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RUH → AQI
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Al Qaisumah/Hafr Al Batin Airport (Hafr Al-batin)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the iconic Ad-Dahna red sand dunes and the geometric patterns of desert agriculture.
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Ad-Dahna Red Sands
The striking narrow corridor of high-iron red sand that connects the Great Nafud with the Rub' al Khali.
Thumama Sands
A popular desert recreation area visible shortly after takeoff, featuring intricate dune patterns and desert tracks.
Irrigation Clusters
Lush green circular farms utilizing center-pivot irrigation, creating a sharp contrast against the golden sands.
Bedouin Camps
Small white dots representing traditional nomadic settlements and livestock enclosures scattered in the remote wilderness.
Morning flights provide the best illumination for the red sands of the Ad-Dahna, as the low sun angle highlights the dune crests. Keep your camera ready about 10-15 minutes after takeoff from Riyadh for the best desert photography opportunities.
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Riyadh Urban Fringe
Aerial perspective of the northern expansion of the capital city and its modern residential developments.
Najd Plateau
Vast, ancient stony plains characterized by dried wadi beds and weathered sedimentary rock formations.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
The distant western horizon reveals the rugged silhouette of this massive 800-kilometer long cliff range.
Sit on the left during late afternoon flights to avoid the direct intensity of the sun while catching the long shadows that define the desert topography. It is also the better side for viewing the lights of the King Abdullah Financial District if the flight path tracks slightly west during departure.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 380 km (236 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 38 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: AQI (28.335199, 46.125099)
Route Type: Domestic
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