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DXB destination photo
HGA destination photo

DXBHGA

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏝️

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.

Top Activities in Hargeisa
Route Information

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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