Seventeen countries  ·  400+ guides  ·  Every fact checked, every page dated Founding PartnersAdvertisePartner with usTheMediterranean.com ↗inquire@TheMiddleEast.comEN  |  العربية
TheMiddleEast.com The Digital Identity of the Middle East الشرق الأوسط
Concierge
The Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach and the marina seen from the air, Dubai

Home›Fly›Private Aviation›Helicopter Transfers

Private Aviation

Helicopter Transfers and Tours in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Beyond

A helicopter transfer in Dubai turns an hour in traffic into a few minutes over the Palm and the skyline, and the same is now true in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, AlUla and along Saudi Arabia's Red Sea. These are the operators to know and the flights worth taking.

Updated

Presented byThe Founding Partners of Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Three places for Luxury Real Estate Agencies and three for Developers in each of these Territories, first come, after approval. Become a Founding Partner ›

At a glance

Helicopter Transfers at a glance

Dubai airport to Palm Jumeirah
About 15 minutes by air
Dubai to Abu Dhabi
About 40 minutes by air
Scenic tours
From about 12 minutes
Best light
Late afternoon and sunset, October to April

Why take a helicopter

The Gulf's cities are spread out, and the most beautiful views are from the air: the fronds of Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa above Downtown, the Louvre's dome on Saadiyat Island. A helicopter transfer in Dubai is the fastest way between the airports, your hotel on the Palm and a yacht, and a scenic flight is one of the best things to do in Dubai on a first visit.

In Saudi Arabia, helicopters open up places roads reach slowly: the sandstone canyons of AlUla, the islands of the Red Sea and the mountains of Asir. Many resorts arrange flights for guests, often combined with a private jet arrival.

A red helicopter displayed on the sand at JBR Beach, below palms and the towers of Dubai Marina.
Photo: Saaremees · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Helicopter operators

Falcon Aviation

Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The leading helicopter company in the UAE, flying scenic tours from Dubai's Atlantis The Palm helipad and private charters and transfers across the Emirates. Its fleet includes modern twin-engine helicopters for VIP flights.

Official site ↗

HeliDubai

Dubai

Dubai's government-owned helicopter operator, offering private charters, airport transfers and aerial services from its base at Dubai International.

Official site ↗

Abu Dhabi Aviation

Abu Dhabi

One of the largest helicopter operators in the region, providing VIP charters and transfers in Abu Dhabi alongside its offshore and government work.

Official site ↗

The Helicopter Company

Riyadh, AlUla and the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's national helicopter operator, backed by the Public Investment Fund, flying private charters, tourism flights and transfers across the Kingdom, including AlUla and the Red Sea.

Official site ↗

Gulf Helicopters

Doha

Qatar's established helicopter operator, providing charters and VIP flights around Doha and the peninsula.

Official site ↗
To be confirmed

Air taxis in Dubai

Dubai

Electric air taxis are coming to Dubai, with vertiports planned at Dubai International, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown and Dubai Marina. Read more in our guide to future travel.

Official site ↗

Flights worth taking

FlightWhereIndicative cost (USD)
Shared scenic tour, 12–25 minutesDubai: Palm, Burj Al Arab, DowntownFrom approximately $200–$550 per person
Private scenic tourDubai or Abu DhabiFrom approximately $2,500–$5,000 per flight
Airport or hotel transferDubai, Abu DhabiFrom approximately $3,000 per flight, depending on aircraft
Desert or canyon flightAlUla, Red SeaOn request through your resort or operator
PricesAll prices are approximate. Flights depend on weather and airspace permissions; bring photo ID or your passport.

Questions travelers ask

How long is a helicopter tour in Dubai?

Shared tours usually last 12 to 25 minutes; private flights can be planned around your route.

Can I fly by helicopter from Dubai airport to my hotel?

Yes. Operators such as HeliDubai and Falcon Aviation arrange transfers to hotels with helipads or nearby landing sites; book in advance.

Can I take a helicopter in AlUla?

Yes, scenic and transfer flights are offered in AlUla; ask your resort or The Helicopter Company.

Ultra-Luxury Real Estate · Own Here

From a stay to a home of your own

Across the Middle East, the finest resorts and the finest homes now sit side by side, and many international buyers own before they ever visit.

Ultra-Luxury Tourism & Ultra-Luxury Real Estate

Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.