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AUH → GXF
Which side of the plane to sit from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi) to Sayun International Airport (Sayun Intl)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic Abu Dhabi skyline upon departure and the dramatic, deep-cut canyons of the Wadi Hadhramaut valley during the approach into Sayun.
Abu Dhabi Skyline
Spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the high-rise towers of the UAE capital shortly after takeoff.
Liwa Oasis
The crescent-shaped green belt of the Liwa Oasis stands in stark contrast to the surrounding orange sands of the desert.
Wadi Hadhramaut
Dramatic entry into the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia,' featuring sheer cliffs and ancient mud-brick settlements nestled in the valley floor.
Seiyun Palace
Look for the iconic white-washed Sultan Al-Kathiri Palace, one of the largest mud-brick structures in the world, as you descend.
The right side is essential for seeing the urban layout of Abu Dhabi and the incredible 'Jol' (plateau) geography of Yemen. For the best experience, sit well clear of the wing to capture the narrow canyon walls during the final descent into GXF.
Rub' al Khali Dunes
Infinite vistas of the massive, undulating red sand dunes of the Empty Quarter, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world.
Eastern Plateau
Aerial views of the rugged, arid limestone plateaus that characterize the border region between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Al Dhafra Landscape
Witness the transition from the coastal mangroves of Abu Dhabi to the deep desert interior of the southern Emirates.
The left side is excellent for photography of desert textures. Choose a morning flight to see the sun illuminate the dune faces, creating high-contrast shadows that define the desert's topography.
Distance: 1,122 km (697 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 30 min
Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Arrival: GXF (15.9660997391, 48.78829956049999)
Route Type: International
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