Hot air ballooning in Saudi Arabia has evolved from a niche activity into an essential part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism sector. Hero Balloon Flights Saudi, the first organisation to receive official commercial certification for hot air balloon operations, has announced an expansion of its seasonal programs in AlUla. The new schedule includes afternoon flight windows and nighttime wilderness experiences. This change offers new ways for international and domestic visitors to explore the AlUla desert’s landscape. Diversification of Flight Windows In the past, balloon flights in the AlUla region were only available during sunrise to take advantage of stable thermal conditions and ideal lighting for photography. Now, the addition of Afternoon Flights marks a strategic change in the region’s balloon operations. These later-day flights reach altitudes of up to 4,000 feet, providing a fresh view of the Hijaz mountain range and the ancient ruins of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. The higher sun position during these flights improves visibility of the sandstone canyons and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, which covers over 52 hectares of ancient tombs. This change also helps travellers with busy schedules who can’t leave before dawn, giving them more options when visiting AlUla. Integration […]