Dubai Flying Cup at Marina Beach Ticket

Flying Cup is a tethered observation balloon on Marina Beach that lifts a circular open-air gondola to 40 metres - about twelve storeys - and holds it there while you take in a full 360-degree view. On one side is the wall of Dubai Marina towers; on the other, the open Gulf, JBR beach and Ain Dubai along the coast. The gondola is open to the air rather than glazed, so you feel the breeze and hear the beach below, and a bar in the centre serves a drink included with your ticket while you are up. The whole experience takes around 20 minutes from boarding to landing, which makes it easy to slot into a Marina evening rather than plan a day around. Sunset is the slot people book first, for obvious reasons, so reserve ahead if that is what you want. There are safety rails and staff on board throughout, and the ride is smooth rather than thrilling - it suits families and anyone who would rather have the view than the adrenaline.