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AUH → MLE
Which side of the plane to sit from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi) to Malé International Airport (Male)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior mix of the rugged Omani coastline and the dramatic entry into the Maldives' northern atolls during the descent.
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Abu Dhabi Skyline
Panoramic views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the capital's unique architecture shortly after takeoff.
Al Hajar Mountains
Dramatic, jagged peaks of the northern Omani mountain range as you cross the Arabian Peninsula.
Muscat Coastline
Aerial perspective of the rugged cliffs and turquoise bays of Oman's capital city.
Arabian Sea Crossing
Deep indigo waters of the Indian Ocean during the mid-flight cruise phase.
Lhaviyani Atoll
The first major cluster of Maldivian islands appearing like pearls on the ocean surface during descent.
Malé City
A striking view of the densely packed capital island and neighboring Hulhumalé before touchdown.
Book an early morning flight for soft lighting over the Omani mountains. Ensure you are seated forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze when photographing the atolls. The left side (Seat A) is particularly good for avoiding direct afternoon glare on southbound routes.
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Empty Quarter Edge
Views of the vast Rub' al Khali desert dunes stretching toward the horizon in southern UAE.
Jebel Ali Port
Visible in the distance as the plane climbs and turns southeast toward the Gulf of Oman.
Vast Indian Ocean
Uninterrupted views of the horizon, ideal for spotting cloud formations and sun reflections.
Baa Atoll
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring stunning coral rings and secluded resort islands.
Resort Water Villas
Perfect top-down views of iconic overwater bungalow structures during the final approach.
The right side (Seat K) is excellent for sunset views if you are on a late afternoon flight. During the final approach into MLE, this side often provides better views of the individual resort islands and their surrounding turquoise lagoons.
Book Hotels in MaleDistance: 3,025 km (1,880 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 34 min
Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Arrival: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)
Route Type: International
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