The HeliDubai helicopter transfer

Why it is on the list

HeliDubai has flown in Dubai since 2005, from a base near Dubai International and from its own helipad inside the Dubai Police Academy in Al Sufouh, opposite Mall of the Emirates.^{1 2} A private charter can leave from Dubai International itself, so an arriving passenger goes from the airport to the destination by air rather than by road.³ Destinations it lists include Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Sarab in the desert, Sir Bani Yas and Nurai islands, JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Rixos The Palm and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.³

It is not a way to skip the airport: the flight still starts after landing at Dubai International. For clearing the terminal itself on a scheduled flight, Al Majlis at Dubai International; for a private jet, the Jetex terminal at Al Maktoum. Every landing site needs its own approval, so a hotel without a working helipad is out of reach.³

How to get it

Write to tours@helidubai.com or call +971 4 208 1455; WhatsApp is +971 50 175 8626, and the team answers every day from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm.² Send the origin, destination, date, departure time, number of passengers and whether it is one way or a return.³ The charter team asks for each passenger's weight and the baggage, checks the route, the landing sites and the permissions, and sends a quotation with the route, the aircraft and the price; the flight is confirmed once the approvals are in and payment is made.³ A transfer from Dubai International needs advance coordination, security arrangements, passenger details and airport permission, so ask well before the trip.³ Prices are quoted per flight, not per seat, and depend on the route, the aircraft, passengers and baggage, handling and landing fees, waiting time and any repositioning.³ Be at the departure point 45 minutes before take-off with a government-issued ID for every passenger; there is a safety briefing before boarding.³ Weather, air traffic control or security can change the route on the day.³

Discretion

A private charter carries only your party; the shared seats are for the sightseeing flights.⁴ The helipad is inside the Dubai Police Academy compound.² Every passenger shows a government-issued ID and passes security before boarding.³