Imagine a thrilling helicopter ride over Dubai's stunning skyline, flying past its most iconic landmarks, and creating unforgettable memories. Sound interesting? You're in the right place. Welcome to our comprehensive guide to helicopter tours in Dubai. Experience the excitement and magic of soaring through the Dubai sky with breathtaking views of the city.
From the magnificent Burj Khalifa to the striking Palm Jumeirah, a Dubai helicopter ride offers a unique bird's-eye view of the city. Share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family or friends and create memories you'll cherish forever. Helicopter tours in Dubai are a must for any visitor. Now that you know why you should take one, let's help you choose the best!
Before diving into the best helicopter rides in Dubai, here are some important things to consider before making your choice.
Helicopter rides Dubai 101: Things to consider
As fun and exciting most helicopter tours in Dubai are, they come at a considerable cost and require some research before you zero-in on the one you wish to book. Let’s look at some factors you should consider before booking a Dubai helicopter tour.
1. Time of day
The time of day you book your Dubai helicopter tour greatly affects the quality of your experience. Due to factors like pollution, sand, or a lack of greenery, Dubai often has a thin haze that can affect visibility. We recommend scheduling your helicopter tour during midday when the haze and dust are at their lowest. Early morning tours also offer clear views of the Dubai skyline. However, avoid sunset or post-sunset slots as visibility is limited during these times.
2. Weather
Weather conditions are another important factor to consider before booking your helicopter tour in Dubai. Bad weather, such as thunderstorms and dust storms, can cause cancellations or rescheduling of your tour. Keep this in mind, especially if you're booking tickets last minute.
3. Tour duration
The duration of helicopter tours in Dubai varies, typically ranging from 12 to 40 minutes. When booking aerial sightseeing tickets in Dubai, consider how long you want to be in the air. We recommend opting for a longer tour, even if it costs a bit more. Since helicopter tours are often a one-time experience, a longer tour will allow you to enjoy the thrill of flying and take in the stunning views for a more extended period.
4. Finding the right tour operator
The most crucial factor in selecting a helicopter tour is choosing a trusted operator. Your safety is paramount, and this is where Headout comes in. Our Dubai helicopter tours are organized by the most reliable and well-known operators in the city, ensuring you are in safe hands at all times.
Best helicopter rides in Dubai
1Shared Helicopter Tour From Downtown Dubai
Best Dubai Helicopter Tours
Taking off from the heliport at the Dubai Police Academy, near the Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road, this flight offers breathtaking views of Dubai's most iconic landmarks. You'll start by flying over the Burj Al Arab Hotel, then along the shoreline to the Palm Jumeirah Islands and the World Islands. A helicopter ride is the only way to truly appreciate the scale of the World Islands, a testament to Dubai's architectural marvel, stretching far into the open sea.
Next, you'll head into the heart of the city. Here, you'll see the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and the crown jewel of Dubai. As you soar over the city's beaches, the Corniche, and the Dubai Canal, you'll also get a glimpse of some of Dubai's most prominent skyscrapers. With the entire city spread out below you, the sight is nothing short of epic!
- Burj Al Arab
- The Palm Jumeirah
- The Jumeirah Coastline
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Canal
- Godolphin
- Business Bay
- The World Islands
- Atlantis Hotel
- Port Rashid
- Largest UAE flag
- All sights from the 12-minute flight (except Godolphin and Business Bay)
- Dubai Creek
- The Wind Towers in Bur Dubai
- Dubai Creek Golf Course
- Traditional areas of old Dubai
- All sights from the 17-minute flight (except Port Rashid and the UAE flag)
2Shared Helicopter Tour From From Atlantis, The Palm
Best Dubai Helicopter Tours
This helicopter tour takes off from the Atlantis Resort, offering stunning views from the start. You'll first see the famous Palm Jumeirah island and the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel. But the tour isn't just about these iconic views. You'll also fly over the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and one of Dubai's oldest areas, the Dubai Creek. It's like a 360-degree photo opportunity in the sky!
The in-flight narration provides interesting information about the landmarks you see. The Eurocopter AS 350, a popular choice for sightseeing tours, has large windows, ensuring everyone gets a great view. Plus, the experienced pilots ensure a smooth and enjoyable flight.
- Atlantis Hotel
- The Palm Jumeirah
- The Jumeirah Coastline
- Burj Al Arab
- Dubai Coastline
- Burj Khalifa
- The World Islands
- Union Square
- Mall of the Emirates
- All sights from the 12-minute flight (except Dubai Coastline)
- Dubai Canal
- Business Bay
- Dubai Coastline
- All sights from the 15-minute flight
- Dubai Creek
- Emirates Golf Course
- Nad Al Sheba Race Track
- All sights from the 17-minute flight
3Private Helicopter Tour from Downtown Dubai
Best Dubai Helicopter Tours
Thinking about proposing, celebrating a special occasion, or living out your movie dreams? This private helicopter tour, accommodating up to 5 people, is perfect for you! You'll spot major landmarks like the Atlantis Hotel, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Canal, and more.
Starting from the centrally located Dubai Police Academy Helipad near Dubai Festival City, you can choose from flights lasting between 12 to 30 minutes. Soar over skyscrapers, souks, desert dunes, and the iconic sights of Dubai. With a helicopter reserved just for you and your loved ones, this tour is ideal for making any day special or simply experiencing Dubai from a whole new perspective.
- Burj Al Arab
- The Palm Jumeirah
- The Jumeirah Coastline
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Canal
- Godolphin
- Business Bay
- The World Islands
- Atlantis Hotel
- Port Rashid
- Largest UAE flag
- All sights from the 12-minute flight (except Godolphin and Business Bay)
- Dubai Creek
- The Wind Towers in Bur Dubai
- Dubai Creek Golf Course
- Traditional areas of old Dubai
- All sights from the 17-minute flight (except Port Rashid and the UAE flag)
- Dubai Marina
- Blue Water Island
- Ain Dubai
- Jumeirah Lakes
- All sights from the 22-minute flight (except Dubai Creek Golf Course and old Dubai areas)
4Gyrocopter Private Flight at the Palm Drop Zone
Best Dubai Helicopter Tours
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a unique gyrocopter ride in Dubai. Fly solo with a skilled pilot and enjoy unmatched 180-degree panoramic views of Dubai's remarkable skyline. For a full 20 minutes, soar above the iconic man-made Palm Islands, gaze at the enchanting blue ocean below, and marvel at the sail-shaped silhouette of the world-famous Burj Al Arab Hotel.
Fly along the Dubai Marina coastline, marvel at the world's largest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, and the iconic man-made archipelago, Palm Jumeirah Island. Enjoy thrilling aerial acrobatics performed by your expert pilot. Plus, you'll receive complimentary photos and an edited video to remember your extraordinary aerial experience.
- Burj Al Arab
- Ain Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Palm Jumeirah Island
- Atlantis, The Palm
- The World Islands
- Iconic landmarks along Dubai's coast
- All participants must carry a valid photo ID on the day of their experience and sign a waiver form at the time.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable and athletic clothes along with sneakers or sports shoes for this activity.
- The gyrocopter operates with an open cockpit at an altitude of 1500ft. It is recommended to bring your own jacket and sunglasses for the flight.
- This experience is restricted to guests under 17 years of age according to the Gregorian calendar.
- The experience is restricted to guests weighing more than 105 kg. During the summer, due to weather conditions, the weight limit is 100 kg.
- This experience is not suitable for pregnant women.
- Lockers are available for storing belongings.
- The style of the gyrocopter aircraft used is at the discretion of the operations team, and their decision is final. For safety reasons, customers in open-style gyrocopters cannot carry any belongings during the flight.
- Guests are requested to arrive 30 minutes before their booking/flight time.
517-Minute Shared Dubai Helicopter Tour + View At The Palm
Combo package
Grab a seat on the 17-minute shared helicopter ride and marvel at Dubai's stunning reclaimed islands and the historic charm of the old town and creek. Taking off from the Dubai Police Academy helipad, you'll enjoy breathtaking city-wide views.
Once you're back on solid ground, head to the Palm Tower on the 52nd floor, where the 360° observation deck offers incredible views. Palm Island is the centerpiece, with Marina and Ain Dubai to the left, and Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa to the right.
- Atlantis Hotel
- Port Rashid
- Largest UAE Flag
- World Islands
- Burj Al Arab
- Palm Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Coastline
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Canal
- Godolphin
- Business Bay
- Enter at the time slot you have booked.
- Kids under 12 enter free with a paying adult; standard charges apply for additional children.
612-Minute Shared Dubai Helicopter Tour + Aquaventure Water Park
Combo package
This 12-minute helicopter tour offers an incredible aerial view of Dubai, showcasing a mix of modern marvels and historic charm. Fly over the city's iconic reclaimed islands, the old town, and the creek. You'll get a bird's-eye view of Dubai's must-see landmarks, including the Burj Al Arab, the Palm Islands, and the towering Burj Khalifa.
You can choose the date to visit Aquaventure while booking this ticket. With over 105 slides and attractions, Aquaventure offers fun for both adults and kids. Popular rides include the Odyssey of Terror, the high-speed twists and turns of Zoomerango, and the Aquaconda, a looping waterslide that propels riders through a transparent tube surrounded by sharks.
- Burj Al Arab
- The Palm Jumeirah
- The Jumeirah Coastline
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Canal
- Godolphin
- Business Bay
- Pack your swimwear: speedos, swimsuits, burkinis, and rash guards.
- Regular nappies/diapers are not allowed in pools or attractions. Swim nappies/diapers are available in gift shops.
- No outside food, beverages, glassware, or alcohol allowed.
- People with injuries (casts, bandages, etc.) or contagious diseases are not permitted on attractions.
- Waterpark rides are restricted for individuals under 50 kg and over 135 kg, except in the children's area.
- Abayas, sarees, long shirts or pants, undergarments, street clothes, cotton clothes, and see-through items are not allowed in the water or on rides.
- Not suitable for expecting mothers, people with reduced mobility, or those with a history of neck, back, joint, or heart problems.
Information information: Know before you go
HeliDubai Helicopter Tours
- Bring your original passport or valid ID for a smooth experience. Soft copies are not accepted.
- This experience is restricted to guests weighing under 140 kg (308.65 lb) and children over the age of 2.
- iPads, selfie sticks, HD camcorders, or cameras with lenses greater than 400mm are not allowed on board. Baggage, large bags, and purses must be left in designated lockers.
- Wear comfortable and respectful clothing. Swimwear is not allowed. Earrings can be worn at the passenger's own risk due to headphone use.
- This experience is not suitable for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Pregnant guests (7 months or more) must provide a valid doctor's certificate.
- People of determination are welcome to fly but must be accompanied by a paying adult who can assist them.
- A maximum of 5 passengers are allowed per flight.
- Guests must arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
- Children aged 2 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- All flights are subject to weather and visibility conditions, and actual flight timings may change.
- Routes may vary due to air traffic or other safety considerations.
- Bookings made outside operational hours (8am to 5pm) will be confirmed the next day.
Falcon Heli Tours
- Have your original passport or valid identification ready for a seamless experience. Soft copies are not accepted.
- The maximum weight for each guest per seat is 110 kg. Guests exceeding this weight will need to purchase an extra seat. Guests who need a seat belt extender are not permitted to fly.
- This experience is restricted to children under the age of 2 years.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7, iPads, selfie sticks, or professional cameras are not permitted on board the helicopter.
- Baggage, large bags, and purses are not allowed on board and must be left in designated lockers.
- This experience is not suitable for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- If a guest is 8 months pregnant or more, a valid doctor's certificate is required to confirm they are medically fit to fly.
- People of determination are welcome to fly, but they must be accompanied by a paying adult who can assist them.
- A maximum of 6 passengers are allowed per flight.
- Guests are required to arrive 45 minutes before the helicopter tour time.
- Children aged 2 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- All flights are subject to weather and visibility conditions. The timings are indicative, and actual flight timings may change.
- Routes may vary due to air traffic stipulations or other operational or safety considerations.
The helicopter
On your helicopter tour of Dubai, you will be flying in the Eurocopter AS350 B3. These machines are state of the art helicopters equipped with the latest functionalities and safety features-course-deviation indicator by Garmin, Global Positioning System receiver, Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and the First Limit Indicator (FLI) which help increase the aircraft's safety. The choppers are also equipped with the latest in noise reduction technology. The Bell 407 GX can seat a maximum of 6 people, has a 411 mile range and can fly at speeds of upto 160 mph.
Helicopter rides Dubai: Insider tips
- If you’re travelling in a group of 5, we would recommend booking a private helicopter tour in Dubai. It’s more cost-effective than a shared tour, and you get to enjoy the sights of Dubai with complete privacy.
- Dress in light, comfortable clothes. Earrings are not allowed in most helicopter tours.
- If the weather is bad, your helicopter tour will be cancelled and rescheduled to the next available slot. Make your bookings according to the weather to avoid last-minute disappointment. In case of cancellation due to weather conditions, the tour will be rescheduled at the earliest.
- Food, beverages and smoking are not allowed inside the helicopters.
FAQs
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That completes our Dubai helicopter rides guide. Book your seats for this once in a lifetime experience today and make the most of your trip to the City of Gold!
