Gyrocopter Flight in Dubai

A gyrocopter flight in Dubai takes you 1,500 feet above the coast on a 20-minute private flight from the Skydive Dubai Palm Drop Zone in Dubai Marina. Run by Skyhub, part of Skydive Dubai, the flight pairs one passenger with a pilot in a two-seat aircraft and loops over Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm, Ain Dubai, The World Islands and Burj Al Arab.

What a Gyrocopter Flight in Dubai Is Like

A gyrocopter, also known as an autogyro, is often described as a cross between a helicopter and a small plane. Skyhub flies a two-seat light sport model, so it is just you and the pilot in the cockpit. The open or semi-open design is a big part of the appeal: you feel the air and see the city spread out below you with nothing in the way.

Before take-off the team gives you a safety briefing, and you wear a headset during the flight so you can hear the captain as they point out the landmarks. Gulf News, which filmed the experience, described it as a way to fly 1,500 feet over the city’s best-known sights.

The Route Over the Coast

The flight leaves from the drop zone on the edge of Dubai Marina and follows the coastline. Along the way you see the glittering Dubai Marina waterfront and Ain Dubai, then Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm. Further out, The World Islands come into view, and the loop takes in Burj Al Arab before returning to the drop zone. At 20 minutes, the flight is long enough to take in the whole stretch without feeling rushed.

What Is Included

• A 20-minute private flight with a pilot
• A pre-flight safety briefing
• A headset to hear your captain
• Photos and an edited video of your flight

Because phones and cameras are not allowed on board in the open or semi-open gyrocopters, the photos and video are how you take the flight home with you.

Who Can Fly: Age, Weight and Health Rules

Passengers must be at least 17 years old on the day of the flight, counted by the Gregorian calendar. The weight limit is 105 kg, dropping to 100 kg in summer because of the weather, and Skyhub notes that this is a manufacturer’s legal requirement with no exceptions. There is no minimum or maximum height. Pregnant women cannot take part.

Flights normally carry one passenger at a time. When both of Skyhub’s gyrocopters are flying, two people can go up together in separate aircraft, so check with the reservations team if you are booking as a pair.

Planning Your Flight

Your booking time is your flight time, and you need to check in 30 minutes before it. The check-in desk is on the first floor of the Skydive Dubai Palm Drop Zone building on Al Seyahi Street. Bring a valid photo ID and sunglasses, and from November to February pack a sweater or jacket, as it is cooler at altitude.

Flying depends on the weather. If conditions are poor, your flight can be delayed or cancelled, and you receive a full refund if it is cancelled for weather. Otherwise, bookings are final: no-shows and late cancellations are not refunded. If no slot is available on your chosen day, the ticket page says you will be refunded or rescheduled.

Getting to the Palm Drop Zone

The drop zone is easy to reach by car and has free designated parking. By metro, get off at DMCC station and take a short taxi ride. Taxis from anywhere in the city know the Skydive Dubai drop zone well.

Who the Gyrocopter Flight Suits

The flight suits adults who want a more adventurous way to see Dubai’s coastline than a helicopter tour or an observation deck, and anyone who has watched the skydivers over the Palm and wanted to get up there without jumping. It also makes a memorable gift for a birthday or milestone, with the edited video as a keepsake.

For more ideas, see our list of attractions in Dubai, our guide to things to do in Dubai, plans for things to do this weekend and the latest things to do in November.