Hudayriyat Island lies off the Abu Dhabi coast in the Arabian Gulf, an island close to the city, set in the blue water of the Gulf. From the mainland it is a line on the horizon. From a helicopter you see it as part of the coastline, with the Gulf around it and the city behind. It is a named sight on all four flights on the Abu Dhabi hub, and the 30-minute routes fly out over the water to reach it.
The Abu Dhabi 30-Minute Private Helicopter Tour is built for it. The helicopter is private for up to 6 guests, from US$1,362 per helicopter, with 30 minutes in the air. The route follows the Corniche past the Rixos hotel, Marina Mall and the flagpole, passes the Presidential Palace and the gardens of Emirates Palace, then heads out over the Arabian Gulf to Hudayriyat Island. From there it passes Capital Gate and continues to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Sports City and the mangroves around Reem Island.
The Abu Dhabi 30-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour flies the same route in a shared helicopter, from US$273 per person, with up to 6 guests. The two 17-minute flights name the island too: the Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour, from US$192 per person, and the Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Private Helicopter Tour, from US$959 per helicopter for up to 6, reach it after the Corniche, the palaces and the Heritage Village, then turn to Sheikh Zayed Sports City and the Grand Mosque.
Every flight starts and finishes at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal heliport at Zayed Port (Mina Zayed). On the 30-minute routes, the island marks the stretch where the helicopter leaves the Corniche behind and flies over open water, before turning back towards Capital Gate, the mosque and the Reem Island mangroves. Headsets are included, and the pilot gives live commentary in English. The cabin has large windows, which suit the wide views over the Gulf.
The island is a sight from the air only; the route keeps moving, and there is no set time over it. On the private flight only your group is on board, and the price covers the whole helicopter. The combined limit is 420 kg (920 lb); if a group is heavier, a passenger may be removed from the flight and can book a new one. Cancel up to 24 hours before your flight for a full refund. If the weather or visibility is poor, you can reschedule free of charge or take a full refund.
Arrive at the heliport 45 minutes before your flight, and bring an original, valid passport or Emirates ID for every guest. There is no hotel pickup, so make your own way to Zayed Port. Food, drinks, selfie sticks, smoking and vaping are not allowed on board. On the shared flights the limit is 110 kg (242 lb) per passenger. Children must be at least 2 years old, and the flights are not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women. To fly out over the Gulf to Hudayriyat Island with your own group, book the 30-minute private tour.
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