Tourism Breaking News
The first to operate balloon flights in the northern Emirates, ActionFlight, the only permanently based aerobatics operator in the UAE, has launched a brand-new hot air balloon experience in Ras Al Khaimah. The flight will take visitors soaring over the rolling terracotta dunes for awe-inspiring sunrise views of the Emirate’s breath-taking natural landscapes.
Operating seven days a week during the ballooning season, the picturesque experience sets afloat in the Al Wadi desert, where guests will board the 450,000 cubic feet balloon standing at a colossal 34.6m. Taking flight just before sunrise, the journey lasts approximately 60-minutes where visitors can marvel at the illuminated desert dunes, majestic Hajar mountains and glistening coastline and if they’re lucky, spot special appearances from the indigenous wildlife.
Commenting on the launch of ActionFlight, Wayne Jack, Chief Operations Officer said: “We are excited to launch a brand-new offering in Ras Al Khaimah, taking residents and visitors to new heights for the very first time. Known as the nature-based Emirate and adventure hub of the region, the destination is the perfect location for hot air balloon flights. Passengers will have a truly unforgettable experience with a bird’s eye view of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning landscapes and majestic wildlife.”
The full package includes complimentary transportation from anywhere within Ras Al Khaimah and transfer options from other Emirates with an additional fee. The family-friendly flight has the capacity to carry up to 20 passengers and for those looking for a more intimate experience, private compartment and flight bookings are available on request.
Following the breath-taking flight, visitors will be transported to the Majlis for a delicious Bubbly Breakfast as is customary. As the story states, dating back to when hot air balloons first took flight, villagers were initially frightened by the hot air balloons likening them to ‘dragon-like’ creatures. Following the first successful manned flight, pilots who had carried along a bottle of bubbly offered to them by the King, used it as peace offering to convince farmers that they were in fact human not monsters, and the post-flight bubbly tradition was born.
Guests can relax and unwind as they indulge in a decadent selection of dishes including delicate pastries, cold cuts, fruit platters and hot plates from the live cooking station, all served alongside a variety of fresh smoothies, non-alcoholic and alcoholic sparkling grape. To accompany the morning feast, guests will also be treated to a fascinating bird of prey show with native Arabian falcons, owls and hawks. Post-trip, all passengers will take home a souvenir flight certificate signed by the Balloon Pilot as a memento from the extraordinary experience.
Hot air ballooning is a highly regulated activity, and ActionFlight are fully certified operator by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), all ActionFlight’s pilots fully qualified commercial pilots with years of experience in ballooning industry.
ActionFlight will run flights seven days per week, flight availability may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Kids under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at AED 1,315 per adult and AED 1,155 per child inclusive of the flight and return transport.
To find out more, please visit https://www.actionflight.ae. In the meantime, to explore other unique experiences in Ras Al Khaimah, please visit visitrasalkhaimah.com or check out the Emirate’s social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
