12 or 17-Minute Helicopter Tour over Palm Jumeirah Dubai
- Duration17-minute flight (about 2 hours at the helipad in total)
- Daily
- Group
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Overview
See Dubai the way its planners imagined it: from the sky. This 17-minute shared helicopter flight takes off from a central helipad close to Burj Al Arab, so within moments you are over the sail-shaped tower and the fronds of Palm Jumeirah. The route continues over The World islands, along the Jumeirah coastline to Port Rashid and the giant UAE flag, then inland to the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai before returning to the helipad. A live English commentary points out every landmark, and with a maximum of five passengers everyone has a window. Children from 2 years old can fly. It is the most thrilling way to understand the scale of Dubai in a single short flight.
Highlights
- 17-minute shared helicopter flight with live English commentary
- Take-off from a central helipad near Burj Al Arab
- Aerial views of the full palm shape of Palm Jumeirah
- The World islands, Port Rashid and the Jumeirah coastline
- The giant UAE flag at Union House
- Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai from above
- Small group of up to 5 passengers, every seat with a view
Full Description
Burj Al Arab from the air
The flight starts close to the coast, so the first landmark is the Burj Al Arab, a 321-metre tower opened in 1999 and designed to look like the billowing sail of a dhow. It stands on its own artificial island about 280 metres from the beach, joined to land by a curving bridge.
From the helicopter you see what is impossible from the ground: the tower's full outline against the turquoise sea, the helipad near its top and the shape of the island beneath it. It is one of the best photo moments of the flight, so have your camera ready from take-off.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is the most famous of Dubai's man-made islands, built from millions of cubic metres of sand dredged from the sea floor and shaped like a date palm, with a trunk, 16 fronds lined with villas and an 11-kilometre crescent breakwater around it. Work began in 2001, and the island now holds villas, apartments, resorts, beaches and a monorail along its trunk.
The palm shape only makes sense from above, which is why a Palm Jumeirah helicopter tour is so popular. You fly along the trunk and over the fronds to the grand resort at the tip of the crescent, with clear views of the beaches and marinas below.
The World islands and the Jumeirah coastline
A few kilometres offshore lies The World, an archipelago of around 300 artificial islands arranged in the shape of a world map. From sea level it is barely visible, but from the helicopter you can pick out the continents and the channels of water between them.
The route then follows the Jumeirah coastline, a long ribbon of public beaches, low villas and parks, towards Port Rashid, Dubai's historic deep-water port opened in 1972 and now a cruise terminal. Nearby, the giant UAE flag flies at Union House, where the founding agreement of the country was signed in 1971.
Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai
Turning inland, the helicopter heads towards Downtown Dubai, where the 828-metre Burj Khalifa rises far above everything around it. Even from the air the tallest building in the world is impressive, and you see how the district, the lake and the wide boulevards were planned around it.
You also glimpse Business Bay and the line of towers along Sheikh Zayed Road before the helicopter turns back towards the coast and lands at the helipad. Allow about two hours in total for check-in, the safety briefing and the flight.
Itinerary
- Arrival at the helipadArrive 45 minutes before your flight at the helipad at Dubai Police Academy for check-in, weighing and the safety briefing.
- Take-off and Burj Al ArabLift off and fly straight over the coast and Burj Al Arab.
- Palm JumeirahFollow the trunk and fronds to the crescent of the Palm.
- The World islands and Port RashidFly past the island map offshore and along the Jumeirah coastline to Port Rashid and the giant UAE flag.
- Burj KhalifaHead inland for views of Downtown Dubai and the tallest building in the world.
- LandingReturn to the helipad after 17 minutes in the air.
What's included
- 17-minute shared helicopter flight
- Live English commentary
- Views of Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and The World islands
- Views of Port Rashid, the Jumeirah coastline and Burj Khalifa
- Safety briefing
- Complimentary water on arrival
Not included
- Hotel transfers
- Meals
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers who want the view from the air
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You are afraid of heights
Not suitable for
- Children under 2 years
- Pregnant women
Meeting point
The flight departs from the helipad at Dubai Police Academy, close to Burj Al Arab. Please arrive 45 minutes before your chosen flight time with your passport. Hotel transfers are not included; a taxi is the easiest way to get there, and we send the exact location with your confirmation.
Important information
- Bring your passport; it is checked before every flight
- Arrive 45 minutes before your flight time
- Allow about 2 hours in total at the helipad
- Passengers weighing 140 kg or more cannot fly, and a safety limit applies from 115 kg; please tell us when booking
- Minimum age is 2 years
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Seats are assigned by the crew for weight balance
- Flights may be rescheduled in strong wind or poor visibility
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared flight with up to five passengers on board.
How long does it take?
The flight lasts 17 minutes; allow about two hours at the helipad including check-in and the safety briefing.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, you make your own way to the helipad at Dubai Police Academy. A taxi from most hotels takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What is included?
The 17-minute shared helicopter flight, live English commentary, the safety briefing and complimentary water on arrival.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person, and every passenger needs a seat. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.
Can children fly?
Yes, children from 2 years old can fly with an adult. Babies under 2 are not allowed for safety reasons.
Is it suitable for people with reduced mobility?
The experience is wheelchair accessible; please tell us when booking so the team can assist with boarding.
Will I get a window seat?
With a maximum of five passengers, everyone has a view, but seats are assigned by the crew according to weight.
What should I bring?
Your passport, sunglasses and a camera or phone. Loose items are kept to a minimum on board.
What is the best time of day for a Dubai helicopter tour?
Morning flights usually have the clearest air, while late-afternoon flights give warm light on the buildings. October to April brings the best visibility.
What happens in bad weather?
If wind, dust or poor visibility make flying unsafe, the flight is rescheduled or refunded.
How do I book and confirm?
Pick your date and flight time in the booking panel and send your request. Our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes.
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