Skip to content

Chopper Over Dubai

There's no better way to see Dubai – a city of sand, glass, and history – than from the vantage of an Agusta 109E helicopter in the clear blue sky.

WRITTEN BY
Tyler Roney

PUBLISHED ON
October 25, 2017

LOCATION
Dubai

Dubai is a city of decadence and conspicuous consumption – of fine dining and luxury hotels and penguins in the desert – and there are few better ways to experience the largest and most populous city in the UAE than from the air.

The Burj Khalifa, Palm Islands, and deep blue water are best seen from the vantage of the birds. There are, unsurprisingly, quite a few options for those who wish to take a whirl over Dubai – and more to see beyond.

12 Minutes Over Dubai

There are many ways to see Dubai from a chopper, but, reliably, Helidubai has the most diverse packages. For those interested in checking out the main points Dubai has to offer on the quick – including the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab’s iconic architecture – one option is a thrilling 12-minute helicopter expedition highlighting Dubai’s iconic cityscape.

This circuit commences from the Dubai Marina Helipad and journeys over The World Islands – an impressive collection of 300 man-made private islands roughly constructed in the shape of a world map.

ABOVE: Chopper resting on the Dubai Marina Helipad.

Continuing along this aerial passageway, riders will find a close-up of the iconic Burj Khalifa: the mega-skyscraper that is both the tallest free-standing structure in the world and the tallest building in the world overall. Soaring over this architectural masterpiece at 2,715 feet is certainly a highlight of the trip.

Other focal points include views of the Dubai Canal – one of the world’s greatest urban transformations that winds through Dubai’s main artery, Sheikh Zayed Road, and connects to the Arabian Gulf – along with the Godolphin and other monuments at the Business Bay. Passengers will also be flown over the Jumeirah coastline. It’s a quick, thoughtful buzz over Dubai.

Burj Al Arab and Old Dubai

ABOVE: Helicopter flies by the Burj Al Arab.

Once again taking off from the Dubai Marina Helipad, this slightly longer flight glides over smooth Dubai shorelines and crystal-clear beaches. Aerial sights include the Palm Jumeirah, an incredible tree-shaped island known for its glamorous hotels, posh apartment towers, and fine dining – as well as The World Islands and The Atlantis Hotel, a majestic five-star beauty offering private sandy beaches and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The area also features the world’s only seven-star hotel: the famous Burj Al Arab.

ABOVE: Flying over the Palm Jumeriah.

Accentuated on this 22-minute airborne journey is the destination often referred to as the heart and soul of the city: Old Dubai. Although often overlooked by tourists, this section of the city showcases historical buildings reflecting rich Arabian architecture and traditional-style wooden dhows (boats) and bustling souks (marketplaces).

The view over the Heritage Wind Towers, The Old Souk, and Dubai Creek is an inspirational flyover experience that mixes tradition with upscale luxury.

Odyssey Tour

ABOVE: Flights over Dubai with Helidubai are in an Agusta 109E helicopter.

Starting with expected white-sand Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab, and The World Islands, passengers can continue on to the ultimate sights before moving onto Dubai Creek – part of the new Dubai canal that extends through the Persian Gulf – as well as some other impressive focal points, including Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jumeirah Marina, an affluent residential neighborhood with waterfront high-risers.

ABOVE: Passengers ready to lift off over Dubai.

In addition to these lead-in destinations, passengers will navigate over the Meydan Racecourse, a horse-racing grandstand over a mile long that can accommodate over 60,000 spectators, as well as the Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Palm – an impressive artificial archipelago with the ninth-busiest port and largest man-made harbor in the world. A vantage of Emirates Hills – the famous gated community named after “Beverly Hills” mainly home to expatriates – is also encompassed in this circuit.

Also, for ultra-luxe passengers, executives can hop from building to building in the Agusta 109E helicopters at Helidubai.