Dubai's stunning skyline and its opulence make the city a popular holiday destination. What makes your holiday in Dubai absolutely unforgettable are the stunning landscapes. Enjoy taking one of the hot air balloon rides in Dubai and admire the stunning beauty of the vast desert landscape. The views of the golden sand dunes stretching far and wide into the horizon are a sight to behold. Here are some of the most scenic routes you can take during a hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert. 

The Top Hot Air Balloon Ride Routes in Dubai

Here are the top destinations for a remarkable hot air balloon ride in Dubai. 

The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

The vast area of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is just outside Dubai. The untouched landscapes and the wildlife here make this place one of the most popular routes for a hot air balloon ride. Watch the golden stretch of sand dunes all around you while you soar high into the skies above the reserve. You may spot some Arabian Oryxes, gazelles and camels.

Experience the serenity and tranquillity of the desert on this route. Feel the calmness of the desert and enjoy the breathtaking sight of the sun spreading its orange hue across the desert as it rises on the horizon. You have a perfect photo opportunity before you with the rising sun changing the sky's colour as it rises. 

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

You can enjoy a hot air balloon ride at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR),  another top route. The DDCR is a protected area showcasing the flora and fauna of the Dubai Desert. It's a 45 Minute drive away from Downtown Dubai. Spread across 225 square kilometres, DDCR is an ideal setting for a hot air balloon ride. 

The flight gives you unhindered views of the desert. If you are lucky enough, you may spot a few oryxes down below and a few falcons flying by. One of the best places to view the desert's natural beauty is the DDCR. There is a soft hue on the dunes from the light of the early morning sun– an enchanting site indeed. 

Hatta Desert

Located outside Dubai, Hatta is a wonderful destination offering hot air balloon rides in Dubai. Flying across the Hatta Desert gives you an experience that is in contrast to what you get to experience during a hot air balloon ride over one of Dubai’s typical deserts. What makes a hot air balloon ride in Hatta so special? It's the beautiful mountains and the rugged terrain. 

The Hajar Mountains stand tall as a stunning backdrop to the golden sands of the desert–a view you’ll love admiring from the hot air balloon. While you float across the sky, you might find goats loitering in the desert and camels striding along gracefully. The route is made very scenic by the mix of the desert and the Hajar mountains. 

Liwa Desert

Located in the western part of the UAE close to the border with Saudi Arabia, the Liwa Desert is another top route for a hot air balloon ride. While you will have to take a long drive to reach the spot, the breathtaking views you get to admire on the hot air balloon ride make the journey worth it. The Liwa Desert is famous for its tall sand dunes, some of them as tall as 100 metres. 

Flying over the Liwa Desert is an unforgettable experience. The rolling sand dunes spreading far and wide are a sight to behold. A feeling of calmness descends on you in the desolation of the desert. With the light changing throughout the day over the desert, the scenery before you is truly magnificent. The hot air balloon ride here surely is a must on your Dubai City Tour.

The Al Faya Desert

The popularity of the Al Faya Desert as a top hot air balloon ride route is rising fast. On this route, you float along some very beautiful parts of the Dubai desert, though they are lesser known. You’ll see rocky outcrops here and the desert landscape here is pretty unique. It gives you a new look into how breathtaking the UAE’s natural beauty is. 

If you are looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience, you’ll love visiting the Al Faya Desert. It’s an unforgettable journey into solitude and vastness. The beauty of the place is untouched and it’s a joy watching the sand dunes in an intricate pattern spreading far and wide all around. You’ll get to see some flora here unique to the region, mostly desert shrubs. 

Conclusion

Combining natural beauty, adventure and serenity, a hot air balloon ride is an amazing experience. Each of the routes offers an incredible ride where every moment is filled with thrill and excitement. There’s amazing contrast as well from Liwa’s vastness to Hatta’s ruggedness. Escape the crowds at the tourist places in Dubai and head straight to the desert for a hot air balloon ride. It’s an adventure that’ll remain etched in your mind forever.