UAE to Launch Middle East's First Hot Air Balloon Museum in Partnership with Japan

The United Arab Emirates is preparing to unveil the Middle East's inaugural hot air balloon museum, established through an agreement with Japan's Saga Balloon Museum. This new institution, to be known as the UAE Balloon Museum 7, will be the seventh of its kind globally, according to the UAE Hot Air Balloon Team. While specific details regarding its location and opening date have not yet been disclosed, the museum aims to chronicle the history of hot air ballooning, illustrate the construction and operation of these aircraft, and showcase the UAE team's international expeditions. Notably, it will feature a balloon that carried the slogan “The world will never forget you, Zayed,” as a tribute to the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Beyond its historical and aeronautical displays, the museum is envisioned as an educational and training center. Capt Abdulaziz Al Mansoori, head of the UAE team, stated, “This project is not merely a unique tourism and cultural experience; it also serves as a comprehensive and sustainable educational and training hub, facilitating the transfer of global expertise to our national talent.” He added that this initiative aligns with the leadership's vision for innovative projects that enhance the UAE's global standing.

The collaboration was formalized during the UAE team's visit to Saga, where discussions were held with museum staff regarding operational strategies. Kiyoshi Mori, deputy director of the Saga Balloon Museum, pledged support for the UAE project. He also noted that the UAE team was the first to have an Arabic name inscribed on the Saga museum's honor boards back in 2006.

Hot air balloon rides are currently available in the UAE, with departures frequently originating from the deserts of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Operators in Dubai include Sindbad Gulf Balloons, Maha Balloon Adventures, Shepherd Balloon Dubai, and Hero Balloon Flights, all offering desert excursions. In Ras Al Khaimah, ActionFlight provides sunrise flights with views of the Hajar Mountains. For a more concise experience, The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis, The Palm offers tethered ascents lasting 10 minutes, providing aerial views of Palm Jumeirah.