Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Here's some answers to your most frequently asked
questions:
Who are Balloon
Adventures Dubai?
Balloon Adventures Dubai LLC is a local company,
owned and operated by Mr Abdullah Alashram, Mr Peter
Kollar and Captain Chris Johnson. Between Messrs
Kollar and Johnson they have 50 years experience
in the aviation industry and operate two other balloon
flight operations, one in Germany and the other
in New Zealand.
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Why should
I fly in Dubai?
The Dubai desert is a truly unique landscape. Flying
above it in a hot air balloon gives you the opportunity
to view this as very few people have done before.
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What is included?
We will pick you up from any major hotel in Dubai
(or meet you at our central meeting point), provide
transfers to and from the desert flight area in
our new airconditioned Toyota Landcruisers, an approximate
one hour balloon flight, light refreshments following
your flight, a personalized flight certificate signed
by your pilot, a four wheel drive experience from
the landing site to the main road and then return
you to your hotel or meeting point.
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Why
do we have to start so early?
The best time to fly balloons is in the cool dawn
air when the winds are light. It is also the most
beautiful time of day in the desert.
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What should
I wear?
It is warm in the balloon and the desert so you
should dress as if you were going for a walk outside
in the city. We suggest that you wear trainers or
similar, and not high heels. Bring a hat or cap
and sunglasses.
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Can I bring
my camera?
Yes, however the desert can be a dusty place so
you should be very careful to prevent dust getting
in your camera… particularly if it is a digital
model.
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How long
does it take?
We fly over the desert for approximately one hour.
You should allow up to five hours from when we meet
you until we return you to the same point.
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If I am afraid
of heights is this OK for me?
Many people who are afraid of heights come on our
balloon flights. The feeling of flying in a balloon
is very gentle and different from looking off a
high bridge or building, or climbing a ladder. You
should have no problem, however if you are really
concerned please advise your pilot and he will take
special care of you.
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Is
there an age limit?
The minimum age is five. There is no upper age limit.
We have regularly flown people in their 80’s and 90’s.
The oldest to fly with us has been 102.
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How fit do
I have to be?
Ballooning is a soft “adventure” so it does not
require a high level of fitness. You should be able
to stand unaided and climb into the basket. If you
have a serious medical condition or perhaps have
recently had a hip replacement we advise you to
check with your doctor for you own peace of mind
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Is it safe?
Statistically ballooning is the safest form of flying.
Certainly much safer than driving in a motor car!
Our balloons are inspected and certified in the
same way as an airliner and undergo various inspections
every four months, every year and every 100 hours.
This is required by law. Our engineer is qualified
in the factory of the balloon manufacturer in England.
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Who
are the pilots?
All our pilots are internationally qualified commercial
pilots and amongst the most experienced in the world.
All are full time professionals.
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Is the company
licenced?
Yes. Balloon Adventures Dubai was the first balloon
company to qualify for an Air Operators Certificate
(the same as an airline) with the GCAA. This is
a rigorous process that took almost one year to
complete. The company is incorporated in Dubai and
holds a local commercial trade licence number 71261.
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Do you have
insurance?
Yes. Public liability is a requirement to qualify
for and hold an Air Operators Certificate in the
U.A.E.
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How much
does it cost?
USD 220 per person. This is well priced when compared
to flying in other places such as Africa, Australia
or the United Kingdom.
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