I’ve been waking up earlier and earlier recently.

Not to beat the traffic or go to the gym.

But to catch the Arabian sunrise. It is a passion of mine.

And I think I’ve found the ultimate way of enjoying it.

I used to think the best way was to watch it rise and set in the same day. The UAE is a country where you can realistically do this. Watch it rise over the Indian Ocean from a suite at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach resort in Fujairah. Then, after a snorkel, a snack and a sunbathe drive take the Emirates Road back to Dubai and watch the same sun set over the Arabian Gulf. Preferably at the panoramic 360° bar in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

But to really get the best sunrise you have to chase the stars.

And that means an early wake up call and a hot air balloon ride.

I took a trip with the Balloon Adventures Dubai group this morning.

It is an amazing experience and instantly one of my favourite things to do in Dubai.

I’ll write more about it on this blog later but check out the picture gallery first.

Misty mountains at dawn

Dead calm

Busy skies

Mind the ghaf

Captain of the ship

Aerial views

You can book balloon flights of the UAE desert from Blue Banana or Jumeirah Hotel concierge.