A Dubai helicopter tour shows you the city the way it was designed to be seen. In as little as 12 minutes you’ll fly over the palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah, circle past the sail of the Burj Al Arab and, on longer flights, look across at the Burj Khalifa and the towers of Sheikh Zayed Road. Choose a shared seat or book the whole helicopter for up to 5 guests.
Why See Dubai From the Air
From the ground, it’s hard to grasp how ambitious Dubai really is. From the air it all makes sense: islands built in the shape of a palm tree and a map of the world, a coastline reshaped by land reclamation, and a skyline that grew from a handful of buildings to hundreds of towers in a few decades. A helicopter flight puts all of it in one view.
Choose Your Flight
Every flight starts with Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab. The longer you fly, the more of the city you see, so if the Burj Khalifa is on your list, choose 22 minutes or more.
12 Minutes: The Iconic Flight
Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm and the Burj Al Arab, along the Jumeirah coastline. Great value for a first flight.
17 Minutes: The Palm and Marina
Everything in the 12-minute flight, plus the beaches of JBR and the towers of Dubai Marina.
22 Minutes: The Vision Flight
Adds the World Islands, the Dubai Frame and a closer look at the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Road. The shortest flight that includes Downtown Dubai.
30 Minutes: The Grand Tour
The widest route over the city and coast, with more time over every landmark.
Shared or Private?
On a shared flight you book individual seats and fly with other guests; it’s the best-value way to fly. A private flight reserves the whole helicopter for up to 5 people, so you fly only with your group: ideal for proposals, anniversaries and birthdays.
What Happens Step by Step
Your flight lasts 12 to 30 minutes, but allow about an hour and a half in total, because check-in and the safety briefing come first. Here’s how it works.
1. Arrive and Check In
Arrive 45 minutes before your flight with your original passport or photo ID. Everyone is weighed at check-in, so the pilot can balance the helicopter.
2. Safety Briefing
A short briefing covers boarding, seat belts, staying clear of the rotors and using your headset.
3. Boarding
Your seat is assigned based on weight. Put on your headset, and you’ll hear your pilot’s commentary throughout the flight.
4. The Flight
Lift off and watch the city open up below you: Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and, depending on your flight, Dubai Marina, the World Islands and the Burj Khalifa.
5. Landing
Your pilot brings you back to the helipad for landing, with plenty of photos to show for it.
Who Can Fly
- Children from age 2, flying with an adult; under-2s can’t fly
- Weight limit: 115kg per passenger per seat
- Original passport or government photo ID for every passenger
- From 7 months pregnant: a doctor’s fit-to-fly certificate
- Flights run during the day, from about 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. From November to March the air is usually clearest, giving the sharpest views; summer can be hazy or dusty. Late-afternoon flights catch golden light on the towers.
What’s Included
- Scenic helicopter flight for your chosen duration
- Experienced, licensed pilot with live commentary through your headset
- Safety briefing and equipment
- Hotel transfers, if Wonderstar provides them
- Photo and video packages (available to buy)
- Hotel transfers unless included
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable clothes; there’s no dress code
- Your original passport or photo ID
- A phone or camera with a wrist strap; no selfie sticks
- No large bags or loose items, such as scarves or hats, near the rotors
Who This Tour Is For
Couples marking a special occasion, photographers and anyone who wants to see the whole city in one go. Want more time with the view? Visit the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Frame. Prefer a calm sunrise over the desert? Try our Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride. Want the coastline at sea level? Book our Jet Ski Dubai Marina ride.
Good to Know
- Arrive 45 minutes before your flight
- Seats are assigned by weight, not chosen
- The Burj Khalifa is included on 22-minute flights and longer
- Weather can delay or cancel flights; you can rebook [ADD: or get a refund]
- Routes can change for air traffic control or safety
Helicopter Tour Packages
Choose your flight time, or book the whole helicopter.
