Dubai route: balloon launch to Burj Khalifa and rooftop
This 42.2 km route traces a complete Dubai morning adventure starting with a hot air balloon launch in the foggy desert, followed by visits to The Dubai Mall, Creek Harbour Development, and the Burj Khalifa area. The route concludes with a traditional Bedouin breakfast experience and a rooftop session at Renaissance Hotel offering panoramic city views.
- Distance
- 42.2 km
- Duration
- 8 h 26 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- The Dubai Mall
- End
- Renaissance Hotel Rooftop
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- The Dubai Mall — Return to shopping destination and meeting point
- Creek Harbour Development — Upcoming upscale residential and commercial area in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa & New Tower Construction — World's tallest freestanding structure visible during city exploration
- Bedouin Breakfast in the Desert — Desert breakfast experience with traditional Bedouin culture
- Renaissance Hotel Rooftop — Rooftop access provided by Renaissance hotel staff
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Hot air balloon tours start very early in the morning (around 3:45-4:30 AM) to catch sunrise. Be prepared for an early wake-up call.
- Save money
- Hot air balloon experience costs approximately 1,000 AED (about $350 USD) and includes breakfast in the desert.
- Food
- Bedouin breakfast in the desert typically includes eggs, vegetables, and Middle Eastern bread. Also features nasi goreng.
- Tip
- During Ramadan, public eating and drinking is restricted. Plan meals accordingly and eat mainly at home or designated restaurants.
- Tip
- Rooftop access in Dubai requires proper permission and connections. Ensure any rooftop session is arranged through official hotel channels with security present.
- Food
- Try Arabic cuisine at traditional restaurants like Bihar. Meals are drawn out over 2+ hours with dates, hummus, lamb, seafood, shisha, Arabic coffee, and desserts like kunafa.
- Timing
- Creek Harbour area gets beautiful sunsets due to atmospheric haze. Evening visits provide stunning golden-hour photography opportunities.
- Tip
- Falcons are national emblems throughout the UAE. Be careful not to extend hands near falcons, especially while in flights or tours.
- Transport
- Desert breakfast is accessed via 4-wheel Land Rovers from the hot air balloon landing site.
- Tip
- Creek Harbour is about 15-16 minutes drive from central Dubai and is an emerging upscale development area with new construction including a tower taller than Burj Khalifa.