A Dubai helicopter tour is one of the most exciting ways to see Dubai from above. Instead of viewing the city from the streets or observation decks, you can fly over famous landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina and the Dubai coastline.
Helicopter tours in Dubai are available in different flight times, from short sightseeing flights to longer private experiences. Depending on the route, you may see Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai and other famous Dubai landmarks.
In this guide, you can compare Dubai helicopter tour prices, flight durations, routes, what is included, the best time to fly and booking tips before choosing your experience.
Dubai Helicopter Tour at a Glance
- Starting price: From around AED 710 for a 12-minute shared helicopter tour
- Typical duration: Around 12 to 30 minutes for popular shared flights
- Private flights: Available from around AED 3,550 for a 12-minute private flight
- Popular sights: Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai
- Popular options: Shared sightseeing flights and private helicopter tours
- Best for: First-time visitors, couples, photographers, luxury travelers and special occasions
- Main departure area: Dubai Police Academy for HeliDubai and Atlantis The Palm for selected Falcon Aviation flights
Prices and routes vary between operators. Always check the selected flight before booking because availability and prices can change.
Dubai Helicopter Tours & Activities
Compare available Dubai helicopter tours, flight durations and experiences before booking.
How Much Does a Dubai Helicopter Tour Cost?
Dubai helicopter tour prices start from around AED 710 for selected 12-minute shared flights. Longer flights cost more because they provide more time in the air and cover a wider sightseeing route.
Current HeliDubai listings show shared flights from AED 710 for 12 minutes, AED 945 for 17 minutes, AED 1,299 for 22 minutes and AED 1,770 for 30 minutes.
Private helicopter tours are more expensive because you reserve the helicopter for your own group. Current HeliDubai private flights start from around AED 3,550 for 12 minutes and increase with the flight duration.
These are starting prices rather than fixed prices. Always check the selected date, flight duration and booking option before paying.
Dubai Helicopter Tour Price Guide
| Tour Type | Duration | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| HeliDubai Iconic Tour | 12 minutes | From AED 710 |
| HeliDubai Palm Tour | 17 minutes | From AED 945 |
| HeliDubai Vision Tour | 22 minutes | From AED 1,299 |
| HeliDubai Grand Tour | 30 minutes | From AED 1,770 |
| HeliDubai Private Tour | 12–40 minutes | From AED 3,550 |
Prices above are current starting-price examples and can change depending on availability, dates and selected flight.
Types of Dubai Helicopter Tours
Dubai helicopter tours are available in different durations and booking types. The main choice is between a shared helicopter flight and a private helicopter tour.
1. 12-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour
The 12-minute helicopter tour is one of the shortest sightseeing flights available in Dubai. It is a good option if you want to experience a helicopter ride while keeping the flight shorter.
HeliDubai currently lists its 12-minute Iconic Tour from AED 710 on a shared basis.
2. 17-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour
The 17-minute Palm Tour gives you more time in the air and focuses on wider views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai's coastline.
The current starting price for the shared HeliDubai Palm Tour is AED 945.
3. 22-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour
The 22-minute Vision Tour provides a longer aerial sightseeing experience and can cover more of Dubai's modern and historic areas.
HeliDubai currently lists the shared 22-minute Vision Tour from AED 1,299.
4. 30-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour
A 30-minute helicopter tour gives you more time to enjoy Dubai from the sky and can cover a wider sightseeing route.
The current shared HeliDubai Grand Tour starts from AED 1,770.
5. Private Dubai Helicopter Tour
A private helicopter tour gives your group exclusive use of the helicopter instead of sharing the flight with other passengers.
Current HeliDubai private flights are available for up to five passengers, with options from 12 to 40 minutes.
Private flights currently start from around AED 3,550 for a 12-minute experience.
What Can You See on a Dubai Helicopter Tour?
The exact route depends on the flight duration and operator. However, Dubai helicopter tours can provide aerial views of many famous landmarks.
- Palm Jumeirah: See the famous palm-shaped island from above.
- Atlantis The Palm: View the famous resort from the air.
- Burj Al Arab: See Dubai's sail-shaped landmark from above.
- Burj Khalifa: Selected routes provide aerial views of the world's tallest building.
- Dubai Marina: See the high-rise waterfront skyline from the air.
- Ain Dubai: Selected routes provide views of the giant observation wheel on Bluewaters Island.
- The World Islands: Longer routes can provide aerial views of the man-made island development.
- Dubai coastline: Longer flights cover a wider section of the coastline.
Not every flight visits every landmark. Always check the route of the specific helicopter tour before booking.
Dubai Helicopter Tour Routes
Helicopter routes vary depending on the operator and selected flight duration. Longer flights generally provide a wider sightseeing experience.
12-Minute Iconic Route
The Iconic Tour is designed as a shorter introduction to Dubai from the sky and focuses on some of the city's major landmarks.
17-Minute Palm Route
The Palm Tour provides more time around Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai coastline.
22-Minute Vision Route
The Vision Tour provides a longer flight and can cover a wider combination of modern and historic Dubai landmarks.
30-Minute Grand Route
The Grand Tour is designed for travelers who want a longer aerial sightseeing experience covering more of Dubai.
40-Minute Private Route
The 40-minute Odyssey option is available as a private HeliDubai experience and is designed for a more extensive aerial tour.
Flight routes can change because of air traffic, weather, visibility and operational requirements. The exact route should always be confirmed with the operator.
Where Do Dubai Helicopter Tours Depart From?
Dubai helicopter tours operate from different helipads depending on the operator.
HeliDubai currently operates from a helipad inside Dubai Police Academy, Al Sufouh 1 , opposite Mall of the Emirates.
Falcon Aviation also offers helicopter tours departing from Atlantis The Palm .
Always check your booking confirmation for the exact departure location, check-in point and reporting time.
How Long Does a Dubai Helicopter Tour Take?
Popular Dubai helicopter sightseeing flights usually last between 12 and 30 minutes. Private flights can last up to 40 minutes on selected tours.
- 12 minutes: Short sightseeing experience
- 17 minutes: Extended Palm and coastline experience
- 22 minutes: Longer Dubai sightseeing experience
- 30 minutes: Extended aerial sightseeing
- 40 minutes: Selected private helicopter experience
Remember that the total activity time is longer than the actual flight because you may need to arrive early for check-in, identification checks and the safety briefing.
What Is Included in a Dubai Helicopter Tour?
Inclusions depend on the operator and selected flight. A standard helicopter tour normally includes the flight and safety briefing, while some packages can include transfers and other extras.
Common inclusions
- Helicopter sightseeing flight
- Professional pilot
- Safety briefing
- Selected sightseeing route
- Live narration on selected tours
Possible extras
- Transfers
- Private helicopter charter
- Food and beverages on selected packages
- Special occasion arrangements
Always check the exact inclusions of your selected tour before booking.
Dubai Helicopter Tour for Couples
A helicopter tour can be a memorable experience for couples because it gives you a different view of Dubai's skyline and coastline.
A shared flight can provide the aerial experience at a lower price, while a private helicopter is a better option if you want the aircraft exclusively for your group.
Helicopter tours can also be considered for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Is a Dubai Helicopter Tour Good for Photography?
Yes. A helicopter gives you an aerial perspective that is difficult to experience from the ground.
Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina and the coastline can create strong aerial photographs depending on your selected route.
Photography conditions can change because of sunlight, reflections, movement and weather.
If photography is important to you, check the operator's rules about cameras and personal equipment before flying.
What Is the Best Time for a Dubai Helicopter Tour?
The best time depends on the type of view you want and the available flight times.
Morning
Morning flights can provide bright daylight and can be useful if you want to continue sightseeing around Dubai later in the day.
Afternoon
Afternoon flights provide clear daytime views of Dubai's skyline, coastline and major landmarks when weather and visibility are suitable.
Late afternoon
Late afternoon can provide softer light and changing views as the day progresses.
Helicopter flights depend on weather, visibility, air traffic and operational conditions, so the actual flight schedule can change.
What Should You Bring on a Dubai Helicopter Tour?
- Booking confirmation
- Valid identification required by the operator
- Phone or camera
- Sunglasses
- Any required medication
Identification requirements can be strict. Check your booking instructions carefully and bring the required original identification document.
Avoid bringing unnecessary large bags because helicopter operators can have baggage restrictions.
Dubai Helicopter Tour Safety Tips
- Follow the pilot and crew's safety instructions.
- Arrive before the required check-in time.
- Bring the identification document requested by the operator.
- Follow all baggage and weight requirements.
- Follow instructions regarding cameras and personal belongings.
- Follow all instructions around the helipad and helicopter.
- Be prepared for a flight to be delayed or rescheduled if weather or operational conditions are unsuitable.
Flight operations can be affected by weather, visibility, air traffic control and other operational conditions.
Dubai Helicopter Tour Age and Weight Requirements
Passenger requirements vary between operators and individual helicopter tours.
HeliDubai currently states that children aged 2 years and above may travel, subject to its safety and booking conditions.
HeliDubai also currently lists a maximum passenger weight of 115 kg per passenger per seat.
These requirements should not be treated as universal for every Dubai helicopter operator. Always check the exact age, weight and passenger requirements for your selected flight before booking.
Where Should You Check In for a Dubai Helicopter Tour?
Your check-in location depends on the helicopter operator and departure helipad.
HeliDubai currently operates from inside Dubai Police Academy, Al Sufouh 1 , opposite Mall of the Emirates.
HeliDubai currently recommends arriving around 45 minutes before the scheduled flight for check-in and required procedures.
Always follow the arrival time stated on your booking confirmation because requirements can vary between operators.
Dubai Helicopter Tour Booking Tips
- Compare flight durations. A 12-minute flight and a 30-minute flight provide very different sightseeing experiences.
- Check the route. Do not assume every helicopter flight visits every Dubai landmark.
- Check the departure location. Different operators use different helipads.
- Check whether the price is per person or per helicopter. Shared flights are generally priced per passenger, while private flights are booked for the aircraft or group.
- Check passenger requirements. Age and weight limits can vary.
- Check the cancellation policy. Cancellation rules depend on the operator and selected booking.
- Arrive early. Helicopter operators can require passengers to check in well before departure.
- Check weather conditions. Flights can be affected by weather and visibility.
Is a Dubai Helicopter Tour Worth It?
A Dubai helicopter tour gives you a perspective that you cannot get from a walking tour, observation deck or boat cruise. From the air, you can see the shape of Palm Jumeirah, the coastline and Dubai's skyline from a much wider perspective.
A short shared flight can be suitable if you mainly want the helicopter experience and aerial views. A longer flight gives you more sightseeing time, while a private helicopter provides an exclusive experience for your group.
The main things to compare are the flight duration, route, price, departure location and passenger requirements before booking.
More Things to Do in Dubai
You can combine a Dubai helicopter tour with other popular sightseeing and experience activities during your trip.
Dubai Helicopter Tour FAQ
How much does a Dubai helicopter tour cost?
Dubai helicopter tours can start from around AED 710 for selected 12-minute shared flights. Longer flights and private helicopter tours cost more depending on the duration and operator.
How long is a Dubai helicopter tour?
Popular shared helicopter tours usually last around 12, 17, 22 or 30 minutes. Selected private helicopter tours can last up to 40 minutes.
What can I see on a Dubai helicopter tour?
Depending on the route, you may see Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai, The World Islands and the Dubai coastline.
Can I see Palm Jumeirah from a helicopter?
Yes. Palm Jumeirah is one of the major landmarks included on selected Dubai helicopter routes, especially Palm-focused flights.
Can I see the Burj Khalifa from a helicopter?
Selected Dubai helicopter routes provide aerial views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. The exact route depends on the flight you choose.
Is a Dubai helicopter tour safe?
Helicopter sightseeing flights operate under aviation safety requirements. Passengers must follow the operator's instructions and meet the applicable passenger requirements. Flights can also be affected by weather, visibility and operational conditions.
Where do Dubai helicopter tours depart from?
Departure points vary by operator. HeliDubai operates from Dubai Police Academy, while selected Falcon Aviation helicopter tours depart from Atlantis The Palm.
How early should I arrive for a Dubai helicopter tour?
HeliDubai currently recommends arriving around 45 minutes before the scheduled flight. Other operators may have different check-in requirements, so follow your booking confirmation.
Can children go on a Dubai helicopter tour?
Child policies vary by operator. HeliDubai currently allows children aged 2 years and above, subject to its safety and booking conditions.
Is there a weight limit for Dubai helicopter tours?
Yes. Weight restrictions can apply because of aircraft safety and passenger capacity. HeliDubai currently lists a maximum passenger weight of 115 kg per seat.
Can I book a private helicopter tour in Dubai?
Yes. Private helicopter tours are available for travelers who want an exclusive flight for their group. HeliDubai currently offers private flights for up to five passengers.
Is a helicopter tour better than a Dubai Marina cruise?
They offer different experiences. A helicopter tour gives you a wide aerial view of Dubai, while a Marina cruise lets you experience the city from the water and focuses more closely on the waterfront skyline.
Should I book a Dubai helicopter tour in advance?
Booking in advance is useful if you want a specific flight time or duration. It also gives you time to compare routes, prices, passenger requirements and cancellation policies.
Ready to Book a Dubai Helicopter Tour?
Compare Dubai helicopter tours by price, flight duration, route and booking conditions before choosing the experience that fits your Dubai itinerary.