Iri Into Elsewhere
Hot Air Balloon
Above the Dunes: A Sunrise You’ll Never Forget
April 2022
If there’s one thing that can silence even the most committed Instagrammer mid-snap, it’s the surreal sight of the sun rising over the endless dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve — as seen from a hot air balloon, thousands of feet above the earth.
This isn’t just a bucket-list experience. It’s the kind of morning that makes you forget emails, deadlines, and that mystery stain on your suitcase.
The adventure begins in the very early hours — think 4 a.m. wake-up call, but trust me, it’s worth it. Guests are collected from a designated meeting point at The Outlet Village in Dubai, then transferred by bus into the heart of the desert, where the real magic starts.
Out here, under a star-speckled sky, you’ll watch the hot air balloons slowly come to life. Giant swaths of fabric unfurl across the sand like sleeping giants, and then — with a fiery roar — begin to rise. The desert is still, the air is cool, and there’s a quiet excitement in the crowd as flames hiss and baskets creak.
This moment, right before lift-off, feels like something out of a dream — the kind you don’t want to wake up from.
I was lucky enough to experience this back in 2022, when I was still working in the tourism industry. My company sent me on a site inspection (yes, perks do exist!) — and I can honestly say it ended up being one of those days you carry in your memory like a warm postcard. A dozen of us — all industry folks who had "seen it all" — ended up completely awe-struck.
We toured three different desert camps, took that windswept Land Rover dune ride that turns even the grumpiest morning person into a child again, and caught what many of us still agree was the best sunrise we’ve seen in years.
As the balloon inflates, the fire hisses and the excitement builds. One gentle lift later, you’re floating — not flying — into a world of silence. Below, you can spot oryx and gazelles carving their way through rippling sand. The dunes, brushed in morning gold, roll endlessly to the horizon.
Your pilot may tell stories about the region, the wildlife, the wind. Or you may just quietly watch the sun appear like it’s been waiting just for you.
No, it’s not Cappadocia — and honestly, that’s the charm. There are no fairy chimneys, but there's something raw, vast, and timeless about the desert here. It’s a different kind of magic.
Eventually, gravity does its thing and you float back down, heart a little fuller. But the morning’s not done yet. You hop back into your vintage Land Rover and head to a heritage-style Bedouin camp for an alfresco breakfast worthy of royalty. Think shakshouka, labneh, smoked salmon, Arabic coffee, and the occasional camel wandering by like it’s no big deal.
Why Platinum Heritage x Hero?
(This is based on my personal experience review, not paid recommendation) What makes Platinum Heritage x Hero stand out isn’t just the balloons or the desert (though both are impressive). It’s the way they connect you to the UAE’s cultural heartbeat — gently, authentically, and with real attention to detail.
They operate inside a conservation reserve, which means your experience directly supports sustainability and local heritage. And you can tell. Nothing feels rushed or gimmicky — it’s all curated to feel rich and real.
The Verdict
If you think it might be boring — let me assure you: it’s not. Even if you’ve done safaris, seen deserts, or floated in balloons elsewhere, this one has its own unforgettable rhythm.
So if you're in Dubai and wondering whether it’s worth the early wake-up call, the answer is a wholehearted yes. Sunrise in the sky, falcons in flight, coffee in the sand — what more do you need?
Pro tip: Dress in layers, bring a camera, and leave your expectations behind. The desert has its own plans for you.
Ready to rise?
