaring up to 300 metres high (around the height of a 100-storey building), the Dubai Balloon promises a unique vantage point from which to soak up that world-famous landscape. Gaze out at the Burj Al Arab and Ain Dubai and see if you can spot the Downtown skyline in the distance. Located at the edge of Palm Jumeirah, you can experience uninterrupted views of the island here. Back on firm land, enjoy a chilled drink on the terrace of The Dubai Balloon Lounge, overlooking pristine sands and sparkling shores.

Anchored at the beach of the record-breaking Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, the Dubai Balloon promises a unique view of the city’s renowned skyline. Sip a coffee at The Dubai Balloon Lounge’s terrace after your flight, or purchase a photographic memory of your adventure at The Dubai Balloon retail store. Private charters and exclusive venue hires can also be arranged.