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RUH → ULH
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Al-Ula)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning desert vistas, the right side provides a superior perspective of the ancient volcanic fields and the dramatic sandstone monoliths of the Al-Ula valley during the descent.
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Thumama Dunes
Expansive golden sand dunes on the northeastern outskirts of the capital city.
Khaybar Volcanic Field
Incredible views of rare white volcanoes and dark basaltic flows near the midpoint of the journey.
Sandstone Massifs
Breathtaking rock formations and weathered mountains as the plane enters the Al-Ula region.
Hegra (Madain Salih)
Potential views of the UNESCO World Heritage site's carved tombs depending on the landing approach.
Al-Ula Oasis
A lush green ribbon of thousands of date palms nestled between towering red cliffs.
The right side is premier for the final 20 minutes of the flight. As you descend into Al-Ula, the geology becomes spectacular. During sunset flights, the sandstone mountains turn a deep crimson. Keep your camera ready for the 'Elephant Rock' which is often visible during the final bank toward the runway.
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Riyadh Skyline
Bird's-eye view of the King Abdullah Financial District and the Kingdom Centre shortly after takeoff.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
The dramatic cliff line known as the 'Edge of the World' cutting through the central plateau.
Ad-Dahna Desert
Striking red sand dunes stretching across the horizon between Riyadh and Al-Qassim.
Harrat Rahat
Vast black volcanic fields and ancient craters contrasting sharply against the surrounding orange sands.
Choose the left side for the best views of Riyadh's modern architecture during takeoff. For morning flights, this side receives direct sunlight, making the desert colors pop, though it can be quite bright. It is also excellent for viewing the sheer drops of the Tuwaiq cliffs.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 875 km (544 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: ULH (26.48, 38.1288888889)
Route Type: Domestic
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