It is the desert from above at first light: gazelles, oryx and camels in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Hajar Mountains on the horizon and the dunes turning gold. After landing a vintage Land Rover or SUV takes you to a private Bedouin camp for a gourmet breakfast (veg and non-veg options), a short camel ride and a falcon photo, and every guest gets an electronic flight certificate signed by the pilot. Below: what the price covers, who the day suits, what verified guests say and how it compares with the other ways to do it.
By SB Excursions · Published 14 September 2026 · Updated 14 September 2026
Tour on this route: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon in Dubai — From $275 per person, 4-5 hours.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from anywhere within the Dubai city area are included.
This guide also answers:
- Are there any age or health restrictions?
The short answer
Yes for couples, photographers and anyone who wants the desert at sunrise from above: it runs as a shared sunrise balloon flight with breakfast covering Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, lasts 4-5 hours and starts with pre-dawn hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in dubai city, so the day is handled from the door.
Pricing is From $275 per person. A 30% deposit confirms the flight; the baskets sell out one to two weeks ahead.
What guests say
Verified bookings, quoted as written:
"A Magical Sunrise from the Sky! My first hot air balloon ride was an absolutely unforgettable experience! Floating silently into the dawn sky was pure magic. Watching the sunrise from above, with breathtaking panoramic views bathed in a soft, golden light, is a memory I will cherish forever. To make it even better, the adventure continued with a charming camel ride after we landed." — Jaime, United States, January 8, 2026.
"Our balloon pilot Muhammad was excellent, he got us to the perfect altitude to watch the sunrise, I would highly recommend this activity." — Marion, France, January 27, 2026.
"The whole experience was out of this world! Seeing the sunrise in the desert is breath taking." — Masayuki, Japan, January 23, 2026.
Who should book it — and who should not
The balloon and the desert safari are the same desert from opposite sides: 4,000 feet of silence at sunrise versus a 4x4, a quad and a BBQ dinner at sunset. Most guests pair them on one day — the flight in the morning, the full-day safari from the afternoon — and the safari costs less than the flight. Whether $275 is worth it is the subject of its own guide.
What is included in the price
A booking of the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon in Dubai covers:
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle
- 40-70 minute sunrise balloon flight with GCAA-licensed pilots
- In-flight Wi-Fi at 4,000 feet
- Gourmet Bedouin-style breakfast (veg and non-veg options)
- Camel ride and falconry photo session
- Electronic flight certificate as a digital souvenir
Before you book
Availability is confirmed once you send the date, hotel area and group size on WhatsApp. A 30% deposit confirms the flight; the baskets sell out one to two weeks ahead.
The route stop by stop is in the travel guide; pickup times, the packing list and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from anywhere within the Dubai city area are included.
Are there any age or health restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems and guests over 80 years old.
What is not allowed to bring on board?
For safety, pets, drones, large luggage, smoking and alcohol are not allowed on the flight or in the vehicles.