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DXB → RIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Dubai International Airport (Dubai) to Mukalla International Airport (Mukalla)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic Dubai skyline during departure and provides the most dramatic views of the vast Rub' al Khali desert dunes and the rugged Hadhramaut canyons in Yemen.
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Dubai Skyline
An unparalleled view of the Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai skyscrapers during the initial climb.
Rub' al Khali
The 'Empty Quarter' features massive, shifting orange sand dunes that create a hypnotic patterns for hundreds of miles.
Hadhramaut Plateaus
Stunning views of the flat-topped mesas and deep, carved wadi systems of the eastern Yemen highlands.
Mukalla Old City
The historic white-washed buildings of the port city squeezed between the mountains and the coastline during descent.
Request a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Dubai cityscape. For photography, late afternoon flights provide long shadows over the Rub' al Khali dunes, emphasizing their height and texture. Keep your camera ready as you cross the border into Yemen for the dramatic change in terrain.
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Sharjah Coastline
Clear views of the Sharjah waterfront and the Khalid Lagoon shortly after departure from Dubai.
Hajar Mountains
The jagged, dark limestone peaks of the Hajar range stretching through the UAE and Northern Oman.
Gulf of Aden
The deep blue waters of the Arabian Sea meeting the southern Yemeni coast as the plane turns for its final approach.
Sit on the left for early morning flights to watch the sun rise over the Gulf of Oman. It is generally the 'cooler' side regarding direct sunlight during south-bound afternoon flights, reducing glare when looking out over the water near Mukalla.
Get eSIMs for United Arab Emirates
Get eSIMs for YemenDistance: 1,333 km (828 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 47 min
Departure: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Arrival: RIY (14.662599563598633, 49.375)
Route Type: International
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