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CPT → DXB
Which side of the plane to sit from Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town) to Dubai International Airport (Dubai)?
Right Side of the Plane
While the left side features Table Mountain and Kilimanjaro, the right side is preferred for its spectacular approach over the Dubai skyline, the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter, and the initial South African coastline.
Search flights from CPT to DXB
False Bay
Beautiful aerial views of the Cape Peninsula's eastern coastline and the Hottentots Holland mountains.
Mozambique Coastline
Potential views of the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the East African coast.
Rub' al Khali
The 'Empty Quarter,' the world's largest contiguous sand desert, featuring massive orange dunes.
Hajar Mountains
The rugged, dark mountain range spanning the border of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Burj Khalifa & Downtown
The quintessential view of the world's tallest building and the Dubai skyline during the landing sequence.
The right side is the 'money side' for the arrival into Dubai. Most flights approach from the south, placing the Burj Khalifa and the dense skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road directly outside the right-side windows. For the best lighting on the desert dunes of the Arabian Peninsula, the late afternoon arrival is ideal.
Book Hotels in DubaiTable Mountain
Dramatic views of the iconic flat-topped mountain and the Cape Town city bowl immediately after departure.
The Great Karoo
A vast semi-desert region in the heart of South Africa with unique geological formations.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa's highest peak is often visible in the distance when passing over the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Gulf of Aden
Crossing the waters between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
The World Islands
Visible during the final descent into Dubai depending on the specific approach pattern.
Choose the left side for the best chance to spot Mount Kilimanjaro mid-flight. For the CPT departure, sit behind the wing to ensure your view of Table Mountain isn't obstructed. On the afternoon flight (EK773), this side will face away from the harshest direct sunlight for the first half of the journey.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for United Arab EmiratesDistance: 7,644 km (4,750 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs
Departure: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Route Type: International
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