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ELQ → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Gassim Airport (Gassim) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dense urban layout of the Gassim region upon departure and a better angle of Riyadh's northern expansion and the vibrant Ad-Dahna sand dunes during the cruise.
Search flights from ELQ to RUH
Gassim Twin Cities
Immediate views of Buraidah and Unaizah, showing the dense urban grid of the region's agricultural and commercial hub.
Pivot Irrigation Circles
Dozens of vibrant green agricultural circles that create a striking geometric contrast against the arid desert floor.
Ad-Dahna Red Sands
The flight crosses the narrow 'river' of reddish sand that connects the northern and southern deserts of the Kingdom.
Northern Riyadh Expansion
As the plane descends, view the massive modern residential projects and infrastructure spreading north from the capital.
Sit on the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is particularly scenic for spotting the transition from the green oases of Gassim to the stark, red sands of the Dahna desert. Look out for the distinct grid patterns of the Saudi housing projects as you enter the Riyadh province.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaWadi Al-Rummah
The largest and longest valley in the Arabian Peninsula, visible as a wide, winding dry riverbed near Gassim.
Nafud Al-Sirr
Extensive golden sand dunes stretching across the Najd plateau, offering beautiful textures and shadows.
RUH Terminal Complex
A fantastic overhead view of the iconic triangular roof structures of King Khalid International Airport during the landing pattern.
KAFD Skyline
The distant but unmistakable silhouette of the King Abdullah Financial District skyscrapers appearing on the horizon.
Choose the right side for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset's golden hour, which highlights the dramatic topography of Wadi Al-Rummah. During the final approach, the right side often gets a direct view of the massive aircraft hangars and the unique architecture of the RUH terminals.
Book Hotels in RiyadhDistance: 329 km (204 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: ELQ (26.30279922485352, 43.77439880371094)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: Domestic
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