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AUH → RIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi) to Mukalla International Airport (Mukalla)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Hadhramaut canyons and the stunning coastal approach into Mukalla where the rugged mountains meet the Gulf of Aden.
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Liwa Oasis Area
Potential views of the northern edge of the Empty Quarter featuring high dunes and greenery.
Infinite Sand Sea
Breathtaking patterns of star dunes and salt flats spanning the UAE-Saudi border.
Wadi Hadhramaut
The spectacular 'Grand Canyon of Arabia' with its ancient settlements and steep walls.
Mukalla Harbor
The historic white architecture of the coastal city and the busy regional port during descent.
Gulf of Aden
Clear views of the coastline where the mountains drop sharply into the turquoise sea.
The right side is essential for seeing the dramatic descent into Mukalla. Aim for a midday flight to see the deep shadows in the Hadhramaut canyons. If arriving near sunset, the mountains take on a deep golden hue that is perfect for photography.
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Abu Dhabi Suburbs
Aerial view of the expanding desert developments and infrastructure around AUH.
Rub' al Khali Dunes
The deep interior of the Empty Quarter with its massive orange longitudinal sand ridges.
Eastern Hadhramaut
Deeply eroded limestone plateaus and high-altitude desert landscapes of Yemen.
Arabian Sea Horizon
The shimmering blue horizon where the desert eventually meets the distant Indian Ocean.
Choose this side for early morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun while viewing the Empty Quarter. It provides a more consistent view of the vast desert wilderness during the middle of the flight.
Get eSIMs for United Arab Emirates
Get eSIMs for YemenDistance: 1,219 km (757 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Arrival: RIY (14.662599563598633, 49.375)
Route Type: International
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