Smooth Flight
Customers describe calm flights, gentle landings and skilled handling, including a pilot who gave every side a sunrise view.
Shepherd Balloon Dubai
Grayteesah
Shepherd Balloon Dubai is a hot air balloon tour operator in Grayteesah, offering early-morning flights over the desert. The experience can also include a camel ride, falcon encounter and breakfast after landing.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
242 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Safety Briefing
The pre-flight briefing is repeatedly described as clear and professional, helping nervous first-timers feel secure in the basket.
Sunrise Views
The early takeoff rewards you with desert sunrise views, with one guest also spotting a herd of oryx from the balloon.
Morning Pickup
Several reviews mention punctual hotel pickup and return transport, including a same-day Abu Dhabi plan after drop-off.
Clear Communication
The team has been praised for answering questions quickly and explaining arrangements clearly before the flight.
Desert Add-ons
Packages can extend beyond the flight with breakfast, camel riding and close-up falcon photos after landing.
Weather Updates
When weather interrupted plans, one group needed several attempts but said the changes were well communicated.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check Vehicle. Before dune bashing, check that every seatbelt and rear grab handle works; one review reported both safety issues.
Skip Upgrade. If breakfast quality matters, consider skipping the deluxe upgrade; one guest found it limited to simple hot breakfast items.
Allow Flexibility. Keep plans flexible around weather: one group needed two attempts before flying, with weather given as the reason.
Expect Early Start. Plan for a very early pickup to catch sunrise; one guest says their pickup was at 3:20am.
Confirm Timing. Confirm pickup and return details in advance, as one review reports a two-hour delay caused by management problems.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Grayteesah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Grayteesah, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
The sunrise flight is the core experience, with reviews highlighting calm desert scenery and views from above.
Dune Bashing
Some packages add a short dune-bashing drive after the balloon flight, though vehicle safety should be checked first.
Common Concerns
Vehicle Safety
One guest reported a post-flight dune-bashing vehicle with a non-functioning seatbelt and broken rear grab handles.
Pickup Delays
A review describes poor coordination that caused a two-hour additional wait and complicated pickup and drop-off.
VIP Breakfast
The deluxe breakfast upgrade was described as simple eggs, sausage, fries and toast, and not worth the extra cost.
Crowded Basket
One guest found the 22-person basket cramped and said the flight path gave some passengers a poor sunrise view.
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The Bottom Line
Shepherd Balloon Dubai is a Grayteesah-based hot air balloon tour operator built around an early-morning desert flight. The main draw is a peaceful sunrise ride, with reviews describing smooth takeoffs, clear safety briefings and striking views across the desert. It is an early start, but several guests felt the alarm was worthwhile.
The booking can be more than a flight. Depending on the package, the morning may continue with breakfast, dune bashing, camel riding and a falcon encounter or photos. Hotel pickup and return transport are commonly praised for being punctual and well communicated, and the team has been credited with handling weather-related changes clearly.
There are a few details to check before booking. One guest reported a two-hour delay caused by poor pickup coordination, while another found a 22-person basket cramped and felt some passengers missed the sunrise-facing view. The sharpest concern involved an included dune-bashing vehicle with a broken seatbelt and rear grab handles, so inspect the vehicle before that activity begins.
A deluxe breakfast upgrade was also described as simple eggs, sausage, fries and toast rather than a worthwhile splurge. If you mainly want the balloon ride, confirm the pickup time, weather policy and which add-ons are included.