Imagine dining 212 metres above the Arabian Gulf. On March 13, a dozen people had the chance to do just that – on top of the helipad of Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The one-off charity event, which cost Dhs10,000 a head, gave the diners 360-degree panoramic views of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands as they sampled a seven-course meal. But you needn’t go all the way to Dubai to experience the high life. We took to the skies for inspiration and found there are plenty of opportunities in Abu Dhabi to get a bird’s eye view of the capital – and we think it’s high time you found out about them…
Helicopter Tours
Falcon Aviation has two Eurocopter EC130 helicopters, both of which seat six. Tours last 20 or 30 minutes, and both start and finish at Marina Mall. On the 20-minute tour you’ll see Emirates Palace and the flag pole before flying over Saadiyat and Al Maryah islands and back. The 30-minute tour flies you to Yas Island so you can see Ferrari World, the F1 track and the marina, then you’ll zoom over Maqta Bridge and the Grand Mosque. The return journey takes you over Hyatt Capital Gate, Al Bateen and Emirates Palace. To find the office, pass Havana Cafe near Marina Mall, turn right at the helicopter advert, enter the marina car park and it’s on your left. It’s best to book ahead but walk-ons are accepted if there is space – so if you’re out shopping and just fancy a blow-out, hop on board. Take ID.
The 20-minute tour is Dhs900pp or Dhs2,700 for six; the 30-minute tour is Dhs1,200pp or Dhs3,600 for six until April. Falcon Aviation, www.falconaviation.ae (02 444 0007).
If you have a special occasion to celebrate or you’re just filthy rich, then charter an Agusta 109e helicopter for a bespoke tour. Or you can take the standard route, which varies according to air traffic, but departs from Dubai Festival City at the south end of the creek in Dubai and flies to Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The trip ends back at Dubai Festival City; you can to finish at Emirates Palace, but the price is the same one-way (45 minutes) or return (1.5 hours). You can just turn up on the day but it’s advisable to book in advance to secure a seat. Take ID.
Dhs15,000 for five to five passengers subject to weight, plus Dhs2,000 landing fee at Emirates Palace. Helidubai. Email helidubai@daw.ae, www.helidubai.com (04 224 4033).
Hot Air Balloon Tour
Ever been in a hot air balloon? The ride is gentle and smooth – and if you don’t believe us, try it for yourself. A tour with Amigos Balloons includes free transfers from Al Ain to and from the launch site. Setting off around 5am, you’ll fly 2,500ft, with up to 11 other passengers, passing over Swihan, Nahil, Al Faqaa and Dubai, giving you the chance to see Bedouin villages, farms, sand dunes and mount Jebel Hafeet just as dawn is breaking – you might even spot desert foxes or deer. After landing around 9am, you can have breakfast and hot and cold drinks, which are included. The experience lasts four hours, one of which is in the air.
Tours run daily September to early June. Dhs950pp, or Dhs5,500 for two people in a private basket, www.amigos-balloons.com (04 289 9295).
Seaplane Tour
If a hot air balloon isn’t exciting enough for you, try taking off in a seaplane. After a safety talk, you’ll hop in a Cessna 208 Amphibian Caravan designed for nine passengers for a 30-minute trip. There are two tours to choose from. The first departs from the water behind Emirates Palace, flies over the Corniche to Khalifa Port, past the mangroves and over Sheikh Zayed Bridge. You’ll continue on to Yas Island to see the F1 track and Ferrari World, before arriving back at the beach at Emirates Palace. The second tour leaves from Yas Marina, taking in all the major sights including the Grand Mosque on its way to Emirates Palace before arriving back at the marina.
Dhs995pp, Dhs12,100 charter, www.seawings.ae (02 564 6303).
Paragliding
Where better to paraglide than in the middle of the desert? Not only are you guaranteed a soft landing, but you’ll also be able to see for miles. Experienced paragliders head to Wathba Hill, a 150m artificial mound created by a sheikh surrounded by dunes. Laszlo Toth has been paragliding since 1982, and for 12 years in the UAE. He’s part of an informal society that paraglides at the hill each week, two or three hours before sunrise, on days when the wind is 16-22km per hour. He says, ‘Paragliding is not illegal in the UAE, but it is not recognised by the authorities – so there are no official instructors or shops selling the equipment. But for Dhs5,000, our group can provide 12 one to three-hour training sessions and the necessary equipment. After that, if you like it, you can buy what you need online. A canopy costs Dhs12,000, a harness Dhs3,000; you also need a helmet, boots and gloves.’ Around 10-15 paragliders meet three or four times a week to fly above the hill, on the 100m dunes 10 minutes’ drive from Emirates National Auto Museum, in Sharjah and above Jebel Ali beach in Dubai. If you’re keen to join but don’t have a car, the group can arrange a lift in a 4×4.
Wathba Hill, off E30, five minutes’ drive from Al Wathba Camel Race Track, www.microaviation.org (055 212 0155).
