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MCT → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Muscat International Airport (Muscat) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Al Hajar mountain range shortly after takeoff and typically provides a better angle for the Riyadh city skyline and the King Abdullah Financial District during the final approach.
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Gulf of Oman Coastline
Enjoy the turquoise waters and the jagged shoreline of the Batinah coast immediately after departure.
Western Hajar Mountains
Observe the rugged, limestone peaks and deep wadis of Oman's iconic mountain range shortly after leaving Muscat.
Riyadh Financial District
On approach, look for the iconic Kingdom Centre and the futuristic skyscrapers of the King Abdullah Financial District.
Ad-Dahna Desert
Fly over the narrow corridor of high, reddish-orange sand dunes that connects the northern and southern deserts.
The right side is best for morning flights to see the Hajar Mountains illuminated by the rising sun. During the descent into Riyadh, this side typically offers the most dramatic views of the city's modern architecture, especially the KAFD towers. Ensure your window is clean to capture the high-contrast desert shadows.
Book Hotels in RiyadhRub' al Khali Fringes
Witness the northern edges of the Empty Quarter, featuring massive longitudinal sand dunes and vast gravel plains.
Al Kharj Greenery
Notice the striking circular irrigation patterns of large-scale desert farms appearing as green dots against the beige landscape.
Bawshar and Ghubrah
During the climb out of MCT, see the white architecture and expanding urban sprawl of Muscat's western suburbs.
Trans-Peninsular Highway
Watch the long, straight ribbons of asphalt cutting through the desert, connecting the coastal cities to the Saudi interior.
Sit on the left for evening flights to experience the sunset over the desert horizon. This side avoids direct sun glare during early morning flights. Keep an eye out for the distinct color shift from the dark Omani rocks to the reddish sands of the Saudi interior.
Get eSIMs for Oman
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 1,184 km (736 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: MCT (23.593299865722656, 58.284400939941406)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: International
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