What HeliDubai does

HeliDubai is a Dubai-based helicopter services operator, founded in 2005 and headquartered at a single helipad inside the Dubai Police Academy in Al Sufouh 1, opposite Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road. The company is privately held and operates a fleet centered on the AS350 B3 — selected for its maneuverability, wider cabin, and removable doors — which serves both consumer sightseeing and professional aerial filming. Three business lines run from the same operating base: (i) standardized aerial tours of Dubai's landmarks in 12-, 17-, 22-, 30-, and 40-minute durations sold on sharing or private per-flight basis; (ii) private charter and inter-emirate city transfers to Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman; and (iii) aerial filming and photography for film, television, documentary, and corporate clients.

Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer only, with no third-party OTA or reseller distribution. Bookings flow through HeliDubai's own 24/7 e-commerce site, a separate tickets.helidubai.com reservation platform, an 800 FLY toll-free call center, WhatsApp, email, and walk-in at the helipad. Pricing is published in AED with a current 20% promotional discount on standard sharing tours (AED 568–AED 1,416 per person), private flights at approximately 5x the sharing rate (AED 2,840–AED 8,960 per aircraft for up to 5 passengers), and a layered add-on stack including photo packages (AED 200–AED 700), special occasion experiences (AED 1,450–AED 7,274+), and the new HeliProperty Finder aerial real-estate viewing service. Free cancellation more than 24 hours in advance is standard, with peak-season surcharges for holidays and events.

Customer segments split across tourists and leisure visitors (the volume base), corporate and VIP clients requiring private transfers, and film/TV/media production companies requiring specialized aerial cinematography. Revenue model is fundamentally transactional — one-time per-flight or per-project licensing — supplemented by film/media professional services contracts. The brand claims the YouTube Silver Play Button for crossing 100,000 subscribers and a 4.9/5 Google rating across 2,742 reviews; operations run daily 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM including public holidays under GCAA and ICAO-aligned Safety Management System compliance. Headcount is reported at 501–1,000, reflecting the labor-intensive nature of flight operations, filming crew, ground handling, and a sizeable digital marketing and reservations function.

Name

HeliDubai

Legal name

HeliDubai inc.

Website

https://helidubai.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

HeliDubai is a Dubai-based helicopter services operator founded in 2005, providing aerial sightseeing tours, private charters, and specialized aerial filming for film, TV, and corporate clients from a single helipad at the Dubai Police Academy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Helicopter Tourism and Aerial Services

NAICS

Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812)

akta.pro primary industry

Helicopter Sightseeing & Scenic Tours (TLAFACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

On-Demand Helicopter Charter (Private/Corporate) (TLAFACAB), VIP/Executive Helicopter Transport (THABAGAH), Helicopter Event & VIP Transport Services (TLAFACAG), Scenic & Sightseeing Helicopter Tours (THABAGAE)

Keywords

• Helicopter sightseeing tours
• Private helicopter charter
• Aerial filming services
• Helicopter city transfers
• Scenic aerial tours

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Scenic Helicopter Tours: Shared and private helicopter sightseeing tours over Dubai's landmarks (Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, etc.) sold on a per-seat or per-flight basis. Tour durations range from 12 to 40 minutes. This is the core consumer revenue stream.
2. Private Helicopter Charter & City Transfers: Private helicopter charter for VIP/corporate transportation within the UAE, including transfers to Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and other destinations. Sold on a per-flight basis, subject to aircraft availability and flight duration.
3. Aerial Filming & Photography Services: Specialized aerial filming and photography for documentary, feature film, TV, and commercial projects. Revenue is generated per project/job. HeliDubai has provided services for Hollywood productions (Fast & Furious 7, Mission Impossible 4, Star Wars Episode VII) and broadcast networks (BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel).
4. Photo & Video Packages: Add-on photography and videography packages purchased by helicopter tour passengers. Options include Gold (AED 200), Diamond (AED 350), Platinum (AED 500), Premium Plus (AED 700), plus themed packages (Birthday AED 2,499, Marriage Proposal AED 3,599, Anniversary).
5. Special Occasion / Event Packages: Special Moments packages for marriage proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events, combining helicopter ride with photography and personalized services (e.g., AED 6,099 for 12-min special occasion, AED 7,274 for 17-min).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

HeliDubai is a helicopter services company operating from a helipad inside the Dubai Police Academy, providing scenic helicopter sightseeing tours over Dubai's landmarks (Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, etc.) in durations of 12–40 minutes. It also offers private helicopter charters for UAE city transfers, specialized aerial filming and photography for film/media productions using AS350 B3 helicopters, and curated experience packages for special occasions such as proposals, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Product overview

HeliDubai operates as the UAE's premier helicopter services company established in 2005, offering a unified platform of aerial experiences from its base at Dubai Police Academy. The core product portfolio includes five standardized helicopter tour packages (12, 17, 22, 30, and 40-minute durations) with sharing and private options, complemented by Private Charter helicopter services for city-to-city transfers and bespoke routes across the UAE. Add-on modules include Special Moments Packages for occasions (proposals, birthdays, anniversaries), Photo & Video Packages in tiered levels, and HeliProperty Finder for real estate aerial viewing. The company also operates a dedicated Aerial Filming & Photography division using AS350 B3 helicopters for professional productions, having served major Hollywood films and commercials. All services are bookable through the helidubai.com platform and ticket booking systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 12 Mins Iconic Ride A 12-minute helicopter sightseeing tour showcasing Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah Islands, and Jumeirah coastline, available as a sharing seat (from AED 568 per person) or private flight (AED 2,840 for up to 5 passengers). Targeted at tourists and leisure visitors seeking a short aerial experience of Dubai's iconic landmarks.
• 17 Mins The Palm Tour A 17-minute helicopter tour focused on Palm Jumeirah Islands, Atlantis Hotel, Atlantis Royal, and The World Islands, available as sharing (from AED 756 per person) or private (AED 3,780 for up to 5 passengers). Targeted at tourists seeking aerial views of Dubai's signature man-made islands.
• 22 Mins Vision Tour A 22-minute helicopter tour covering Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Frame, available as sharing (from AED 1,040 per person) or private (AED 5,196 for up to 5 passengers). Targeted at tourists wanting to view Dubai's tallest landmarks in a single flight.
• 30 Mins The Grand Tour A 30-minute helicopter tour showcasing Ain Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Blue Waters, Dubai Frame, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Old Dubai including Dubai Creek, available as sharing (from AED 1,416 per person) or private (AED 7,080 for up to 5 passengers). Targeted at tourists wanting extended aerial coverage of Dubai.
• 40 Mins Odyssey Tour A premium 40-minute helicopter tour covering Burj Al Arab, The World Islands, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali Palm, Meydan Race Course, Business Bay, Dubai Canal, Dubai Creek, Heritage sites, and Wind Towers. Available exclusively as a private charter at AED 8,960 per flight (up to 5 passengers). Targeted at high-spending tourists and VIPs wanting comprehensive Dubai coverage.
• Private Charter Helicopter Private helicopter charter service for VIP/corporate transportation and bespoke inter-city transfers within the UAE, including departures from Dubai Police Academy or Dubai International Airport and routes to Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and luxury hotels/resorts. Priced per flight and subject to aircraft availability. Targeted at corporate executives, high-net-worth individuals, and government officials needing time-efficient luxury travel.
• Aerial Filming & Photography Professional aerial filming and photography services using AS350 B3 helicopters equipped with removable doors and a wide cabin, covering documentary filming, blockbuster movie aerial work, precision still photography, aerial surveys, and promotional videos. HeliDubai has served Hollywood productions including Fast & Furious 7, Mission Impossible 4, Star Wars Episode VII, and broadcasts such as BBC Top Gear, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel. Targeted at film studios, broadcast networks, advertising agencies, and corporate brand teams.
• Special Moments Packages Customized helicopter tour packages for special occasions including marriage proposals (AED 3,599), birthday celebrations (AED 2,499), anniversaries, and corporate events, combining a private helicopter flight with aerial photography and personalized services (starting at AED 6,099 for a 12-minute private flight). Targeted at couples, families, and corporate event planners.
• HeliProperty Finder Real estate aerial viewing service that allows prospective buyers, investors, and agents to survey Dubai properties from a helicopter for investment evaluation or viewing purposes. Targeted at real estate investors, brokers, and high-net-worth property buyers.
• Photo & Video Packages Add-on photo and video packages for helicopter tour passengers, offered in tiered levels — Gold (AED 200), Diamond (AED 350), Platinum (AED 500), Premium Plus (AED 700), Heli Journey video only (AED 1,450), Birthday Specials (AED 2,499), and Proposal Package (AED 3,599). Targeted at helicopter tour passengers seeking commemorative imagery.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.9/5 average Google rating based on 2,742 reviews, demonstrating consistently high customer satisfaction.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Fast & Furious 7 (Universal Pictures)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015HeliDubai provided aerial helicopter filming for action sequences in Fast & Furious 7, shot partially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The company supplied helicopters, pilots, and aerial cinematography capabilities for the blockbuster film's production.
• Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (Disney/Lucasfilm)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015HeliDubai helicopters were used to capture aerial footage depicting the planet Jakku in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, shot on location in Dubai's desert landscapes.
• Mission Impossible IV – Ghost Protocol (Paramount Pictures)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014HeliDubai provided aerial filming for sequences in Mission Impossible IV: Ghost Protocol starring Tom Cruise, featuring the iconic Burj Khalifa and surrounding Dubai skyline.
• BBC Top GearcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014The iconic BBC motoring show used HeliDubai's helicopters for aerial filming during its Dubai episode, showcasing the city from a unique perspective.
• National GeographiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeliDubai provided aerial filming and photography services for National Geographic documentary productions.
• Discovery ChannelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeliDubai provided aerial filming and photography services for Discovery Channel documentary productions.
• The Bold & The Beautiful (Soap Opera)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeliDubai helicopters were featured in The Bold & The Beautiful's Dubai storyline, adding aerial glamour to the long-running TV drama.
• Emirates AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeliDubai conducted promotional aerial filming for Emirates Airlines brand campaigns.
• DHLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerial filming and photography services provided for DHL corporate promotional content.
• Bollywood ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeliDubai has provided aerial filming and photography services for multiple Bollywood film productions.
• Red Bull Air ForceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerial filming support for Red Bull Air Force stunt and promotional events in Dubai.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Blade: Blade is a tech-enabled urban air mobility platform selling scheduled and on-demand helicopter and seaplane flights, plus eVTOL transition plans across NYC, LA, and Europe. A broad incumbent in the same consumer and corporate helicopter segment, but with a marketplace/platform model versus HeliDubai's owned fleet.

Direct peers

• Sundance Helicopters: Sundance Helicopters operates sightseeing tours over the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas Strip. It is a direct peer — both companies monetize tourism via fixed-duration helicopter sightseeing sold on a per-seat sharing or private-charter basis in marquee destinations.
• Scenic Air: Scenic Air is a sightseeing helicopter and seaplane tour operator based in the Maldives and Australia. Comparable in business model and tourism focus — short-duration aerial tours over iconic landmarks sold per seat to international visitors.
• The Helicopter Line: The Helicopter Line operates scenic helicopter tours and charters across New Zealand's South and North islands, including glacier and volcano routes. Comparable as a sightseeing-and-charter helicopter operator with multi-package tour durations and a strong consumer brand.
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters runs scenic helicopter tours across the Hawaiian islands over volcanoes and coastlines. It is a direct peer in the helicopter tourism category, with comparable ticketing, tour-duration packaging, and aerial-filming capabilities.
• HeliFlite: HeliFlite operates private helicopter charters and fractional ownership programs along the U.S. East Coast (NYC, Hamptons, etc.). A direct peer in the on-demand private helicopter charter category serving affluent corporate and VIP customers on a per-flight basis.
• Maverick Helicopters: Maverick Helicopters offers Las Vegas and Grand Canyon sightseeing tours in shared and private configurations. It is a direct peer in helicopter tourism, with similar product layering (sharing vs. private), celebrity clientele, and aerial filming services.

Others

• Airbus Helicopters: Airbus Helicopters is a major manufacturer of the H125 (AS350 B3) family used by HeliDubai for aerial filming. Comparable as an equipment and ecosystem enabler — platform availability, MRO support, and certification pathways materially shape HeliDubai's operating economics.

Emerging players

• Joby Aviation: Joby is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi service, including a planned Dubai launch with the Road and Transport Authority and Skyports. An emerging potential competitor in Dubai's aerial passenger market that could redefine the sightseeing and city-transfer segment.

Regional players

• Abu Dhabi Aviation: Abu Dhabi Aviation is the UAE's largest commercial helicopter operator, providing offshore oil-and-gas crew transfers, charter, and tourism services. Comparable as a same-country regional operator with overlapping charter and VIP clientele, though its core is offshore/utility rather than tourism.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/helidubaitours
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@helidubai
• Facebookfacebook.com/HeliDubai
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/helidubai
• Instagraminstagram.com/helidubai
• Pinterestpinterest.com/helidubai
• TikToktiktok.com/@helidubai

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HeliDubai