The Heritage Village is a recreation of traditional life in Abu Dhabi, with low traditional-style buildings set by the water near the Corniche. Walking through it, you see the details up close. From a helicopter you see it in its setting, a small, low cluster against the skyscrapers of the modern city across the water, a contrast that is easiest to appreciate from above. On the Abu Dhabi hub it is a named sight on the two 17-minute flights.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Private Helicopter Tour is the one to book with your own group. It is private for up to 6 guests, from US$959 per helicopter, with 17 minutes in the air. The route follows the Corniche skyline past Marina Mall and the Rixos hotel, Emirates Palace and the Presidential Palace, then the Heritage Village and the flagpole, before heading to Hudayriyat Island, Sheikh Zayed Sports City and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour flies the same route in a shared helicopter, from US$192 per person, with up to 6 guests. The Heritage Village is not named on the 30-minute flights, which spend their extra time out over the Arabian Gulf, past Capital Gate and over the mangroves around Reem Island. If the village is on your list, choose one of the 17-minute tours, and decide whether you would rather share the cabin or keep it to your group.
Both 17-minute flights start and finish at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal heliport at Zayed Port (Mina Zayed). The village comes in the middle of the route, after the Corniche skyline and the two palaces, and before the helicopter turns towards Hudayriyat Island and the Grand Mosque. Headsets are included, and the pilot gives live commentary in English, which helps you pick out a low building among much taller neighbours. The cabin has large windows, so the waterfront stays in view on both sides.
The village is a sight from above, not a stop; 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; a group heavier than 420 kg (920 lb) combined needs an additional helicopter. 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 flight 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, pregnant women or people with heart problems. To see the Heritage Village with your own group, book the 17-minute private tour.
See Heritage Village from a helicopter over Abu Dhabi. Book the Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Private Helicopter Tour.