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RIY → SHJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Mukalla International Airport (Mukalla) to Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic canyons of Wadi Hadhramaut and the most expansive views of the shifting sand dunes in the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) as the flight tracks north.
Mukalla Bay
Immediately after takeoff, witness the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aden meeting the rugged cliffs of the Yemeni coast.
Wadi Hadhramaut Canyons
Stunning views of deep, limestone-walled canyons and traditional mud-brick villages nestled in the valley floors.
Rub' al Khali Dunes
Cross the heart of the Empty Quarter, seeing massive, orange-hued star dunes that stretch endlessly to the western horizon.
Dubai Skyline
On clear days during the descent into Sharjah, the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline are visible in the distance to the west.
Book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the canyon walls of Hadhramaut. During the winter months, the air is clearer, providing sharper views of the sand dune patterns in the desert. Avoid seats directly over the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the deep wadis shortly after takeoff.
Yemeni Plateaus
View the high, arid plateaus of eastern Yemen, characterized by unique geological formations and ancient trade routes.
Hajar Mountains
As you approach the UAE border, the jagged peaks of the Hajar mountain range rise sharply from the desert floor.
Sharjah Industrial Heart
A bird's eye view of the rapid urban development and industrial zones of the Northern Emirates during the final approach.
Sharjah City & Lagoons
Views of the Khalid Lagoon and the dense high-rises of Sharjah city just before touching down at SHJ.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun moves toward the west, casting long, dramatic shadows over the Hajar Mountains. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight for the best views of the Sharjah urban landscape. For evening flights, this side catches the city lights of Al Ain and Sharjah beautifully.
Distance: 1,348 km (838 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 48 min
Departure: RIY (14.662599563598633, 49.375)
Arrival: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Route Type: International
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