'No Traffic, No Music': Dubai Residents, Visitors Ride Hot Air Balloons To Welcome 2026

While most of Dubai stayed awake for fireworks, loud music, and New Year's Eve cheers, hundreds of people chose a quieter way to welcome the first sunrise of 2026 by flying above the Dubai desert in hot air balloons.

For some residents and tourists, January 1 began at 3am. Some left their homes while most of Dubai slept. By 5.30am, guests began arriving at the take-off site in Margham. The desert was still dark, and the air was cool. There was no noise, no countdown clocks, and no rush.

Hot tea, coffee and dates were served as the balloons were prepared. Soft burners lit up the ground, and the desert slowly awoke.

By 6.30am, five balloons operated by Balloon Flights LLC lifted gently into the sky, carrying 102 guests. Around them, more than 12 other balloons also took off, together flying over 400 tourists and UAE residents who chose sunrise over fireworks.

For Dubai resident Ahmed Khan, it was his first New Year's Day spent in the desert sky.

“Normally, New Year is loud and crowded. This time, it was peaceful. From up there, you don't hear traffic or music, just the wind.”

As the balloons rose, the desert stretched endlessly below. The sun slowly appeared, changing the dunes from dark brown to soft gold. From above, the city felt distant, almost unreal.

Another guest, called Maria Fernandes , said waking up at 3am felt easy once the balloon lifted off.“I have watched fireworks for years. This felt more special. No chaos, no pushing, just nature.”

She added that many people onboard barely touched their phones.“Everyone was just looking around.”

Adding to the experience was a special LED display organised by Balloon Flights LLC , marking the UAE's first LED show inside a traditional hot air balloon. As guests floated before sunrise, gentle LED visuals lit up the balloon envelope, which cast a soft glow against the dark desert sky.

For about an hour, the balloons drifted smoothly. Jackets stayed on as the cool breeze passed by. By around 7.30am, the balloons touched down safely back in the desert.

For those who chose this experience, 2026 didn't begin with fireworks overhead but with silence, sunlight, and the rhythm of the desert waking up. And for them, this felt like the perfect way to start the year.

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