Dubai has more to it than beaches, shopping malls, skyscrapers, and amusement parks. The emirate offers a plethora of activities that adventure enthusiasts can indulge in to satisfy their hunger for adventure. Some of these include skydiving, flyboarding, rock climbing, sky scrapping, and hot air balloon rides. If you are a keen adventure enthusiast, don’t stop yourself from indulging in a hot air balloon ride in Dubai, an activity on almost everyone’s bucket list. So, drift up high in the air to feel the thrill and enjoy 360-degree views of the surroundings.
Hot Air Balloon Ride In Dubai
The hot air balloons usually fly at a height between 1,000 to 4,000 feet above the ground and one can witness scenic views like never before. A hot air balloon ride in Dubai takes place at specific locations like Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), Hajar Mountains, and Margham. Some operators offer private pick-up and drop-off facilities. Whereas, if your package is exclusive of transportation, you can commute via car, van, or bus.
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The Process And Experience Of Hot Air Balloon Ride In Dubai
The expert crew provides you with the details of what is about to happen during the hot air balloon ride. You also get to see how the basket and burner are assembled before the balloon is inflated and untwined.
After you climb the balloon basket, the pilot will begin firing up the burners. Once the hot air balloon is filled with hot air, the basket slowly lifts from the ground. As the balloon reaches a certain height, you won’t hear the chirping of birds or any other sound as it will fade away. The only sound you will hear is that of the burners of your balloon and other balloons around you. But all these sounds will remain the least of your concerns as you will be mesmerised by the bird’s eye view of the clear skies above and the dunes below.
Criteria For A Ride In The Hot Air Balloon
The minimum and maximum accommodation capacity is determined by the balloon operators depending on the durability of the envelope and the size of the basket. An average hot air balloon can accommodate up to 8 passengers including the pilot. However, balloons with larger baskets can carry 10 to 28 passengers.
Some operators in Dubai impose restrictions with respect to age, height, and health as per their set criteria. However, every operator follows the rule that children below 5 years of age and pregnant women are not allowed to fly on the hot air balloon due to safety factors. People with health issues must convey so to their respective operators before booking the ride. Special packages that provide wheelchair-equipped hot air balloons are available for the differently abled.
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Types Of Experiences In A Hot Air Balloon Ride
An adventure enthusiast can opt for any of the below experiences while selecting a package for a Dubai hot air balloon ride:
1. Private Ride Experience
For an exclusive and intimate experience, a private hot air balloon ride in Dubai is available. Such rides are suitable for couples seeking solitude and families who want to embark on an adventure together. You will have the entire balloon to yourself for an unforgettable experience.
2. Group Ride Experience
In this type of ride, you won’t be alone and will be accompanied by strangers. You might form new bonds that turn into lifelong friendships and become the best hot air balloon ride in Dubai of your life. Also, embarking on a new adventure with new people is always fun.
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3. Hot Air Balloon Ride With Desert Safari And Overnight Stay
You can upgrade your hot air balloon adventure by adding a desert safari experience, which will be an icing on the cake. Head out to the desert a day before the hot air balloon ride for a desert safari in a 4×4 vehicle. With a desert safari, you can also witness wildlife like gazelles or camels while driving through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Additional experiences include camel rides, a sunset falcon show, and cultural entertainment. Spend the night at the camp and head for the hot air balloon ride in the morning.
4. Hot Air Balloon Ride With Other Adventures
In addition to the hot air balloon ride, many packages offer a multitude of experiences which one can opt for. Some premium hot air balloon packages include in-flight falcon (the world’s fastest birds) shows, which is something rare, and if it falls in your budget, do experience it once. Whereas, some packages include a short camel, horse or ATV ride right after the hot air balloon ride. In some scenarios, a private vehicle and breakfast facilities are also provided.
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Best Time For A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Dubai
A hot air balloon ride is one such activity that can be taken all year round. However, balloon flights are dependent on weather conditions as winds play a significant role in higher altitudes. Light winds, little to no rain and clear bright skies are the conditions that are suitable for a smooth sailing experience.
The recommended hours to fly above the ground for a hot air balloon ride are during sunrise and before sunset. Usually, early morning rides are preferred compared to sunset flights as the weather conditions and winds are mostly in favour.
Tips For A First-Time Rider
- Set your budget and research well before officially booking a ride online, over a phone call or even visiting the location. Make sure that your package includes pick-up and drop-off facilities.
- Book your ride well in advance, at least 3-4 days before, as the operator needs time to prepare for the actual ride.
- A waiver form needs to be filled out 24 hours before the actual ride. Also, carry a valid ID like your passport on the day of the balloon ride.
- Eat a light meal before embarking on the ride, especially the sunrise hot air balloon ride in Dubai, and always stay hydrated.
- Choose your outfit according to the weather conditions in that particular area of Dubai. Wear comfortable clothes so that it doesn’t pose a hindrance to your adventure, as you have to climb up into the basket. Also, carry an extra layer of clothing so as to adapt to the changing weather conditions during the balloon ride.
- Wear sunscreen and carry your sunglasses and hats with you to survive the scorching heat emitted from the sun.
- Carry your gadgets like cameras and mobile phones in a body pouch so that you don’t drop them. However, there are chances that your operator might provide you with storage options to store your belongings.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the balloon might land in the middle of a field and you have to walk to your vehicle.
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Bookmark this for your future hot air balloon ride in Dubai. The adventurous souls out there must embark on this thrill of a lifetime while planning a trip to Dubai. The views you are about to witness are incomparable and will leave imprints on your mind. You will have stories to tell others!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Air Balloon Ride In Dubai
How long is a hot air balloon ride in Dubai?
A hot air balloon ride in Dubai usually lasts from 20 minutes to 1 hour, but the experience you indulge in lasts a lifetime. Depending on your package, the whole experience can also range from 4 to 8 hours which includes hotel pick-up, breakfast, actual ride, and post-landing activities.
How much does it cost to ride a hot air balloon in Dubai?
The hot air balloon ride costs somewhere between AED 700 to AED 1,500. The cost depends on certain factors like the time of the day, the location of the flight, the size of the balloon, and additional activities.
What is the age limit for hot air balloons in Dubai?
Children under 5 years and pregnant women are not allowed to indulge in a ride on the hot air balloon Dubai due to safety reasons.
Where do people sit in a hot air balloon?
There are no seats in a hot air balloon, just safety straps inside the basket that one can hold onto. These are designed keeping in mind the safety of the passengers.
How many passengers fit in a hot air balloon?
An average hot air balloon can accommodate up to 8 passengers, including the pilot. However, balloons with larger baskets can carry 10 to 28 passengers.
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