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DXB → HGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Dubai International Airport (Dubai) to Egal International Airport (Hargeisa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning sequence of transitions from the Dubai urban sprawl to the vast, orange dunes of the Empty Quarter and the dramatic coastal escarpments of the Horn of Africa.
Dubai Downtown
Unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Creek area during the initial climb.
Rub' al Khali
The massive red sand dunes of the Empty Quarter, the world's largest contiguous sand desert.
Hadramaut Mountains
The rugged limestone plateaus and deep wadis of the southern Arabian Peninsula in Yemen.
Gulf of Aden
Deep blue waters contrasting with the arid coastlines of both Arabia and Africa.
Golis Mountains
The steep, dramatic mountain range that runs parallel to the Somaliland coast.
Book a morning flight to avoid the midday haze over the desert. Sit forward of the wing to ensure your view of the Empty Quarter dunes isn't distorted by engine heat. Watch for the sudden change in terrain as you cross the Gulf of Aden and hit the African coastline.
Palm Jumeirah
Depending on takeoff direction, the iconic man-made islands are often visible to the west.
Port of Aden
The strategic Yemeni port city situated in a dormant volcanic crater along the coastline.
Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
The 'Gate of Tears' waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Djibouti Borderlands
Volcanic landscapes and salt flats visible near the intersection of the Horn of Africa.
Naasa Hablood
The famous twin hills, also known as the Virgin's Breasts, seen on the approach to Hargeisa.
The right side is ideal for spotting maritime traffic in the busy shipping lanes of the Gulf of Aden. On clear days, look far to the west for the mountains of Djibouti. During the final descent, this side provides the most distinctive views of the Hargeisa city layout and its unique geological landmarks.
Distance: 2,117 km (1,315 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min
Departure: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Arrival: HGA (9.518170356750488, 44.08879852294922)
Route Type: International
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