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IAH → DXB
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Dubai International Airport (Dubai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this ultra-long-haul route as it offers the most direct views of the Greenland ice sheet and the dramatic mountain ranges of the Middle East before descent.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Spectacular views of massive glaciers and the vast white expanse of the Arctic ice cap.
North Sea Coast
Aerial views of the rugged coastlines of Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
Zagros Mountains
Stunning folded mountain ridges and high-altitude terrain while traversing Iran.
Northern Persian Gulf
Views of the turquoise waters and maritime activity near the Kuwaiti and Iraqi borders.
This side is ideal for capturing the Arctic wilderness. Greenland is typically reached 5 to 7 hours into the flight; ensure your window is clear of frost. In winter months, much of the northern route will be in darkness, so check moon phases for lunar-lit ice views.
US Northeast Corridor
If departing at night, witness the concentrated glow of the American Eastern Seaboard.
Istanbul and the Bosporus
The bridge between Europe and Asia is often visible depending on the specific air corridor.
Arabian Desert
The vast, undulating red dunes of the Rub' al Khali desert as you approach the UAE.
Dubai Skyline
Superior views of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown cluster if the flight approaches from the north.
The right side is best for the final arrival sequence into Dubai. If the aircraft lands on Runway 12R, the right side often gets a sweeping view of the Burj Khalifa and the city's architectural wonders. Keep your camera ready during the final 20 minutes of the flight.
Distance: 13,125 km (8,155 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 15 hrs 26 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Route Type: International
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