Dubai Times

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Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Dubai Hot Air Balloon Incident: Police Clarify Misleading Fatality Reports

Dubai Police confirm minor injuries in hot air balloon incident, countering false reports of fatalities.
On March 23, a hot air balloon incident in Dubai resulted in injuries to several passengers, but Dubai Police have refuted claims circulating in international media that there were fatalities.

The police emphasized that reports of deaths are false and misleading.

A video that emerged online depicts a Russian tourist and her mother boarding the hot air balloon, which then ascends to view the desert landscape before encountering a rough landing.

In response to the viral nature of this footage, Dubai Police reiterated that the injuries sustained were classified as minor to moderate, and all individuals affected received immediate medical assistance.

The police noted that the passengers involved in the hot air balloon ride were of various nationalities.

Investigations indicate that deteriorating weather conditions contributed to the incident during the landing phase.

Following the incident, authorities have initiated a comprehensive official investigation.

A representative from a local tour operator involved in the balloon ride described the landing as a 'hard landing,' which occurs when the balloon makes contact with the ground more forcefully than anticipated due to factors such as strong winds.

This particular ride was reported to have four tourists aboard on the Dubai-Al Ain Road.

The operator confirmed that the balloon encountered significant wind changes at the time of landing.

In light of the incident and subsequent misinformation, Dubai Police have issued a statement urging the public and media outlets to refrain from disseminating unverified information, advocating for reliance on official sources for accurate updates.

The precautionary measure aims to mitigate unnecessary concern and confusion following the incident.

Hot air balloon excursions remain a favored attraction for tourists in Dubai, with rides typically scheduled to commence at dawn.

Passengers are taken to the desert to experience remarkable views as the balloons launch at sunrise.
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