An Abu Dhabi helicopter tour shows you the city the way it was laid out, along the water: the curve of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the gardens of Emirates Palace, the Presidential Palace on its point, and then the white domes of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque inland. Every route on the Abu Dhabi hub ends its sightseeing there, so the mosque is the one view every ticket gives you.
All four flights start and finish at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal heliport at Zayed Port, with large windows and the pilot’s live commentary in English on headsets. You choose two things: 17 or 30 minutes, and a shared seat or the whole helicopter for up to six.
Shared Abu Dhabi helicopter tours
- Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour, from US$192 per person. The entry price on the hub. The Corniche skyline, Marina Mall, Emirates Palace, the Presidential Palace, the Heritage Village and the flagpole, then Hudayriyat Island, Sheikh Zayed Sports City and the Grand Mosque.
- Abu Dhabi 30-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour, from US$273 per person. The same waterfront, then out over the Arabian Gulf to Hudayriyat Island, past Capital Gate to the mosque, and on to the mangroves around Reem Island.
On shared flights the crew assigns seats, with up to six guests on board. The extra US$81 for the longer flight buys the open Gulf, Capital Gate and the green of the Reem Island mangroves.
Private flights for up to six
- Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Private Helicopter Tour, from US$959 per helicopter for up to 6 guests. The 17-minute route with only your group on board.
- Abu Dhabi 30-Minute Private Helicopter Tour, from US$1,362 per helicopter for up to 6 guests. The 30-minute route, Gulf and mangroves included.
For a family of five or six, private is close to the price of shared seats and you choose where everyone sits.
Before you go
- Where: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal heliport, Zayed Port (Mina Zayed). There is no hotel pickup. Arrive 45 minutes before your flight, and every guest must bring an original, valid passport or Emirates ID.
- On board: no food, drinks, selfie sticks, smoking or vaping. There are no landings; you return to the port.
- Who can fly: children must be at least 2. The flights are not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, and the 17-minute flights are also not suitable for people with heart problems.
- Weight: on shared flights, 110 kg (242 lb) per passenger; above that you may be refused boarding but can buy an extra seat, and seat-belt extenders cannot be used. Private helicopters have a combined limit of 420 kg (920 lb); a heavier group needs another helicopter or to rebook a passenger.
- Cancellation: a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before. If the weather or visibility is poor, you can reschedule free of charge or take a full refund.
Not sure which flight suits your group? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.