How To Start and Grow a Balloon Operation & Maintenance Business in Dubai With Meydan Free Zone

Dubai makes the sky less of a limit and more of an open door.

Whether it’s hot-air balloon rides drifting over the desert sunrise or colourful balloon displays lighting up corporate events and weddings, balloons have become a defining part of both adventure and celebration in the UAE.

Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in just the first half of 2025. With the city’s tourism industry booming and its events sector expanding every year, the balloon operation & maintenance business is emerging as one of Dubai’s most exciting niches for entrepreneurs.

To succeed, you need structure, safety, and a business license that adapts to your goals. With Meydan Free Zone, you’re ready to launch fast, grow with confidence, and enjoy 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.

Balloon Operations and Maintenance (9329.97)

Balloon Operations and Maintenance falls under the category of Other amusement and recreation activities n.e.c. This business activity refers to the operation and upkeep of balloons used for recreational purposes, such as hot air balloons or tethered balloons offered as leisure rides.

What’s included under this activity:

• Operating balloon rides for recreation and leisure, such as hot air balloon experiences for tourists or tethered balloons at events and public spaces.
• Maintenance and safety checks of balloons and related equipment to ensure they are fit for recreational use.
• Balloon attractions as part of leisure facilities, fairs, or shows, where balloons are one of the activities offered to the public.
• Recreational balloon transport services that fall within the scope of leisure and amusement, rather than regular passenger transport.

In short, this business activity covers the running and upkeep of balloons when they are used as part of Dubai’s leisure, tourism, or entertainment activities.

What’s not included under this activity:

• Fishing cruises or boat tours - these fall under maritime transport classifications
• Accommodation in recreational areas such as campgrounds, trailer parks, or hunting/fishing camps. These are classified separately under hospitality
• Food and beverage services inside leisure venues (like discotheques or campsites) – those are treated as catering or hospitality activities
• Independent equipment rental (for example, renting out a balloon on its own without operating it as part of a leisure facility) – this is classified under equipment rental
• Operation of coin-operated gambling machines - this is considered part of gambling activities
• Running full amusement or theme parks - those are categorised separately under amusement park operations

For example, a company licensed for Balloon Operations and Maintenance could offer sunrise hot air balloon flights over the Dubai desert, including managing the balloons’ upkeep and safety. Running a campground for balloon passengers, selling food at the site, or operating as an amusement park require the addition of other business activities.

Third-party approvals: The business activity requires a pre-approval from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9329.97 is exempt from AML requirements.